That feeling of a fresh start isn't just for New Year's. When the sun starts shining longer and the days feel lighter, I get the itch to make my home feel that way too. But let’s be honest, the idea of "decluttering" can sound huge and exhausting. It brings up images of weekend-long projects with piles of stuff everywhere.
It doesn’t have to be that way.
You don't need to overhaul your entire house to feel a sense of relief and accomplishment. The goal isn't a perfect, minimalist showroom. It's about creating a little more breathing room in your life. It’s about making your home a place of peace, not a source of stress.
Why Bother With Small Stuff?
Years ago when I was really struggling with binge eating and feeling completely stuck, the idea of changing my whole life felt impossible. The mountain seemed too high to climb. Losing over 100 pounds felt like a fantasy. Building a new routine felt overwhelming.
But I could clean out one drawer.
I could tackle one small corner of my room. Clearing that physical space gave me a tiny bit of control when everything else felt chaotic. It was a visible sign of progress no matter how small. It showed me that I could bring order to something. That small win gave me a sliver of confidence.
This experience taught me a powerful lesson. Big changes are almost always built on a foundation of small, consistent actions. An orderly home isn't just about being tidy. It’s about creating an environment that supports the person you are trying to become—someone striving for discipline, peace, and focus. A cluttered space can lead to a cluttered mind. A clear space helps you think.
12 Simple Summer Decluttering Projects
Here are twelve small projects you can tackle in an afternoon or spread out over the summer. Don't try to do them all at once. Just pick one that feels manageable and start there.
- The Junk Drawer. We all have one. That one drawer of pure chaos filled with old batteries, random keys, and dried-up pens. Set a timer for 20 minutes. Dump it all out, quickly sort into "keep," "trash," and "relocate," and put back only what truly belongs.
- Your Nightstand. This is often the last thing you see at night and the first thing you see in the morning. Clear off the dusty books, old water glasses, and random papers. Keep only the essentials: a lamp, your current book, and maybe a small dish for jewelry. Make it a peaceful space.
- The Medicine Cabinet. Go through all those old pill bottles and mystery ointments. Safely dispose of anything that is expired or you no longer use. You’ll be surprised how much space you free up.
- Your Wallet or Purse. This is a quick one with a big impact. Take everything out. Throw away old receipts and expired coupons. Organize your cards. You handle it every day, so making it clean and simple feels great.
- The Spice Rack. Are you still holding onto paprika from five years ago? Spices lose their potency. Quickly check the dates and toss anything that’s past its prime. It makes cooking so much more enjoyable when you can find what you need.
- Your Car's Glove Compartment. Is it full of old napkins and ketchup packets? Take 10 minutes to clear it out. Put your important documents like registration and insurance in a neat folder.
- The Coffee Mug Collection. Most of us have way more mugs than we actually use. Pick your absolute favorites—the ones that make you happy—and donate the rest. Free up that cabinet space for things you truly need.
- Digital Desktop Clutter. Our computers need decluttering too. Spend 15 minutes deleting old files and organizing the rest into simple folders. A clean digital workspace can be just as calming as a clean physical one.
- Unsubscribe from Emails. Is your inbox flooded with marketing emails you never open? Take 10 minutes and use an unsubscribing tool or just manually unsubscribe from five or ten lists. This small act can save you hours of distraction in the long run.
- One Bookshelf. Don't try to tackle all your books. Just pick one shelf. Be honest about what you will actually read again. You can donate the rest to a local library or charity and let someone else enjoy them.
- The Sock Drawer. This is a classic for a reason. Get rid of all the socks with holes or without a match. It’s a small thing, but it makes getting dressed in the morning just a little bit easier.
- Under the Kitchen Sink. It can be a scary place, but you can conquer it. Pull everything out, wipe down the cabinet, and throw away any nearly empty cleaning bottles or dried-up sponges. Only put back the products you actually use.
Making It Stick
Once you’ve cleared a space, the key is to keep it that way. You don’t need a complicated system. Try the "one in, one out" rule. If you buy a new shirt, an old one goes in the donation box. Have a designated donation box somewhere in your home. When it’s full, drop it off.
Most importantly, don't let this become another source of pressure. This isn't about perfection. It’s about progress. Celebrate the small win of clearing one drawer. Enjoy the feeling of a clean nightstand. These little victories build momentum for bigger things.
Your First Step
For me, an orderly home isn't just about aesthetics. It’s about creating a peaceful backdrop for my life—a space where I can think clearly, pray more freely, and focus on my family without constant, low-grade distraction. It’s one less thing to worry about.
So, my question for you is this: What’s one small space you can clear out this week?
Just one. Pick from the list above or choose your own little corner of chaos. Set a timer, put on some music, and just start. See how it feels. You might be surprised by the lightness that follows.
