7 Systems to help you Declutter for Good
- Shiffy ClearSpace
- Mar 2
- 3 min read
7 Systems to help you Declutter for Good!
March 2, 2025
The truth of the matter is, we throw around the word "declutter" so casually, like it's the easiest thing to do. And while that may be the case for some, most people express that they avoid it because of how overwhelming and overstimulating it can be. Many share that they don't know where or even how to begin, while others start and find themselves frozen in the middle-but already in too deep.
So what to do?
Here are 7 systems that can help you declutter AND maintain your belongings on the down-low for the long run! Intrigued? Keep on reading!
1.The "Maybe" Box
Some items we simply are feeling unsure of and not quite ready to make a decision. Such items can be placed in the "maybe" box. Look through these items on a weekly basis, say, every Sunday night. What gave you much dilemma a mere 3 weeks ago might be super obvious to you today on how to handle it.
2.Donation Bin
For all the things you don't use, enjoy or want to keep, but also don't have the heart to toss, can be donated. Bringing the donation items to your local charity not only helps you clear out your home, but it feels great and helps the less fortunate. You can also request a tax deductible receipt. I call that a win-win-win!
3.Return basket
For all the amazon orders (and other retail purchases) that didn't live up to their expectations, returning them keeps your space clear and gives you the refund. The "this was expensive!" excuse will no longer hold as a valid reason to hang onto items that don't serve its purpose. Please remember that Amazon and most retailers have a 30-day return policy, so go through your returns box consistently.
4.The Stair Basket
Hate running up and down 3 dozen times a day?
Having a basket at the foot of the staircase is a great way to collect items that belong upstairs in one place-and then you can bring them all up in 1 trip!
5.The Put-It-Away-Not-Down Rule
You know how you put something down for just a moment, only to be looking for it later, wondering how it grew legs and took off?
The put-it-away-not-down-rule is the concept where we put said item where it belongs immediately, instead of dropping it in some random place, to be addressed later. It's like straightening up as you go, so you're not stuck dealing with this later. Getting your home cleaned up faster and with less work.
6.The 2 Minute Rule
If it takes 2 minutes or less to address, go for it now instead of delaying it.
You'll be surprised by how productive you are and the mental load that's now off your back! The only question you'll be asking is, "why didn't I try this earlier???"
7.The 20/20 Rule
We struggle with letting go of certain items, even if they're not useful on a daily basis.
"What if I'll need it some day?"
"But I spend money on this!"
The 20/20 rule suggests: if it can be replaced in 20 minutes (hello amazon prime!) and it'll cost $20 or less, let it go. You'll replace it if/when the need arises.
Do any of these concepts speak to you? Please share with me in the comments section below. I'd love to hear what does or doesn't work for you and throw in some suggestions!
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Shiffy is the founder of ClearSpace by Shiffy LLC, a Professional Home Organizing Business in South Florida, servicing Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties. She loves creating systems out of chaos and is known for her attention to detail, and ensuring that each project is customized and streamlined to fit the customer's lifestyle. Her projects are easy to maintain long term, bringing function to any space. She shares her tips and tricks on Instagram @clearspacebyshiffy
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