How to Declutter Your Room in New Jersey: Simplify, Organize, and Create Space

1. Set the Mood and Clear the Way

Decluttering is as much a mindset as it is a physical task, so let’s start by setting the tone. Clear some time, put on your favorite playlist, and mentally prepare to make some tough calls. Yes, that means saying goodbye to that old poster from your high school days.

Getting Started:

• Clear the Room: Start by pulling everything off your shelves, out of your closet, and away from your surfaces. Trust us—it’s easier to make decisions when you can actually see everything laid out in front of you.
• Set a Timer: Decluttering can feel overwhelming, so start with a timer. Give yourself 15-30 minutes to work through one section at a time (like the closet or a bookshelf). Little chunks of progress add up.
• Gather Your Supplies: Grab some trash bags, a box for donations, and storage bins for the keepers. Having everything ready keeps the process smooth and helps you stay in the zone.

Tip: Don’t worry about organizing just yet. Right now, it’s all about clearing out. We’ll get to the organizing later.

Summary: Set the mood, clear the room, and start small by using a timer. Gather bags and bins so you’re ready to start making those keep-or-toss decisions.

2. Sort with Purpose: The “Keep, Toss, Donate” System

Let’s get to the heart of decluttering: deciding what stays and what goes. The “Keep, Toss, Donate” system makes this part easy—well, as easy as it can be when you’re face-to-face with that college sweatshirt you haven’t worn in five years.

Steps to Sort:

• Keep: This category is for items you love, use often, or truly need. If it has a place in your day-to-day life, it’s a keeper.
• Toss: Broken items, things that have outlived their usefulness, or anything you can’t remember why you own—it’s time to toss them. And don’t worry, that drawer of tangled cords won’t miss you.

Donate: If you have items in good condition that you just don’t use, donate them! Many New Jersey charities, like Goodwill and The Salvation Army, are always in need of clothes, books, and household items.

Tip: Struggling to let go of something? Ask yourself, “If I didn’t already own this, would I buy it now?” If the answer is no, let it go.

Summary: Use the “Keep, Toss, Donate” system to make decisions on what stays and what goes. This keeps the process focused and prevents you from getting bogged down in indecision.

3. Start with High-Impact Areas First

When it comes to decluttering, some areas make a bigger difference than others. Focus on the spots that will make your room feel instantly more spacious, like the closet, surfaces, and under the bed. Nothing says “fresh start” like clearing those out!

High-Impact Areas to Tackle:

• Closet: Closets are notorious for holding onto the past. Use slim hangers to maximize space, and sort clothes by season to keep what you wear most front and center.
• Surfaces: Nightstands, dressers, and desks tend to collect clutter. Clear everything off, give the surface a quick wipe, and only put back what you really need (or want to see every day).
• Under the Bed: If you’re storing things under the bed, make sure they’re in labeled bins. Keep only what’s necessary (think extra linens or out-of-season clothes), and toss or relocate anything you don’t need.

Tip: Consider donating gently used clothes and items to local shelters or community centers in New Jersey—they’re often grateful for useful donations, and it frees up space in your room.

Summary: Tackle high-impact areas like the closet, surfaces, and under the bed to make a noticeable difference fast. Clear the clutter from these spots to feel the space open up.

4. Give Everything a “Home”

Once you’ve decluttered, it’s time to create a system that keeps things from creeping back. Assign each item a designated “home,” and make it easy to stick to.

Tips for Organizing with Intention:

• Use Bins and Baskets: These are perfect for keeping things like electronics, chargers, or accessories in one place. Plus, it’s easy to pull them out, grab what you need, and put them right back.
• Try Drawer Dividers: For small items like socks, belts, or jewelry, dividers keep everything neat and easy to find. No more digging around for matching pairs!
• Label Storage: Use labels on boxes, bins, and drawers. It’s especially helpful if you share a space, so everyone knows exactly where things go.

Tip: If you tend to drop things on the floor or your bed, create a “catch-all” bin near the door to drop items temporarily. Just don’t forget to put them away later!

Summary: Organize items into bins, baskets, and labeled drawers to give everything a home. It’s easier to stay clutter-free when every item has a designated place.

5. Make Use of Vertical Space

In smaller New Jersey rooms, floor space is precious. Use vertical storage to keep things organized without cramping your space.

Vertical Storage Ideas:

• Install Wall Shelves: Add shelves above your desk, dresser, or anywhere there’s wall space. They’re perfect for books, decor, or boxes of seasonal items.
• Over-the-Door Organizers: These organizers are a lifesaver in small rooms, especially for shoes, accessories, or even toiletries if you’re short on bathroom space.
• Hooks for Bags and Jackets: Hooks on walls or doors make it easy to keep bags, jackets, or hats accessible without taking up floor or closet space.

Tip: If you’re in a rental, use removable adhesive hooks or shelving units that don’t require permanent changes. Most New Jersey landlords appreciate when you don’t drill holes everywhere!

Summary: Use vertical space to free up the floor. Shelves, over-the-door organizers, and hooks give you more room without cluttering surfaces.

6. Create a Maintenance Routine

Decluttering is one thing; keeping it that way is another. By creating a simple maintenance routine, you can prevent clutter from sneaking back in.

Tips for Staying Clutter-Free:

• Daily Quick Clean-Up: Spend 5 minutes at the end of each day tidying up your room. Return items to their designated spots and put away anything that’s out of place.
• Weekly Declutter Check: Once a week, do a mini declutter session to make sure things aren’t piling up. It’s easier to do 10 minutes weekly than hours every few months.
• Seasonal Purge: Every season, go through your clothes and other items to see what’s still serving you. Rotate seasonal clothes and let go of anything you haven’t used.

Tip: Schedule your weekly check-in. If you tend to avoid it, set a reminder on your phone. Future-you will thank you for the extra space and organization.

Summary: A quick daily tidy-up and a weekly declutter session keep your room clutter-free. Make it a habit, and clutter won’t stand a chance.

Declutter Your Room and Enjoy Your New Space

Decluttering your room doesn’t have to be overwhelming, and the results are well worth the effort. By starting small, focusing on high-impact areas, giving everything a home, and setting up a simple maintenance routine, you’ll create a room that feels fresh, organized, and peaceful. Whether you’re in a cozy New Jersey apartment or a suburban home, these tips will help you reclaim your space and make it somewhere you actually want to be. So, ready to start? Grab those trash bags, put on some music, and let’s get that room in order!