Oxford Organized

Affordable Decluttering Solutions for a Stress-Free Home

Apr 17, 2025By Oxford Organized
Oxford Organized

Start with a Game Plan
(Not Just Good Intentions)

Decluttering can feel like trying to dig out of a laundry avalanche—but with a game plan in place, it becomes surprisingly doable. Start by scoping out the spaces that are driving you the most crazy. Is it the kitchen junk drawer that's somehow multiplying rubber bands? Or the closet that’s basically a textile avalanche waiting to happen?

Prioritize based on how often you use the space or how quickly the mess builds up. Once you've got your hot spots, you can move through them step-by-step—no overwhelm, no shame, just progress.

Pro tip: Use the Four-Box Method—Keep, Donate, Sell, Trash. It’s simple, satisfying, and it works. (And yes, the trash bag will be the fullest one. That’s normal.) Bonus tip: you can keep a tote, bin or box in your garage or trunk for your donations, once it's full, drop it off at the charity of your choice!

A woman engaging in charity and relief work, sorting and packing clothing for donation. A meaningful moment of giving back to the community, supporting social issues, and promoting sustainability through recycling and donating in her living room.

Make Storage Work for You (Not the Other Way Around)

After the purge comes the fun part: organizing what’s left. Storage doesn’t have to be fancy—some of my favorite solutions come from big-box stores, discount bins, or even a good ol’ dollar store find. It’s not about how it looks on Pinterest—it’s about how it works for you.

Maximize vertical space with shelves and wall hooks. Use bins to corral chaos, drawer dividers to restore sanity, and under-the-bed storage for the seasonal or “I’ll-deal-with-it-later” items. The goal: everything in its place, and no more guessing games when you're looking for scissors or batteries. Think of all the time you'll save!

Minimalism (Without the Pressure)

Let’s clear one thing up—going minimalist doesn’t mean living like a monk. It means keeping what matters and losing what doesn’t. If it’s useful, beautiful, or sentimental—great. If it’s just taking up space (and energy), it might be time to let it go.

Try a “one in, one out” rule. Bought a new candle? Great—say goodbye to the dusty votive from 2012. This simple habit keeps clutter in check without turning your home into a museum.

Pro tip: If you're on the fence about a particular item, try the 20/20 Rule- if the item costs less than $20 or it can be replaced in less than 20 minutes— toss it!

minimalist home

Get Creative Before You Toss

Before you dump it, ask yourself: “Can this be repurposed?” That pasta sauce jar might make a cute pen holder. That outdated dresser? Could be your next DIY triumph with a coat of paint and new hardware.

Repurposing saves money, keeps stuff out of landfills, and adds a little soul to your space. Plus, it’s fun—and every project tells a story.

I like everything to be in its place

Keep the Calm Going

Decluttering isn’t a one-and-done deal—it’s a lifestyle shift. Build daily or weekly reset routines into your schedule. A few minutes each night putting things back where they belong saves you from weekend chaos.

Monthly check-ins are also a great time to review and reset. And if you share your space with others, get them involved. Organization works best when everyone’s on board (even the tiny humans).

 
Let’s Wrap It Up

Decluttering doesn’t require a fortune—it just needs a plan, a little patience, and a few smart strategies. Whether you’re ready to dive in solo or need a pro to help guide the way, remember this: consistency beats perfection every time.

Live in or around Oxford, MS? Click here to schedule a time to talk! I specialize in home organization with Southern charm and real-life solutions. Let’s make room for what matters.