You may assume that if you’re being proactive and actually taking the time to declutter your home, you can’t really be doing anything wrong. However, you might want to think again. According to Southern professional organizers, there are many decluttering mistakes that people make, oftentimes without even realizing, which you will definitely want to be aware of as you tackle your own space.
Keep reading to learn what to avoid—and how! Perhaps most importantly, do not think of decluttering as a punishment. As Caroline Van Natta, the founder of Tidyish RVA in Richmond, Virginia, puts it, “At the end of the day, decluttering isn’t just about getting rid of stuff—it’s about setting up your home to make life easier.”
Viewing Decluttering As A One-Time Project
Unfortunately, you can’t just declutter your home once a year (or ever!) and consider the task done.
“It’s an ongoing process,” says Kristina Pinkerton, the founder of Organizing Huntsville in Huntsville, Alabama.
“Once you’ve reached your desired goal, it is important to have a plan in place,” says Dalys Macon, the founder of D’Vine Order in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. She recommends implementing a weekly reset day to stay on track.
“Use this time to return misplaced household items or folded laundry to its proper home,” she says.
To set yourself up for success as time goes on, Pinkerton suggests keeping a donation bin in your home that you can easily access. “Whenever you come across something you no longer use, drop it in instead of letting it linger,” she says.
Organizers agree that one cannot take on a decluttering project without establishing a plan first.
Decluttering Without A Plan
“A lot of people dive in without a clear strategy, which leads to decision fatigue and unfinished projects,” says Kenika Williams, the founder of Tidied by K in Atlanta, Georgia. “Setting small, manageable goals makes a huge difference.”
For example, it is wise to make piles labeled “keep,” “donate,” “recycle,” and “trash,” says Lexy Ford, the founder of Passion Organizing in Alpharetta, Georgia. “This approach allows you to see exactly what you have, making it easier to determine what and how much you truly need.”
Forgetting About Hidden Clutter Zones
Have you really tackled every clutter-filled area in your home?
“Most people focus on visible areas like closets and countertops but forget about hidden clutter zones,” Ford says.
She encourages people to go through their junk drawers, pantries, and bathrooms, spaces that often remain forgotten.
“Set regular reminders to declutter these overlooked spaces and prevent unnecessary buildup,” Ford suggests.
Bringing Too Many New Things Home
There’s no point in decluttering your home only to fill it up with lots of new things.
“Clutter often starts at the store,” Pinkerton says. “Practicing intentional shopping habits and following a ‘one in, one out’ rule helps maintain a manageable volume of items.”
Even if you see a sale rack calling your name, be realistic about what you actually need and have room for—if buying those discounted coats will only jam up your closet further, skip them.
Keeping Items Just In Case
Ford and Williams agree that there is no point in keeping items “just in case.”
Ford says. “Keeping things for a hypothetical future scenario—whether it’s outdated tech accessories, unused or broken appliances, lidless containers, or clothes that no longer fit—leads to unnecessary clutter.”
How long is too long to hold onto something you’re not reaching for? As Williams states, “If it hasn’t been used in the last six to 12 months (and it’s not seasonal or essential), it’s probably safe to let go.”
Holding Onto Gifts You Don’t Like
You’re not going to be head over heels for every gift you receive, and that’s more than ok. Holding onto items you know you’ll never wear or use will only contribute to clutter in your home.
“Let the guilt go,” Pinkerton says. “The person who gifted you the item already got what they wanted—they enjoyed the act of giving.”
She encourages those who are really looking to cut the clutter for good to request experiential gifts like dinners, museum passes, and the like, when friends and family members ask for suggestions down the line.
The same goes for things that were expensive or sentimental but aren’t items you reach for, Williams adds, noting, “Focus on keeping what truly serves you and the space and brings you joy.”
Not Making Use Of Trays, Bins, And The Like
You will need to purchase certain organizational tools to keep the surfaces in your home clutter-free.
“The more you maintain on surfaces, the more you must move to clean.” Macon says. “Use decorative trays or bowls to contain items; it’s easier to lift a tray or basket, and it also sets boundaries for what is allowed on that surface.”
That said, only after you’ve done the bulk of your decluttering should you plan to buy your storage products.
“People buy bins, baskets, and containers before they’ve sorted through what they actually need,” Williams says. “Declutter first, then organize what’s left—it saves time and money!”
