Easy Decluttering Strategies for a Stress-Free Spring Cleaning

In Jamaica, we use the term “spring cleaning” loosely. We don’t necessarily wait for spring to roll around before we do a big home refresh. Instead, we clean when we feel like things are getting out of hand—when the house starts feeling overwhelming, when small things start disappearing into cluttered corners, and when the chaos around us starts creeping into our minds. For me, the sign that it's time for a spring clean is when I can’t find my everyday items—my hairbrush, a missing shoe, or my child’s water bottle. That’s when I know it's time to declutter and reset.

Living in a small one-bedroom home with my husband, a one-year-old, and a four-year-old, I have learned that space and organization are things I cannot compromise on. We are a growing family, but we are not getting a bigger place just yet, so we have to make do with what we have. That means being intentional about what stays, what goes, and how we organize the things we do keep.

If your home feels cluttered and overwhelming, you're not alone. Decluttering your space isn’t just about tidiness—it’s about creating a home that makes you feel calm, focused, and at peace. In this post, I’ll share easy decluttering strategies to benefit both your home and your mind—in a way that’s stress-free and manageable, even for busy moms living in small spaces or rental homes.

1. Start Small: The 10-Minute Declutter Rule

If you don’t have an entire weekend to dedicate to decluttering (because, let’s be real—who does?), start small. Set a timer for 10 minutes and tackle just one area at a time.

• Pick one drawer, one corner, or one shelf and remove anything that doesn’t belong, no longer serves a purpose, or adds to the clutter.

• If you haven’t used it in the last six months, ask yourself: Do I really need this?

• Sort items into three piles: Keep, Donate, and Throw Away.

Why This Works:

• You avoid the stress of an all-day cleanup.

• You make small but consistent progress.

• Seeing instant results keeps you motivated.

The 30-Day Working Mom's Guide to a Clean and Organized Home

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2. Make Storage Work for You: Smart Solutions for Small Spaces

When space is limited, storage is everything. Finding creative ways to store everyday items will help reduce clutter and free up space for the things that actually matter.

• Use vertical storage: Shelves, wall hooks, and hanging organizers keep things off the floor.

• Invest in multi-purpose furniture: Storage ottomans, under-bed bins, and foldable tables can double as storage.

• Use clear storage bins: When everything has a designated space, it’s easier to find what you need (and easier to put things away).

As a mom of two little ones, I constantly have to think about where things go—not just for neatness, but for safety. Keeping small objects out of the reach of curious hands is a full-time job!

Want more organization tips? Check out my post on Essential Tools for an Organized Home

Why This Works:

• Your space feels bigger and more functional.

• You reduce the mental stress of losing things all the time.

• You create a home that works for your lifestyle, instead of feeling like you’re drowning in stuff.

3. The One In, One Out Rule

I love the concept of the "One In, One Out" rule, but if I’m being honest, I haven’t been as consistent with it as I need to be—especially when it comes to my kids' clothing.

I realized this when I started having trouble closing the drawers on my kids’ chest of drawers. That’s when it hit me—I needed to get rid of some of their clothes. Trust me, they aren’t even wearing half of them!

One of the reasons decluttering clothes is hard for Jamaicans is because of the way we think about old clothes. We believe in what we call “yard clothes”—clothes that aren’t good enough to wear outside but are perfectly fine for home. Instead of donating our old clothes, we turn them into yard clothes, which means we rarely actually get rid of anything.

We also have a strong hand-me-down culture, often called "ole bruk" (which translates to "worn-out stuff"). Instead of letting go of old clothes, we save them for younger family members or future babies. While this tradition makes sense in some cases, it often leads to overflowing closets and clothes we hold onto for years just in case.

So if you're like me and find yourself holding onto way more than necessary, let’s challenge ourselves to do better. If it no longer fits, donate it, repurpose it, or let it go.

Why This Works:

• Your home stays organized and clutter-free.

• You stop hoarding unnecessary items.

• You make room for the things you actually need and use.

4. Decluttering Your Mind: Why a Tidy Home = A Clear Mind

A cluttered home often leads to a cluttered mind. When my house is in chaos, I feel it—I get overwhelmed more easily, I lose focus, and I feel like I’m constantly playing catch-up.

Spring cleaning isn’t just about physical decluttering; it’s also about mental decluttering. Here’s how you can clear your mind while clearing your space:

• Create a To-Do List: Write down everything on your mind. Getting it on paper helps free up mental space.

• Practice Digital Decluttering: Unsubscribe from emails, clean up your phone, and organize your files.

• Take 5 Minutes for You: Sit quietly, take deep breaths, and reset. A clutter-free home feels even better when your mind is at peace too.

Keeping Up With Home

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But what if I told you that your home is often a reflection of your internal state? That’s exactly what I explore in my book, Your Home, Your Mind. I dive into the psychology behind why clutter affects our mental well-being and provide actionable steps to help you create a home that supports your peace of mind.

If you’re ready to go deeper into the connection between your space and your mindset, check out Your Home, Your Mind—because decluttering isn’t just about tidying up, it’s about creating an environment that allows you to thrive.

Why This Works:

• You reduce the mental stress that comes from a messy, overwhelming environment.

• You become more present and focused.

• You feel lighter, clearer, and in control.

Final Thoughts: A Fresh Start Begins with You

Decluttering your home is more than just cleaning up—it’s about creating a space that brings you peace, clarity, and joy. Whether you tackle it in 10-minute increments, get creative with storage solutions, or finally commit to the One In, One Out Rule, the goal is to create a home that feels organized, functional, and stress-free. And remember—decluttering isn’t just about your physical space; it’s also about clearing your mind. When your environment feels lighter, so do you.

Let’s Declutter Together!

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