The ultimate guide to decluttering and cleaning simultaneously: transform your space like a pro

Let’s face it—cleaning a cluttered house is like trying to wash a car in a hurricane. You’re just pushing the mess around. But what if I told you there’s a way to tackle both demons at once? To declutter and clean simultaneously, creating a home that doesn’t just look tidy for Instagram, but actually functions better for your real life?

I’ve spent countless hours researching, testing, and perfecting the art of the clean-and-declutter combo move. And today, I’m laying it all out for you—no BS, no fluff, just actionable strategies that will transform your space from “where did I put my keys?” to “damn, I love coming home.”

The psychology behind the mess

Before we dive into the tactical stuff, let’s get one thing straight: clutter isn’t just physical—it’s psychological. That pile of mail on your counter? It’s not just paper; it’s decisions you’ve been avoiding. Those clothes on your bedroom chair? They’re not just fabric; they’re the ghosts of outfits past.

Research shows that disorganization, rather than lack of space, causes 80% of household clutter. That’s right—it’s not that you need a bigger home; you need better systems. And that’s exactly what we’re going to build together.

The foundation: core decluttering principles

The three-step foundation

Before you even think about soap and water, you need to establish baseline order. Here’s how to do it in three simple steps:

1. Gather the trash: Walk through your home with two bags—one for garbage and one for recyclables. Don’t overthink it; if it’s obvious trash, grab it.
2. Get it gone: Take immediate action with the trash you’ve collected. Don’t just relocate it somewhere else in your house—that’s not decluttering; that’s playing hot potato with your problems.
3. Put it away: Grab a sturdy laundry basket and collect anything that’s out of place—dishes, clothes, books, toys. Then return each item to where it actually belongs.

This isn’t just preliminary work—these three steps are the foundation of any successful decluttering effort. They clear the way so you can see what you’re actually dealing with.

Methods that actually work

There’s no shortage of decluttering approaches, but here are the ones worth your time:

• The four-box method: Perfect for beginners or focused spaces. Label four boxes: keep, throw away, donate, and sell. Every single item must go into one of these boxes—no exceptions, no “maybe” pile.
• Swedish death cleaning: Don’t let the name freak you out. This method isn’t just for the elderly preparing for the end; it’s for anyone drowning in stuff. The principle is simple: work from large items to small ones, saving sentimental items for last.
• The “ski slope” method: Start at the top of a room and work your way down methodically, like skiing down a hill. This prevents the scattered approach that leaves you feeling like you’ve done a lot but accomplished little.

If you’re looking for a trusted and high-quality cleaning service in Buffalo, Tonawanda, or Amherst —

get a free quote online.
You can also call us at 716-289-1966.

The room-by-room blueprint

The kitchen: command center of chaos

The kitchen accumulates clutter faster than any other room because it’s the heart of the home. Here’s how to tackle it:

1. Clear the counters first: Remove everything. Yes, everything. Even that coffee maker you use daily. Clean the surface thoroughly, then be ruthlessly selective about what returns.
2. Under-sink strategy: This area is usually a graveyard of half-empty cleaning products. Pull everything out, recycle the empties, and consolidate duplicates. Use drawer dividers or clear bins to organize what remains.
3. The refrigerator reset: Food waste is both clutter and a cleaning issue. Remove everything, wipe down shelves, and only return items that aren’t expired and that you’ll actually eat.

The bathroom: small space, big impact

Bathrooms collect an absurd amount of products relative to their size. Try this approach:

1. Medicine cabinet purge: Expired medications aren’t just clutter; they’re potentially dangerous. Check dates on everything and properly dispose of outdated items.
2. Counter conquest: Like the kitchen, clear everything off, clean thoroughly, and be selective about what returns. Hint: most of your daily essentials can live in drawers or cabinets.
3. Shower simplicity: That collection of half-empty shampoo bottles isn’t fooling anyone. Consolidate similar products and limit yourself to what you actually use in a week.

The bedroom: where rest meets mess

Your bedroom should be a sanctuary, not a storage unit. Here’s how to reclaim it:

1. The closet cleanout: Start by removing anything that doesn’t belong in a closet (yes, those tax documents from 2018 need to go elsewhere). Then tackle the clothes using this brutal but effective test: if you haven’t worn it in six months (excluding seasonal items), it needs to go.
2. The nightstand nix: Your nightstand isn’t a mini storage unit. Limit it to essentials: a lamp, a book you’re currently reading, perhaps a glass of water. Everything else is negotiable.
3. Under-bed ultimatum: This space isn’t for random storage. Either use proper containers for seasonal items or keep it completely clear to improve air circulation around your mattress.

Cleansing while you declutter: the tactical approach

Now that we understand the decluttering framework, let’s integrate cleaning into the process:

The room-by-room method

1. Start with a working space: Clear an area in the middle of the room to serve as your sorting station.
2. Take on one section at a time: Whether it’s a drawer, shelf, or section of floor, focus completely on that area before moving on.
3. Empty, clean, sort, replace: For each section, remove everything, clean the empty space thoroughly, sort items into keep/donate piles, and return only the “keep” items neatly.
4. Work systematically: Move from one side of the room to the other, completing each section fully before advancing.

The time-block technique

For those who find the room-by-room approach overwhelming:

1. Start small: Begin with just 5 minutes of focused decluttering and cleaning.
2. One item daily: Commit to removing just one unnecessary item from your home each day. After a year, that’s 365 fewer things cluttering your space.
3. The trash bag challenge: Fill one entire trash bag with items to discard or donate, then immediately remove it from your home.

The maintenance plan: keeping it clean and clutter-free

Getting your space clean and decluttered is only half the battle. Keeping it that way is where the real victory lies:

Daily habits that make a difference

1. The one in, one out rule: For every new item that enters your home, one must leave.
2. Evening reset routine: Spend 10-15 minutes each evening returning things to their proper places.
3. Create a cleaning caddy: Stock a portable container with all essential cleaning supplies so they’re ready whenever and wherever you need them.

Weekly and monthly maintenance

1. Weekly deep cleaning: Schedule one deeper cleaning session each week, focusing on different areas of the home.
2. Monthly organizing check-in: Set aside time each month to assess trouble spots before they get out of hand.
3. Seasonal clothing rotation: Store off-season clothes elsewhere to free up closet space for what you’re actually wearing now.

Visual transformation: the power of before and after

One of the most motivating techniques is to take before and after photos of small areas you’re tackling. This accomplishes two things: it provides concrete evidence of your progress, and it gives you a visual template of what your space could look like with a little effort.

Start with something manageable, like your kitchen counter or bathroom sink. Take a “before” photo, spend 15 minutes decluttering and cleaning that specific area, then take an “after” shot. The contrast will fuel your motivation to continue.

The tools of the trade

Having the right tools doesn’t just make the job easier—it makes it more likely you’ll actually do it:

Decluttering essentials

• Sorting boxes/bins: For categorizing items as you go.
• Donation bags: Keep these ready so items can leave your home immediately.
• Label maker: For creating organized storage systems.

Cleaning must-haves

• Multi-surface cleaner: Versatility is key when you’re cleaning as you go.
• Microfiber cloths: These trap dust and dirt better than paper towels.
• Extendable duster: For reaching cobwebs and dust in high corners.

When you’re really overwhelmed: the friend system

Sometimes the mess is too overwhelming to tackle alone. That’s when you need to call in reinforcements. Have a trusted friend walk through your space and suggest items to eliminate. The rule is simple: if you want to keep something they’ve flagged for removal, you need to make a convincing case. If they don’t agree with your reasoning, the item goes.

This works because we develop emotional attachments to our possessions that outsiders don’t share. Your friend can see your clutter objectively, without the sentimental baggage.

The digital declutter: don’t forget your screens

While we’ve focused primarily on physical spaces, don’t forget that digital clutter can be just as stressful. Set aside time to:

• Delete unused apps from your phone.
• Organize your desktop files into logical folders.
• Clear out your email inbox.
• Unsubscribe from newsletters you never read.

A decluttered digital space makes finding what you need easier and reduces the low-grade anxiety that comes from seeing dozens of unread messages every time you check your phone.

The final word: freedom, not perfection

Remember this crucial truth: the purpose of decluttering and cleaning isn’t to create a perfect home worthy of a magazine spread. It’s to create freedom—freedom from the weight of excess possessions, freedom from the stress of disorganization, and freedom from the time wasted looking for things you can’t find.

You don’t need to transform your entire house in one weekend. Set tiny, manageable goals and be consistent. Because at the end of the day, this isn’t about your stuff—it’s about creating space for the life you actually want to live.

Now, armed with these strategies and a clear plan of attack, you’re ready to reclaim your space. The only question is: which room will you transform first?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by clutter and cleaning, consider how local professionals can help ease your burden. In Buffalo, we understand the unique needs of families trying to juggle busy lives while keeping their homes organized. Many Tonawanda residents find that a regular cleaning schedule is essential for maintaining order, while those in Amherst appreciate the value of a thorough seasonal cleaning. Why struggle when you can reach out and get a free quote online or call for supportive assistance at 716-289-1966?

If you’re looking to bring some order and freshness into your space — you can always get a free quote online through STARCORE Cleaning. We’ll be happy to help you organize a quality cleaning service in Buffalo, Tonawanda, or Amherst at a fair price.
Prefer to talk it through? Just give us a call: 716-289-1966. We’re here for you.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the first step in decluttering? Start by gathering trash into two bags—one for garbage and one for recyclables.
• How often should I declutter my home? A good practice is to declutter every season, or more frequently if you notice clutter accumulating.
• Can I declutter and clean at the same time? Yes, it’s highly effective to declutter as you clean each room to create a more organized space.
• What should I do with items I want to donate? Keep donation bags handy and drop them off at local charity organizations or donation centers regularly.
• How can I maintain a clutter-free home? Implement daily habits like the one-in, one-out rule to keep clutter manageable over time.