Declutter Your Bedroom in 30 Days: Easy Tips That Actually Work!
Every Fall, I get a flood of people asking for help organizing their kitchens or living rooms. It’s like August ends, and everyone gets into nesting mode (rightfully so, Fall is top-tier). But this year, I’ve noticed a shift—people are focusing on bedroom decluttering tips. If you're like the members of my virtual organizing program, you're ready to:
Build strong systems and routines without starting over every month
Break generational patterns and make your home a safe haven
Create order and be an example for your children
It's a lot, babe, but we have to start somewhere, and I’m SO happy you chose your bedroom. Let’s dive in!
Understanding the Impact of Clutter: Bedroom Decluttering Tips
The Psychological and Physical Effects of Clutter
Clutter affects us emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually. Here’s how it shows up in your bedroom:
Items that pile up on your bed or vanity create an invisible load, keeping your mental wheels spinning.
When your closet and dresser are cluttered, getting ready takes longer, adding stress to your mornings.
It’s hard to relax when your seating is always covered with stuff.
You feel decision fatigue before even leaving the house because you have so many clothes but nothing to wear.
This is more than just about a clean room—it’s about your overall well-being.
Preparing for the Decluttering Process: Bedroom Decluttering Tips
Setting Realistic Timelines to Declutter Your Bedroom
You’ve spent years accumulating things, so it’ll take time to declutter. I recommend four focused months for a full-time worker or caregiver. Choose your pace:
One hour a day – Break it up into two 30-minute blocks or one full hour. Add it to your calendar and name it something fun like "Declutter Party 💃🏽."
Two hours a day – Great if you want to finish faster. Same concept, just more time.
Supplies You’ll Need:
Storage bins (preferably clear, so you can see everything)
Sticky notes, permanent marker (for labeling the trash bags and each area in the room)
White Scented trash bags (adds a nice touch) (these are for trash and donations)
Optional: Plastic gloves (for trash and light cleaning)
How to Follow Through with Your Bedroom Declutter Goals
Strengthen the vision of your future bedroom. Write down how you want it to look or listen to my guided sensory visualization. Accountability is key! In my community, we call each other "Cousins." Having a partner makes you 9 times more likely to succeed.
Journey of Tea, my Home Organizing Client
One of my dear clients was physically, mentally, and emotionally burdened by her bedroom. She was turning away from a particular area leading to her bedroom and for a long time, she didn’t want to unpack it physically or emotionally.
It didn’t take long before I realized the depths of Tea’s trauma and the necessary shifts needed in our organizing strategy. Some of the things I walked her through were the building blocks that you’ll find within the blog post.
Years after working together, Tea recalls “feeling so light afterward”. Having a straightforward, simplified, detailed, process is what got her (us) past the finish line. And I promise you can too.
Now, you’re ready for my TRASH method.
Photo Credit: alltihemmet
Step-by-Step Decluttering Process
Step 1: TRASH
Label a trash bag and start collecting garbage from under the bed, dresser, and closet. Place all trash by the door, so you can easily take it out.
Personal Tip: Every time you walk by, grab a trash bag to keep the flow going.
Step 2: RECYCLE
For items that need special handling, like large furniture or textiles, create a recycle pile. Check your local guidelines for recycling.
Personal Tip: If you care about the environment like me, donating or recycling feels healing.
Step 3: AWARD (Donate)
Reframe donations as awards. What can you gift someone? Imagine how grateful they’ll be.
Step 4: SELL
Items you think have value should go in a sell pile. If they don’t sell in 30 days, move them to the donate pile.
Step 5: HONOR
Everything you love and use often belongs in your honor pile. This is the stuff you keep with intention. Let your body guide you—if it feels like a "yes," keep it; if you feel dread, let it go.
Photo Credit: https://nycbambi.tumblr.com/
What to Expect When Decluttering Your Bedroom Using the TRASH Method
As you move things out of the space, you’ll physically feel lighter and be able to visually see a clearer place. You might encounter more mess before the room is fully decluttered, but stay focused on the process and keep your foot on the neck of the plan/schedule.
Parting Words and Resources
Decluttering your bedroom is a journey AND you can expedite the process towards creating a peaceful, organized, and beautiful space. By following these exact steps, which I use when I feel overwhelmed in a client's home (yes, it happens to me too!), you can transform your bedroom into a soft place you can land. Remember, it’s not about perfection—it’s about creating a space that brings you joy and peace.
Check out my podcast episode for a deeper dive into the TRASH method, and if you’re ready for personalized guidance, join me in my virtual organizing program.
You can find the link below or search for the episode wherever you listen to podcasts!
Until next time, homebody!
Listen to the podcast for this blog on these channels:
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Don’t forget to share the episode!
