Declutter Your Home Fast: A Proven 8-Step Decision Tree from Expert Lorraine Huriet

Struggling to declutter your home quickly? We all accumulate items—gifts, souvenirs, outgrown clothes—that collect dust and steal space. But how do you decide what to keep without regrets?

Discover this straightforward 8-question method to sort your belongings efficiently. Developed by organization expert Lorraine Huriet, it helps you make confident decisions.

Contents

• 1. Is this item yours?
• 2. If this item belongs to you, have you used it in the last 3 months?
• 3. Is this object that you haven't used for 3 months in good or bad condition?
• 4. Is this item a gift?
• 5. Is this item useful?
• 6. If you haven't used it in the last 3 months, is it because it's a seasonal item (umbrella, sledge, raclette machine, etc.)?
• 7. If this seasonal item is not in good condition, will you fix it?
• 8. Is this seasonal item a gift?
• Result
• What to do with useless objects?

Infographic credit: Lorraine Huriet

Click here to print this guide in PDF format.

1. Is this item yours?

Does this item belong to you? If not, don't discard it. If shared with others, consult them first before decluttering.

2. If this item belongs to you, have you used it in the last 3 months?

If you've used it recently, it's likely essential and functional—keep it.

If not used in over three months, it might be obsolete. Check if it's seasonal (jump to question 6). Otherwise, continue.

3. Is this object that you haven't used for 3 months in good or bad condition?

For broken or poor-condition items: Will you repair it? If no, recycle or discard. If yes, set a firm deadline. Miss it? Let it go—unless it holds sentimental value as a gift.

4. Is this item a gift?

If it's a gift without sentimental value or from someone unimportant, donate or recycle.

If it evokes cherished memories, keep it safe.

5. Is this item useful?

Functional but unused for months? Reflect: Has its purpose changed? If useless now, part with it. If it has alternative uses, retain it.

6. If you haven't used it in the last 3 months, is it because it's a seasonal item (umbrella, sledge, raclette machine, etc.)?

Seasonal items may still serve a purpose—you won't grill raclette in summer! But assess need: Do you still use that old barbecue after buying a new one? Outgrown bike? Dated skis?

No longer needed? Donate or sell. Still relevant and in good shape? Keep it.

7. If this seasonal item is not in good condition, will you fix it?

No? Recycle it. Yes? Set a deadline. Exceed it? Discard—unless sentimentally valuable.

8. Is this seasonal item a gift?

Condition aside, if it holds dear memories or came from a loved one, store it carefully.

Result

With this expert guide, decluttering is simple and regret-free. Great job sorting! Next, try space-saving storage tips.

Don't trash usable items—repurpose with these anti-waste strategies.

What to do with useless objects?

1. Offer clothes, cushions, or curtains to friends or family—they might love them.

2. No takers? Donate to recycling centers for a second life.

3. Share via freecycle.org or donnons.org.

4. Emmaus recovers, refurbishes, and resells—supporting those in need. They even pick up bulky items.

5. Sell on Leboncoin to earn cash from clutter.