DIY Decluttering with the No-Mess Approach: Practical tips when hiring an organiser isn't an option.

Decluttering can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re doing it alone. Maybe hiring a professional organiser isn’t in your budget, or you feel too embarrassed to have someone see your space. The good news is that you can absolutely try to tackle it yourself - one step at a time!

I want to share some practical strategies that make decluttering simple and stress-free, inspired by the 10-minute Declutter method from S. J. Scott and Dana K. White’s no-mess decluttering approach.

1. Start Small: The 10-Minute Declutter

One of the biggest mistakes people make is thinking that they have to declutter it all in a whole weekend (or longer). Instead, set a timer for just 10 minutes. Pick one small area — a single drawer, a shelf, or a section of your wardrobe — and focus only on that.

The key is consistency. Doing a little bit every day adds up quickly. Over time, you’ll see real progress without feeling burnt out. If you feel like it, adjust it to a 15 min, 30 min or 1 hour a day.

2. Use the No-Mess Decluttering Method

Dana K. White’s philosophy is simple: declutter in a way that doesn’t make a bigger mess. Instead of pulling everything out and creating chaos, follow these three steps:

• Throw away rubbish first – If it’s broken, expired, or useless, bin it straight away.

• Pull out obvious donations – Anything you immediately know you don’t need can go straight into a donation bag.

• Put things away as you go – If you find items that belong in another room, take them there now. Don’t let piles build up!

This method ensures you never end up with an even messier space while trying to tidy up.

3. Ask Yourself: “Where Would I Look for This?”

Feeling stuck on an item? Instead of overthinking whether to keep or toss it, ask yourself: Where would I look for this if I needed it?

If you have an immediate answer, put it there. If not, it might not be something you genuinely need. This simple question cuts through indecision and helps you organise naturally.

4. Give Yourself Permission to Let Go

Many people hold onto things out of guilt — gifts they never liked, expensive items they regret buying, or things they might use “someday”. Remind yourself that your home is a space to live, not a storage unit for things weighing you down.

If an item no longer serves you, let it go with gratitude. Someone else may actually use and appreciate it!

5. Use a “Done is Better than Perfect” Mindset

Perfectionism can keep you stuck. You don’t need the perfect storage system or beautifully organised cupboards — what matters is that you have less clutter and can find what you need.

Celebrate each small win, and don’t worry if your space doesn’t look Instagram-worthy. Progress is what counts!

Decluttering doesn’t have to be stressful, messy, or expensive. By using these simple strategies, you can reclaim your space — on your own terms and at your own pace.

But if you ever feel stuck, overwhelmed, or just wish someone could make the process easier, I’m here to help. There’s no need to feel embarrassed — decluttering is what I do, and I’ve seen it all! Investing in professional organising isn’t just about tidying up; it’s about saving your time, reducing stress, and creating a home that feels calm and functional.

If you’re ready to clear the clutter without the mental overload, let’s chat — I’d love to support you on your journey!

And I would love to hear from you — what’s one small decluttering win you’ve had recently? Drop a comment below! Happy decluttering!

Thank you for visiting my blog!

And if you need help to organise your life, don't hesitate to get in touch today! I can help you in person or online.

Sol Martins

Professional Organiser at Living Happy

LivingHappyOrganiser.com