Room-by-Room Decluttering Checklist Homes in The Twin Cities
Keeping your home organized can feel overwhelming, especially when clutter starts to pile up in every corner. Whether you're preparing for a move, a remodel, spring cleaning, or just trying to reclaim your space, a room-by-room approach makes decluttering far more manageable. We’ve created a practical checklist designed specifically for Twin Cities homeowners and renters who want a clear plan for clearing out unwanted items efficiently and responsibly.
The Benefits of Decluttering
Between long winters, busy schedules, and limited storage space in many Minneapolis and St. Paul homes, clutter can build up quickly. Decluttering helps create more functional living spaces, reduces stress and visual noise, makes seasonal storage easier, and prepares your home for listing, remodeling, or downsizing. To stay organized, work through one room at a time and sort items into four categories: keep what you use regularly, donate gently used items, recycle paper, electronics, metal, and plastics, and remove anything broken or outdated. Starting with smaller rooms can help build momentum and keep the process manageable.
Entryway/Foyer
Minnesota entryways are built for boots, coats, and winter gear, but they fill up fast.
Declutter Checklist:
- Old or unused shoes and boots
- Worn-out coats, hats, and gloves
- Broken umbrellas and sports gear
- Excess bags, backpacks, and totes
- Seasonal gear you no longer use
Using labeled bins or cubbies after organizing helps keep everything easy to find and put away.
Living Room & Family Room:
Living rooms and family rooms are often the most-used spaces in the home, which also makes them some of the easiest rooms to declutter. Clearing surfaces and opening walkways can instantly make the space feel larger and more inviting.
Declutter Checklist:
- Outdated décor and unused throw pillows
- Old magazines, newspapers, and mail
- Broken electronics and cords
- Unused DVDs, CDs, and game consoles
- Furniture that no longer fits your space
Clear surfaces and open walkways will make your living room or family room feel instantly larger.
Bedrooms
Bedrooms should be calm, restful spaces — not storage units.
Declutter Checklist:
- Clothing you haven’t worn in over a year
- Mismatched socks and worn shoes
- Old bedding and pillows
- Broken furniture and lamps
- Overflowing nightstand items
If your closet is packed, it’s time to thin it out.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms often become storage zones for expired and unused products.
Declutter Checklist:
- Expired medications and toiletries
- Empty bottles and duplicate products
- Old towels and washcloths
- Broken grooming tools
- Makeup past its expiration date
Less clutter means faster mornings and easier cleaning.
Basement & Storage Areas
Basements are where clutter goes to hide — and grow.
Declutter Checklist:
- Broken furniture and old shelving
- Outdated electronics and cables
- Leftover construction materials
- Old exercise equipment
- Forgotten storage bins
Less clutter means faster mornings and easier cleaning.
Garage
Garages in the Twin Cities take a beating from weather and storage overload.
Declutter Checklist:
- Broken tools and lawn equipment
- Old paint, chemicals, and solvents
- Rusted bikes and sporting gear
- Scrap wood and metal
- Overflowing boxes and bins
Reclaim your garage so it actually fits your vehicles again.
Home Office
A cluttered office slows productivity and adds stress.
Declutter Checklist:
- Old paperwork and manuals
- Broken printers and monitors
- Excess office supplies
- Unused filing cabinets
- Outdated electronics
Shred sensitive documents and recycle what you can.
When to Call in The Pros
Some decluttering projects are simply too big for curbside pickup or a weekend cleanup. If you’re dealing with large furniture, basement or garage cleanouts, estate cleanouts, moving or downsizing, or renovation debris, The Junkluggers of Minneapolis St. Paul can handle the heavy lifting and haul it all away for you. Our professional junk service can save you time, effort, and multiple trips to the dump.