The 2026 decluttering rulebook: how to declutter your house

Decluttering, rewritten

This isn’t about clearing out your entire house Marie Kondo-style or forcing yourself into minimalism. Decluttering in 2026 is all about making your space work harder for how you actually live. That means recognising real habits, messy schedules, family life and the everyday tech clutter that most likely wasn’t around five years ago.

We’re done with old rules that leave you feeling overwhelmed or underprepared. These new tips are designed for modern homes, modern lifestyles and modern solutions that are realistic, flexible and easy to action. Let’s clean up without starting from scratch.

Don’t declutter for your ‘future self’

Stop holding onto things just in case. That fondue set? Those size-too-small jeans? If they don’t serve your life now, they’re just taking up space.

Decluttering should focus on the lifestyle you're actually living, not the imagined version you're planning for. Ask: have I used this in the last 12 months? If it’s not seasonal or sentimental, let it go. Clearing space means being okay with letting go of the things you thought you’d use but never did. Pass them on to family or friends, or donate them so they can be appreciated elsewhere.

Storage should be built in, not bought

Forget the endless cycle of tubs, baskets and plastic drawer units. In 2026, storage is part of the design itself, not something you buy after the fact. The best clutter control is seamless, built-in and intentional.

Think smart vanities with hidden drawers, floating shelves that keep essentials handy without taking up floor space, and well-placed wall hooks that lift clutter out of the way. These aren’t band-aids. They’re smart solutions that elevate your space while keeping it functional. Get practical ideas from our guide on how to organise your bathroom.

Edit per room, not per item

Decluttering by category (like all your books or all your clothes) sounds productive, but it often leads to more chaos. Instead, edit room by room.

This approach gives you visible wins, faster. You can step back, see progress, and actually feel the difference. It also helps you reassess the layout and flow of your space. Maybe your main bathroom needs smarter tapware, or your laundry needs fewer baskets and more wall storage. Start where you spend the most time and work from there.

Upgrade instead of add

The most underrated way to declutter? Design that actually works. Often, it’s not that you need more storage, you may just need your space to work a little harder.

Swap a bulky vanity for a slimline version with smarter drawers. Replace mismatched towel rails or dated tapware with consistent, streamlined designs that support visual calm and practical use. When your space is working harder, you need less of everything else.

Decluttering includes electronics

Visual clutter isn’t just stuff. It’s screens, chargers, cords and random devices scattered across benchtops.

Tame the tech clutter with hidden powerpoints inside drawers or cabinets. Store grooming tools or electric toothbrushes out of sight. Add a charging drawer in the kitchen, keep a tech basket in the family room or try designating unplugged areas where devices don’t belong.

Make it liveable, not bare

Decluttering isn’t about living in a showroom. It’s about creating clarity and flow.

Your space should still feel like you, just without the noise. Prioritise finishes, surfaces and storage that supports how you use your home and aim for ease, not emptiness. The goal? Smoother living. More calm. And a house that’s easier to live in every day.