5 Decluttering Rules I Live By (From a Type-A Interior Designer)

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed in your own home, chances are it’s not the size of the space — it’s the clutter. As a Type-A interior designer who truly loves being at home, I’ve learned that decluttering isn’t about having less for the sake of it. It’s about creating a home that functions well, feels calm, and looks intentional.

These are the exact decluttering rules I live by — and revisit often — to keep my home feeling elevated, organized, and livable.

1. If it doesn’t serve you, it doesn’t stay

This is my golden rule. Every single item in your home should either serve a function, bring you joy, or enhance the overall look of your space.

If something is just taking up room — mentally or physically — it’s doing more harm than good. This includes decor you no longer love, kitchen gadgets you never reach for, or clothing that doesn’t fit your lifestyle right now.

Decluttering becomes much easier when you stop asking “What did this co

st?” and start asking “Is this adding value to my daily life?”

2. Decor should breathe

I love decor — clearly — but there’s a big difference between layered and overcrowded. When every surface is filled, nothing stands out, and the room can start to feel chaotic instead of cozy.

Giving decor space to breathe allows:

• Statement pieces to shine

• Rooms to feel lighter and calmer

• Your home to feel more high-end and intentional

Negative space is just as important as the objects themselves. Sometimes the most elevated design choice is choosing not to add something.

3. Surfaces should be curated, not cluttered

Counters, nightstands, coffee tables, and entryway consoles set the tone for how a space feels. When they’re cluttered with random items, your home instantly feels messy — even if everything else is clean.

I approach surfaces like a stylist:

• Limit items to a small, intentional grouping

• Mix function with decor (a lamp, a tray, a book, something personal)

• Remove anything that doesn’t belong there permanently

If an item doesn’t have a “home,” it usually doesn’t belong on the surface long-term.

4. Be honest about the “just in case” items

“So many people hold onto things just in case they might need them someday — and that mindset creates clutter fast.”

Here’s my rule:If you haven’t used it in 6–12 months, and it’s not truly seasonal or sentimental, you probably don’t need it.

Keeping things out of fear of needing them later adds mental weight to your space. Trust yourself to repurchase or replace items if the time ever comes — your peace is worth more than storing unused things.

5. Decluttering is a habit, not a one-time project

Decluttering isn’t something you do once and never think about again. Homes are lived in — clutter naturally builds over time.

Instead of waiting until you’re overwhelmed, I recommend:

• Quick daily resets

• Weekly surface edits

• Seasonal closet and cabinet check-ins

Small, consistent decluttering keeps your home feeling calm without requiring massive clean-outs.

Why these rules actually matter

A decluttered home:

• Feels more peaceful

• Functions better day-to-day

• Looks more elevated and intentional

• Makes cleaning easier

• Supports better routines and habits

Your home should work for you — not stress you out. Decluttering with intention allows you to enjoy your space more, without striving for perfection or minimalism that doesn’t fit real life.

Final Thought

Decluttering isn’t about having an empty home — it’s about having a home that feels good to live in. Start small, revisit often, and let your space support the life you’re actually living.