In any journey toward change, whether it’s adopting a healthier lifestyle, learning a new skill, or improving a relationship, seeing tangible progress can be a powerful motivator.
It’s known as “The Progress Principle” and the idea is this: A sense of accomplishment, no matter how small, fuels our desire to continue and strive for more. We can see it occur all over our lives: the first time we lose a few pounds on a diet, the first time we start to notice a physical change after a new workout routine, even mobile-based video games that “level-up” after just a few minutes.
This progress principle is also true in the area of decluttering our homes—especially when we find the work difficult. Noticing progress, seeing wins, and experiencing positive results in our decluttering journey motivates us to keep going.
In this way, even one clutterfree space not only brings immediate relief and satisfaction—it also inspires us to keep going. That’s why, embracing the Becker Method to owning less involves decluttering your home one room at a time (easiest-to-hardest) rather than trying to declutter everything at once.
With the Progress Principle in mind, here is a list of seven impactful decluttering wins for your home.
These are areas where tidying up can bring immediate and noticeable benefits, encouraging you to keep pushing forward in your decluttering journey:
1. Clothing
Simplifying your wardrobe is a liberating experience. When you have fewer clothes, decision-making in the morning becomes easier, and managing laundry becomes less of a chore.
A decluttered wardrobe means more space, more peace, and a better start to your day as early as tomorrow.
2. The Bedroom
The bedroom should be a sanctuary, a place of rest and rejuvenation. By decluttering this space, you create a more tranquil environment, conducive to relaxation and better sleep.
Studies have shown that a clutter-free bedroom can even significantly improve the quality of your sleep. You’ll notice the difference right away.
3. The Living Room
As a central space for family interaction, the living room benefits immensely from decluttering. A tidy, uncluttered living room invites more meaningful family time and reduces distractions, allowing for deeper connections with loved ones.
4. The Bathroom
Simplifying your bathroom by removing unused products and organizing essentials can make your daily routines smoother and less stressful.
A decluttered bathroom is also easier to clean and maintain, creating a more pleasant and efficient space.
5. Your Work Desk
Tackling the entire home (or workplace) office can be difficult and time-consuming, but you can start with your desk. A clear desk reduces distractions and creates space for creativity and productivity.
As with the others, it’s a small change that can have a big impact on your workday efficiency and mindset.
6. The Kitchen
A decluttered kitchen streamlines meal preparation and makes cooking a more enjoyable experience. Clearing countertops and organizing cabinets can transform your kitchen into a more functional and inviting space.
7. The Toy Room
If you have kids, decluttering the toy room can have a profound impact. Fewer toys mean less mess and more imaginative play. It also teaches children the value of simplicity and organization, fostering a sense of responsibility and focus.
Making your children declutter their toys as your first step toward a clutterfree home is not the first step you should take (it seems unfair in my opinion), but it is still a decluttering win that you can notice right away.
These decluttering wins are not just about creating more space, they also bring about noticeable and impactful wins in your home and life. That is why they are a great place to start.
As you experience the benefits of owning less in these areas, you’ll find renewed energy and inspiration to continue decluttering, eventually working through even the most difficult areas and categories in your home.