Ah, January. The month where we all pretend to be better people for a few weeks before slipping back into our usual chaos. But before you let your resolutions fizzle out like last year’s gym membership, let’s tackle something that actually makes life easier—decluttering your space.
I’m not talking about some overly sentimental “thank your socks for their service” nonsense. We’re taking a practical, no-BS approach using 5S principles, Kaizen, and Lean thinking to make your home functional, efficient, and (dare I say) actually enjoyable to be in.
So grab some coffee (or whiskey, no judgment) and let’s get started.
Step 1: Start Small with 5S
The 5S system—Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain—is a tried-and-true method for keeping workspaces organized, and guess what? It works just as well for your house.
Sort: Keep, Donate, or Trash
Pick a small area—a junk drawer, your closet, or whatever part of your home makes you irrationally angry every time you look at it. Go through everything and put it into one of three categories:
✔ Keep – Things you actually use and need.
✔ Donate – Good stuff that you never touch but someone else could use.
✔ Trash – Anything broken, useless, or that’s been shoved in the back of a cabinet for years.
Pro Tip: If you hesitate while deciding, it goes in the donate or trash pile. You’re not starting a museum.
Set in Order: Organize Like You Give a Damn
Now that you’ve eliminated the junk, organize what’s left in a way that makes sense. Keep daily-use items within reach and stash seasonal or rarely-used things in bins or higher shelves.
Step 2: Use Kaizen to Make Progress Without Losing Your Sanity
Kaizen, aka continuous improvement, is the art of getting better in small, manageable steps instead of burning yourself out in one weekend-long cleaning marathon.
Declutter One Area Per Week
Instead of attempting to organize your entire house in one go, break it down:
📌 Week 1: Kitchen counters—because how many coffee mugs do you really need?
📌 Week 2: Bathroom cabinets—say goodbye to expired meds and half-used lotions.
📌 Week 3: The entryway—eliminate the shoe graveyard by the door.
📌 Week 4: Your closet—if you haven’t worn it in a year, it’s gone.
Step 3: Apply Lean Thinking to Keep Clutter from Coming Back
Lean principles are all about efficiency, and clutter is just inefficiency you can trip over.
✔ Reduce waste: If it’s not adding value to your life, why are you keeping it?
✔ Maximize space: Use vertical storage, under-bed bins, and over-the-door organizers.
✔ Standardize your systems:
- A basket for mail (so it doesn’t pile up on the counter).
- A hook for keys (so you’re not searching for them every morning).
- A “one in, one out” rule—buy a new gadget? Get rid of an old one.
Over-the-Door Organizer – Perfect for pantries, closets, or just hiding your bad decisions.
Step 4: Sustain Your Decluttering Wins (Because Chaos is Persistent)
You’ve done the hard work. Now let’s keep things from falling apart.
- Daily Maintenance (5 Minutes, No Excuses)
- Put things back where they belong (yes, immediately).
- Wipe down surfaces (no, seriously—just do it).
- Deal with mail right away (trash it, pay it, or file it).
- Monthly Check-Ins
- Walk through your space and re-declutter anything that’s creeping back in.
- Rotate seasonal items—no need for Christmas decorations in April.
- Ask yourself, “Is this system still working?” and adjust as needed.
Kanban Task Board – If sticky notes are taking over your life, get one of these.
Final Thoughts: Just Start. Anywhere.
You don’t need to be perfect. You don’t need a Pinterest-worthy minimalist home. You just need to start.
Pick a small project, tackle it, and build momentum. Before you know it, your home will be less chaotic, easier to clean, and way more enjoyable to live in.
What’s the first space you’re decluttering this year?
Tim
Founder of DeClutterPunk | Because Good Enough is the New Perfect
DeClutterPunk 