5 Expert Decluttering Methods That Actually Work in 2025

January 29, 2025

South Florida Home Organization Strategies

Scott Lehr
Team Leader, The Listing Team at RESF
Licensed Realtor & Home Staging Expert
954-342-6180 | scott@reallistingagent.com

After helping prepare over 300 Fort Lauderdale homes for sale, I can tell you this: decluttering is the #1 most impactful thing you can do - whether you're selling or just want to enjoy your space more. Here are the 5 methods my team uses with clients:

1. The "Four Box" Reset 90% Success Rate

This is our go-to method for pre-listing preparations:

Before: Cluttered rooms with no system

After: Organized spaces ready for showing

Label boxes: Keep, Donate, Trash, Relocate
Work clockwise: Start at the door and move around the room
Time limit: 45 minutes per room max
Rule: No "maybe" items - decisive action only

Pro Tip: For home valuation purposes, remove 30% of items from each room.

2. The 90/90 Rule Cuts Clutter by 50%

Ask these two questions about every item:

Have I used this in the last 90 days?
Will I use it in the next 90 days?

If both answers are "no," it goes. Exceptions:

Seasonal items (holiday decorations)
Sentimental pieces (limit to 1 memory box)
Legal documents

South Florida Twist: Our climate means some "seasonal" items (like heavy blankets) can often go permanently.

3. Vertical Space Revolution +20% Usable Space

Most Broward County homes underutilize vertical space. Try:

Floating shelves - Display items instead of storing
Over-door organizers - Perfect for small bathrooms
Wall-mounted racks - Bikes, tools, pots and pans
Stackable bins - Label clearly for garage storage

Staging Bonus: Vertical storage makes rooms appear larger - key for home showings.

4. The "One In, One Out" Rule Prevents Future Clutter

Maintain your progress with this simple system:

Before: New purchases add to existing clutter

After: Net-zero item growth

For every new item that enters your home, one must leave. Works especially well for:

Clothing and shoes
Kitchen gadgets
Children's toys
Home decor items

5. Digital Decluttering The Modern Must-Do

In 2025, digital clutter causes real stress. Clean up:

Photos: Delete duplicates, blurry shots, screenshots
Emails: Unsubscribe from 10 newsletters today
Apps: Remove unused apps from all devices
Documents: Cloud storage with clear folders

Bonus: A decluttered digital life makes home selling paperwork much easier!

Need Help Decluttering to Sell?

Our team provides personalized decluttering plans to get your home market-ready fast.

Get Your Free Home Prep Assessment

or text "DECLUTTER" to 954-342-6180

Final Thought

Decluttering isn't about perfection - it's about creating space for what matters. Whether you're preparing to sell your Weston home or just want to breathe easier, these methods work because they're practical, not theoretical.

Start with one method today, and you'll see the difference before the weekend. Your future self (and potential home buyers) will thank you!