6 Ways to Eliminate Junk in Just One Day

Ever wondered how overconsumption affects your mental well-being? In any home that hasn’t been decluttered in a while, there are dozens—maybe hundreds—of things you can say goodbye. Don’t know where to start? No worries – we’ll guide you through a fast, refreshing clear-out that feels surprisingly easy.

Snap it – take photos first

An unexpected but super effective way to prep for decluttering: start by photographing each room as it is—no staging needed. Photos make overloaded areas and unnecessary items instantly obvious, even the ones your eyes normally “tune out.” You can even circle what to remove and use the images as a checklist. This trick saves time, sharpens your focus, and makes cleaning faster and more satisfying.

One zone – tackle one area at a time

Grabbing everything at once only drags out decluttering—and can make you give up, especially with bigger projects. To start, choose one large zone: for example, a wardrobe, dressing room or entrance area. By starting small and working step by step, you will see results faster, and this will motivate you to continue. As a result, in a day, you can manage to sort out several zones without chaos.

Three box method – keep, donate, or toss

A classic scheme that eliminates unnecessary thinking. You will need three boxes or three large bags labeled “Keep,” “Donate/Sell,” and “Throw Away.” The main rule is no intermediate piles or additional containers for things that are difficult to decide on. This must be done immediately and strictly follow the system. It is better to take everything that is sent to the “throw away” trash bin immediately after cleaning.

Set the clock – use a timer

Working in short sprints is much more effective than trying to sort things out for hours without stopping. Set a timer for 15-20 minutes and clean up as quickly as possible. When time runs out, take a break or switch to another zone. This method disciplines and introduces an element of play into cleaning. You’ll be surprised how much you can get done in a limited amount of time. And by repeating several such “races” in a day, you can actually dismantle the entire apartment.

Ditch duplicates – keep only what you need

Rubbish, as a rule, accumulates unnoticed, and often it is based on things that duplicate each other. In fact, a few convenient items are enough, and the rest just takes up space. Sort through duplicates and keep the highest quality or favorite items. Sell, give away, or throw away any excess. This will free up shelves and drawers, and it’s psychologically easier to get rid of repeating items.

Limit & love – avoid overconsumption

Sometimes a hard limit helps. Set a goal: for example, to get rid of 10-20 items per day. This ignites excitement and, at the same time, makes the task concrete and finite. You can start with the little things: old chargers, broken accessories, expired cosmetics, etc. When the number is reached, you will already see the result. Then you can repeat the cycle as many times as necessary.

Think decluttering is tough? Sure, letting go of some old things can be hard. But a simple rule helps: order in your space creates order in your mind. Plan, take it step by step, set clear goals and watch your home and well-being transform fast.