Save Money by Editing Your Space
Get organized on your own terms, at your own pace—with a plan that works for your life. Looking for guidance, support, coaching? Contact WhiteSpace Design Co. for a consultation!
Seriously, how many clothes do you actually wear on a regular basis? We’re all guilty of having waaaay more items than we actually need. Let’s get a handle on taming the chaos.
A Step-by-Step DIY Decluttering Guide
Decluttering doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, the editing phase of organizing is one of the most powerful steps you can do yourself. By thoughtfully reviewing your belongings before investing in new storage systems or hiring a professional, you can make clearer decisions, reduce clutter, and set yourself up for success—all while saving time and money. The editing process is an extremely personal and therapeutic process, homeowners really need to be fully invested in participating in this piece of the organization process.
Here’s how to walk through the editing process on your own—with practical guidance to help you plan, prep, and get it done.
Step 1: PLAN Before You Purge
Before you pull out a single drawer, stop and take a breath. A little pre-planning can save you hours of overwhelm later.
Ask yourself these essential Pre-Editing Questions:
Do you have an inventory of what you already own and where those items live?
When was the last time you edited your home or space? Is this a full overhaul or just routine maintenance?
Why now? What's motivating this effort? A new season? A move? A lifestyle change?
Have you experienced a major life transition recently (e.g., new baby, career shift, loss, or move)?
How much time can you realistically invest in this process? A weekend? A few hours per week?
What are you tackling? One drawer? One room? Your whole home? Or maybe a category like clothing or papers?
How will you maintain this system over time? Consistency is key—plan ahead so your efforts last.
Also consider:
Your storage capacity—don't keep more than your space can handle.
The number of co-habitators—shared spaces need shared solutions and systems.
Step 2: PREP for Success
Set yourself up with the right tools so you can stay focused when you begin the physical sorting process. Here’s what you’ll need:
🔖 Sorting Supplies:
Prepare clearly labeled containers or bags for the following:
DONATE – items in good condition someone else can use
CONSIGNMENT – high-quality items you may want to sell
RECYCLING – paper, plastic, electronics, and other recyclable materials
TRASH – items that are broken or unusable
HOLD – items you’re unsure about (limit this category!)
KEEP – things that are functional, meaningful, and support your lifestyle
📝 Note-Taking Materials:
Track donations for potential tax deductions
Make a list of items that may need to be replaced or upgraded later
Record anything you want to pass along to a friend or family member
📍 Logistics:
Choose your starting point. Pick one room, one category, or one “pain point” (like the junk drawer or entryway).
Designate a sorting area. Clear off a surface where you can see everything as you sort.
Set a timer. Avoid burnout—break it into focused 30-60 minute chunks.
Celebratory reward for getting started - create a positive incentive or a preferred activity to do once you get through that one drawer, one bin, one room, etc. (ie go for a walk, read a book, listen to a podcast, post before/after progress photos on social media, call a friend to share what you accomplished, go on and have that glass of wine or ice cream sundae you’ve been craving - you deserve it!)
Step 3: GET IT DONE
You're prepped and ready. Now it’s time to take action.
✅ The DIY Editing Process:
Clear out the space completely. Take everything out so you can see what you’re working with.
Touch and move every item. Ask yourself:
Do I need this?
When was the last time I used this? How frequently do I need to access this?
Does this item support the life I want to live?
Would I buy this again?
Sort into your labeled bins (see above). Make quick decisions—don’t overthink it. Move items into their categories confidently.
Group like with like. Once you’ve made your “keep” pile, group items by type or function (ie batteries, light bulbs, band-aids, sheets, etc.). (This will help you plan storage later.)
Clean the space. Wipe it down before anything goes back in. Add drawer/shelf liners if needed for easier cleaning moving forward.
Rehome with intention. Place only the essentials back in the space. Add post-its with category labels to the new official ‘home’ for those items. (We’ll label them during the next phase - “Containing”.) Use temporary containers if needed until you’re ready to invest in long-term solutions.
Donate and consign items immediately - don’t delay!
BONUS TIPS:
Start small. Momentum builds with wins—try a bathroom drawer or kitchen cabinet before tackling the garage.
Take before and after photos. It helps celebrate progress and keeps you motivated.
Give yourself grace. You won’t get it all done in a day—and that’s okay. Decision-fatigue is real. It’s okay (actually encouraged) to take breaks and work in stages.
Avoid the temptation to shop first. Organize what you have before buying new bins.
PREVENT PROCRASTINATION PITFALLS:
Here are some common situations that can get us stuck in the editing process…don’t fall for it!
Tempted to keep that awful gift a loved one bought for you - don’t fall for it. Regift it, or get rid of it.
Holding onto clothes that you are hoping will fit ‘someday’ - get rid of it. It’s just a ball of negativity sitting there making you feel badly about yourself.
Trying to be more environmentally aware? Stop hoarding plastic bags and reusable bags - get rid of them already. Instead, change your habits to no longer keeping or purchasing anything plastic moving forward.
Sentimental items - rotate what you have on display and what you keep behind closed doors/bins. Take digital photos of items that bring back warm memories and add them to a digital photo frame slide show.
You will unearth items you ‘forgot you had’ or ‘didn’t know you had’ - only keep these items if you are going to prioritize using them in your life now. Otherwise, get them out of your home/office.
Act FAST - once you have an established pile of items to donate - get them in your car and bring them to the donation center pronto! (Or, drop items off at the consignment shop immediately.) The longer you stall, the more likely the items will never leave your home.
STOP moving non-used items from one room to another - it’s not helpful in the editing and organizing process. Just because you have the physical space, doesn’t mean you can or should hold on to things that are not helpful for your lifestyle. Embrace white space - it helps you physically, mentally, and emotionally feel lighter.
The Payoff: Clarity, Control, and Confidence
When you edit your home with purpose, you gain more than space—you gain clarity. You make room for what matters most. You reclaim time and energy. Less stuff = less stress.
And you do it on your terms.
Need a little guidance or encouragement?
Congratulations on taking the FIRST step in the editing process! (Whether that means clicking on the link to access this blog post, carving out a few minutes to actually read this post, or taking action on some of the steps listed in this post.) If this is your very first time editing after years of accumulation, just know this is the hardest part. However, once you get through the first editing wave, the maintenance will be MUCH more manageable moving forward.
Even though you’re handling the editing phase on your own, you don’t have to do it alone. I offer virtual coaching, planning sessions, and custom organizing strategies to support you—wherever you are in the process.
A lot of the tips in this blog post are easier said than done, but if you’re looking to be most efficient and productive when you hire a professional organizer, getting ahead of the editing process is time well spent.
Now that you’ve trimmed things down, we can get to work on containing and labeling the items you have prioritized.
Let’s make your space work for you.
Or, print this PDF guide to help you get through a thorough editing process.
Let’s make your space work for you—not against you. Reach out to me today and let’s create something functional, beautiful, and intentional together. Let’s connect ~ schedule a free 30-minute consultation today!
At WhiteSpace Design Co., I create custom environments that empower people to do their best work and live their best lives. By embracing the power of white space, I create clarity, efficiency, and inspiration in every space I touch.
