How To Declutter Your Home: Key Takeaways
- To declutter your NYC home, set a clear goal, choose a method that works for you, sort everything into keep-donate-store-discard categories, and use storage for what you love but don’t use daily
- Clutter in NYC is a common issue because apartments are small, closets are few, life moves fast, and most homes lack extra storage space like garages or basements
- Consider renting a storage unit when you’re moving, using a multi-purpose space, have lots of seasonal items, or are in the process of selling your place
- To choose the right storage unit in NYC, look for full-service movers, ensure there’s security and climate control, assess your access needs, and pick the right unit size
Did you know you only use about 20% of what you have at home?
That means 80% of your stuff is just sitting there, taking up space and adding to the daily stress of NYC living.
If you’ve realized it’s time to clear out your home but don’t know where to start, read on.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through:
- How to declutter your home step by step
- Why clutter builds up easily in NYC apartments
- When renting a storage unit can be a good idea
- How to choose a storage solution
How To Declutter Your Home Step by Step
Decluttering in NYC isn’t just about tidying up. It’s about freeing your space from long unused items and protecting your mental well-being.
Let’s walk through a few smart steps to do this without tossing everything you love.
1. Set Your Intentions
The first step is knowing why you want to do this. Are you planning to move? Struggling to fit that tiny baby cot or a new bike between the piles of books and clothes? Do you need space for a home office?
Write it down. This will help you decide what’s best. Re-read it when you feel overwhelmed.
2. Choose a Decluttering Method
Do you think there’s only one approach to follow? There’s nothing further from the truth.
You may choose the room-by-room approach, focusing on one room at a time, such as your bathroom or kitchen, and seeing progress quickly.
Or opt for the category method that gained popularity with decluttering guru Marie Kondo, tackling one type of items at a time: clothing, books, papers, or miscellaneous items.
3. Sort With Purpose
Label boxes or bags in four groups: Keep, Donate, Store, Discard.
Keep is for what you use weekly: the chipped mug you swear makes coffee taste better, your running sneakers, your favorite beat-up novel.
Donate holds clothes, books, or household goods you no longer use.
Next, consider what you need only occasionally: holiday decorations, ski gear, or old yearbooks. These belong in the Store pile.
Finally, the broken, expired, or irreparable items. Say goodbye with a Discard label.
4. Keep Sentimental Items Last
Don’t start with the photo albums or your childhood trophies. Save those for last, when you’ve got the power to make a fair call.
Then ask: Does this item bring joy or serve a purpose?
5. Digitize When Possible
Do you have stacks of paper and photos? Scan important documents and store them securely in the cloud.
Digitizing mementos you don’t have room to display will give you space to breathe while you know you still have them whenever you want to go back in time.
6. Rent a Storage Unit
Storage is a practical option for bulky, seasonal, or emotional items you can’t quite part with.
Make sure to catalog items and label every box clearly so you can easily retrieve what you need when the time comes.
The NYC Space Problem: Why Clutter Happens
Ever wondered what’s at the heart of those piles in NYC homes? No, most times it’s not about laziness.
- Apartments size: Many one-bedroom apartments are small, typically under 600 square feet, making it hard to keep everything you would like to have.
- Limited closets: You might have one closet for your whole apartment, which is not enough to arrange all the clothes you brought in your suitcases.
- Fast life pace: New Yorkers often work long hours or multiple jobs, which leaves little time for deep cleaning or organizing.
- Impulse buying: NYC offers endless shopping opportunities, making it easy to end up with more than you need.
- No garage or basement: Most NYC apartments don’t have designated storage areas, so clutter builds up in living spaces.
When and Why a Storage Unit Makes Sense
Do you know what people typically put in storage? Anything from chairs (yes, furniture was the most commonly stored item in the U.S. in 2024) and winter coats to TVs and treadmills.
Renting a storage unit can be a game-changer in a few common life scenarios, such as:
- Moving to NYC: Whether you’re coming to the city for the first time, renting a larger apartment in one of the NYC boroughs, downsizing, or between leases, a storage unit can give you the space and time to settle in without pressure.
- Your space serves many purposes: If you work remotely and your living room is also your office and your gym, you need a place to put away the items you don’t use regularly.
- You have seasonal belongings: If you find yourself stumbling over Easter decor or winter gear in June and beach chairs in mid-February, maybe it’s time to consider a storage unit.
- Planning to sell: Staging your home to sell? Moving your grand piano or full-size pool table into storage will give your home that open, airy vibe potential buyers love.
- You’re in the middle of a life-changing event: Going through divorce, getting an inheritance, or having a family member move in can bring a temporary influx of stuff that you need time to sort through.
How To Choose the Right Storage Unit in NYC
Maybe you remember we’ve done a guide about the best storage units in NYC, listing not only their names but also their pros and cons.
Now we’ll go a step further by giving you a few tips to make the right choice.
Look for Full-Service Options
A full-service provider means you don’t have to juggle moving and storage companies. This will allow you to declutter without hiring separate teams.
Think of Security and Climate Control
Security and climate control are essential if you’re storing anything fragile or irreplaceable like important documents, electronics, art, vintage furniture, or antiques.
Consider Access
If you’ll need frequent access to your items, choose a storage facility close to home or one that you can go to at different times.
Match Unit Size to Your Needs
Sizes range from 5’x5′ lockers to 10’x20′ rooms. Don’t go for a space you won’t fill: That means both unused square feet and pressure on your budget.
Ask About Insurance
Check to see if your stored belongings are covered by insurance so you don’t need to worry about expensive repairs or irrevocable damage.
Declutter Your Home: Rent Storage Space From Imperial
At Imperial Movers, we’ve heard thousands of stories about balancing life, work, and space in NYC. More than that: we made it happen.
Jane, who we helped move to Staten Island, told us, “I needed to clear out my second bedroom for a baby, and Imperial made it possible in one weekend.”
Miriam, who owns a small crafts business, told our crew leader: “My startup outgrew our studio apartment. Moving half of our inventory into Imperial’s business storage unit saved our sanity.”
Licensed, insured, and trusted in every NYC borough, Imperial Movers offer short- and long-term secure, climate-controlled storage options for any situation, whether residential, commercial, or on-demand.
With us, you can benefit from free pickup and delivery, so you never have to visit a facility if you don’t want to.
From a single suitcase to an entire home, Imperial makes the process painless, keeping your space cozy and organized.
How To Declutter Your Home: FAQs
Can movers bring my items to storage?
Absolutely. Our expert crews at Imperial Movers will pack, move, and store your items, covering the whole process from start to finish.
How long can I keep items in storage?
With Imperial, you can keep your unit for a month or several years, as long as you need it.
Are my items safe in storage?
No doubt. Our units are under 24/7 surveillance, and we offer climate-controlled environments for sensitive items.
Can I access my unit anytime?
Imperial Movers offers flexible access so you can retrieve your items at any time. We can even deliver them to your door when you need them.
Can I store furniture in a storage unit?
Yes. Imperial Movers’ storage units are ideal for couches, tables, dressers, and even mattresses when they’re wrapped and packed correctly. We offer packing and transport services to keep your furniture protected while it’s in storage.
How do I prepare my items for storage?
Clean everything to prevent odors or mildew, disassemble large furniture, and pack smaller items in labeled boxes. Use plastic bins for long-term storage and cover furniture with breathable fabric or plastic wrap. If you don’t have time or are unsure you’re doing it the right way, Imperial Movers will pack all your items for you.
