Taking Time to Declutter

Clutter is one of the biggest barriers to a peaceful, beautiful home. Whether you're preparing for a redesign, downsizing, or simply want to breathe easier in your space, decluttering is a powerful first step.

I’ve seen how transformative a clutter-free home can be. It’s not about creating a showroom—it’s about designing a space that works for you and supports your lifestyle.

Here’s a room-by-room guide to decluttering your home the designer-approved way.

Why Decluttering Matters in Interior Design

Before diving in, let’s address the “why.” Clutter distracts from the things that make your home beautiful—natural light, architectural details, textures, and furniture flow. A clean, simplified space is not only more functional, but it allows design elements to shine. It also helps reduce stress, improve focus, and boost your mood.

Step 1: Start With a Clear Goal

Ask yourself:

• Am I making space for a remodel or refresh?

• Do I want to feel more relaxed at home?

• Is my current layout hard to maintain?

Defining your goal will help you stay motivated and make better decisions about what stays—and what goes.

Step 2: Declutter by Zone, Not the Whole House at Once

Trying to tackle your entire home in one weekend is overwhelming. Instead, focus on one area at a time. My go-to order:

1. Entryway or Mudroom: Clear off surfaces, put away shoes, recycle junk mail, and organize seasonal items in baskets or drawers.

2. Living Room: Remove excess décor, unused electronics, and worn throw blankets. Keep only what adds comfort or style.

3. Kitchen: Toss expired pantry goods, unused gadgets, and duplicate utensils. Invest in drawer organizers or labeled bins for better function.

4. Bedrooms: Go through nightstands, under-bed storage, and closets. Ask: “Have I used or worn this in the past year?”

5. Home Office: Shred paperwork, digitize files, and create intentional zones for tech, supplies, and paperwork.

Step 3: The "Keep, Toss, Donate" Rule Still Works

It’s a classic for a reason. Create three bins:

• Keep – Items you love, use, or need.

• Donate – Gently used items that can serve someone else.

• Toss – Broken, expired, or unnecessary.

Bonus: In Indianapolis, local charities like Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity ReStore, and PourHouse are great places to donate.

Step 4: Design With Simplicity in Mind

Once your home is decluttered, you’ll have a clearer view of your layout and décor. This is the perfect time to:

• Rearrange furniture for better flow.

• Add thoughtful storage solutions (built-ins, baskets, shelving).

• Layer in color and texture with purpose—think area rugs, curtains, or accent walls.

Need help pulling it all together? That’s where a professional interior designer comes in.

Decluttering Tips from a Pro Interior Designer in Indianapolis

• Designate a “clutter drop zone” like a tray or bowl for keys, wallets, and mail. Keep it contained.

• Go vertical. Use wall-mounted storage to free up floor space, especially in small Indianapolis homes or apartments.

• Rotate décor seasonally. Store items you're not using to keep surfaces fresh and minimal.

• Invest in beautiful storage. Style and function can co-exist—choose baskets, boxes, and bins that complement your design.

Let’s Refresh Your Space—Together

Decluttering isn’t just cleaning up—it’s curating a home that reflects who you are and how you want to live. Whether you're preparing for a full redesign or simply want to simplify your space, I’m here to help.

At Sierra Troitsky Interiors, we help Indianapolis homeowners transform cluttered, chaotic spaces into calm, inspiring homes. We believe great design starts with clarity—and ends in comfort.

📍Serving Indianapolis and surrounding areas.

📞 Ready for a personalized consultation? Contact us today to begin your design journey.