The Five Totes That Will Transform Your Decluttering Process

If you’re a busy woman constantly taking care of everyone else, I see you. You give so much to your family, your work, your friends, your pets—yet when it comes to your own needs, including decluttering, you’re the last on the list. And when the clutter piles up, the guilt follows. You wonder why you can’t just “get it together,” and you beat yourself up over the mess.

But here’s the truth: Clutter doesn’t mean you’re failing. It just means life is full. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, let’s break it down into something simple and doable.

A declutter tip to help with that? Enter: The Five Totes. These are five sorting bins you need to start making progress—without the pressure of making every decision on the spot.

The Five Sorting Bins You Need to Make Progress Faster

1. The Re-Gift Box

Ever received a lovely gift that just wasn’t your style? Or come across something in your home that would be perfect for a friend or family member? Instead of letting those items sit unused, create a dedicated Re-Gift Box. This isn’t about offloading clutter onto others—it’s about intentionally passing along items that could genuinely bring joy to someone else.

When you declutter, place anything gift-worthy in this bin. The next time a birthday, holiday, or special occasion rolls around, shop your own re-gift stash before heading to the store. You’ll save money, reduce waste, and feel good knowing these items will be appreciated rather than collecting dust in your home.

2. The Sell Online Box

There’s nothing wrong with wanting to make a little money from your clutter—especially when you’ve invested in quality items that still have value. That’s where the Sell Online Box comes in. If an item is worth $50-$100 or more and you’re willing to take the time to list it, then no need to donate it yet. The moment you come across an item like this during your declutter session, take the time to immediately photograph it, measure it, list it online, THEN set it aside in this bin.

Clothes with tags, high-end kitchen gadgets, designer handbags, or electronics are all great candidates for resale. Just remember: If it sits in the box for more than a month without action, consider lowering your price or moving it to the donate pile. The goal is to clear space, not create a new kind of clutter!

3. The Lost & Broken Things Box

We all have them— a random smart watch strap, a handle that goes to a drawer somewhere, a single shoe insert, toys that need glued, a shirt that needs a new button, and the list goes on. Instead of letting these items clutter your counters or junk drawers, create a small Lost & Broken Things Box. This is where all those mysterious parts, missing pieces, and minor repair projects go.

Once it's too full to add anything new, take 5-15 minutes to fully deal with a few of the items to make more space. Toss any items that you are pretty sure will always be a mystery, repair the largest item worth keeping, and/or reunite lost items with their sets. This one simple habit can prevent so much frustration.

4. The Maybe Box

Decluttering isn’t always black and white. Some things are hard to let go of, even if you know you don't really need them. That’s where the Maybe Box comes in. This is your safe space for items you’re not quite ready to part with.

Put a date on the box and/or an appointment with yourself on your calendar for three to six months from now. If you haven’t needed or missed anything inside by then, chances are, you’re ready to let it go. This method removes the pressure to make perfect decisions in the moment and helps ease the emotional side of decluttering.

5. The Donate Box

I would assume that you have a bag or box next to you every time you sort that is for donation items. But if you don't, today's the day to start! However what I really mean by having "The Donate Box," is that you have a box for donations all the time in your home. Maybe you even have multiple - one in the entry way, one in the garage, and even one in the bottom of your closet. The value of this is that in your every day life, if you notice something that you don't like, no longer fits, or isn't your thing anymore, you can stick it directly into "The Donate Box" and you don't have to make a decision about it ever again.

Declutter Without the Guilt

These four totes will simplify your decluttering process and take the pressure off making instant decisions. The best part? They work with your real life, not against it. You don’t have to get it all done in one day, and you certainly don’t have to do it alone.

So be kind to yourself. You’re not behind—you’re just in the middle of creating a home that truly supports you. And that’s worth taking the time to do right. 💛

If you’re ready for more hands-on help, book a free consultation call with me today—because you deserve a home that feels as good as you make everyone else feel.

P.S. Let me know in the comments what other tote or sorting bin you've found helpful while decluttering OR which of these four you are most excited to use.