When the kids have grown and flown the nest, it marks the beginning of a new chapter—one filled with possibility, freedom, and yes, a quieter house. But as you walk through rooms once bustling with activity, you might also notice the clutter that’s been quietly collecting over the years. From forgotten sports gear to overflowing photo albums, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by decades of stuff. Today, I’ll cover 6 declutter tips for empty nesters to help you reclaim your space.
If you are new to the blog, welcome! I blog and make videos about cleaning, decluttering, and organizing. You can find my free printables to help you get organized in the drop down menu under the Printables category at the top of this page. Also, check out this post on 10 things people with clean homes do every day.
You can get your printable Daily Housekeeping Routine and Cleaning Checklists here. This 15 page printable kit is delivered digitally to your email for you to print and personalize.
It includes a daily schedule, calendar pages, and deep cleaning checklists for every room and area of your home. Also, check out this post on 7 Cleaning Tasks That Are a Waste of Your Time. Check out my post on how to clean your entire house in 1 hour. You can also check out this post on 8 Easy Tips to Keep Your Kitchen Cleaner.
If you’re ready to simplify your space and make room for what matters most in this next stage of life, these decluttering tips are just for you.
6 Declutter Tips for Empty Nesters
1. Start Small and Stay Consistent
You don’t have to tackle the whole house in one weekend. Pick one area—like a drawer, a closet, or a single room—and focus your energy there. Momentum builds with each small win, and consistency will keep you from burning out.
Pro Tip: Set a timer for 20–30 minutes a day and see how much you can get done. Short, focused sessions make decluttering feel manageable.
2. Let Go of “Just in Case” Items
Holding onto things just in case is a common trap. That fondue set you used once in 1997? It’s okay to let it go. Ask yourself: Have I used this in the past year? If the answer is no—and it doesn’t hold strong sentimental value—it may be time to donate, sell, or toss it.
3. Preserve the Memories, Not the Mess
Your home probably holds a treasure trove of memories. But you don’t need to keep every art project, soccer jersey, or school paper to cherish them. Consider digitizing old photos and documents. Keep a curated selection of the most meaningful items and find creative ways to display or store them.
Idea: Create a memory box for each child with their favorite keepsakes, and let them take it when they visit or when they’re ready.
4. Reclaim the Space for You
Once the clutter is cleared, think about how your space can now support your needs and passions. Always wanted a craft room? A cozy reading nook? A home gym? Use this time as an opportunity to reinvent your space in a way that brings you joy and peace.
5. Be Honest With Sentimentality
It’s normal to feel emotional when sorting through items connected to your kids or past life chapters. Allow yourself to feel those emotions—but don’t let them keep you stuck. Remember, letting go of the item doesn’t mean letting go of the memory.
Try This: Invite a friend or partner to help. Sometimes an outside perspective can help you separate the truly meaningful from the merely familiar.
6. Donate with Purpose
Knowing that your items can help someone else makes it easier to part with them. Whether it’s donating kitchenware to a local shelter, giving books to a community center, or passing on furniture to someone starting out, there’s real value in paying it forward.
Decluttering as an empty nester isn’t just about cleaning up—it’s about clearing a path to a new, fulfilling lifestyle. By letting go of the physical clutter, you make space for more clarity, comfort, and joy in your home. Embrace this season of change with confidence—you’ve earned it.
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