8 Decluttering Tips for Generation X

If you’re a Gen Xer, chances are you’re juggling a lot—aging parents, nearly grown (or boomeranging) kids, a house full of stuff, and a life full of memories. You might not be into the ultra-minimalist trend, but you probably are craving more space, less stress, and a little peace of mind. Since my husband and I are from this generation, I can relate! Here are my top 8 decluttering tips for generation X.

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.

For your parents, check out 7 Helpful Decluttering Tips for Baby Boomers here.

8 Decluttering Tips for Generation X

Here’s how to declutter without tossing your history—or your sanity.

1. Start with the Easy Stuff

Don’t begin with your box of concert tees or your kids’ baby art. Start with expired pantry items, old cosmetics, or those 15 extra phone chargers in your junk drawer. The quick wins build momentum.

2. Be Real About Your Time Capsule

We’re the mixtape generation, and yeah, it’s hard to part with those relics. But think: are you keeping them out of love—or guilt? Keep a few choice items that spark joy (thanks, Marie Kondo), and take photos of the rest.

3. Digitize What You Can

Home movies, printed photos, and that CD collection? Digitizing preserves them without taking up physical space. Bonus: it’s a great bonding project with your tech-savvy teens or twenty-somethings.

4. Divide and Conquer (Literally)

Use the four-box method: Keep, Donate, Trash, Unsure. No “maybe” piles allowed—if it’s truly a maybe, it goes in “Unsure,” and you’ll revisit it in a week.

5. Set Limits, Not Just Goals

Instead of aiming to declutter your whole house (which can feel overwhelming), set space limits: “All my sentimental items must fit in this one bin.” Boundaries help more than broad resolutions.

6. Let Go of the “Someday”

We’ve all got stuff we’re saving for “someday.” Be honest—if you haven’t used it in years, you probably won’t. Let someone else enjoy it now instead of letting it gather dust.

7. Honor Your Journey

Decluttering isn’t just about cleaning—it’s about curating your life. Keep what reflects who you are now, not just who you were. That doesn’t mean erasing the past; it means making room for the future.

8. Don’t Go It Alone

Turn on some music from your glory days (hello, ‘80s and ‘90s playlists), pour a glass of wine or tea, and invite a friend over. Sometimes we just need someone to say, “You really don’t need seven fondue sets.”

Decluttering as a Gen Xer isn’t about becoming a minimalist monk. It’s about cutting through the chaos to make space for what matters most—whether that’s memories, meaning, or just room to breathe.

So take it one drawer, one closet, one memory at a time. You’ve got this.