Life as a military wife is a beautiful mix of strength, resilience, and adaptability. But with frequent moves (PCS anyone?), unpredictable schedules, and sometimes long solo stretches, clutter can quickly creep in—both physically and emotionally. Whether you’re prepping for another move or just craving a more peaceful home base, decluttering can be a powerful tool for reclaiming control and comfort.
My husband was in the Air Force, so I was military wife for some time. I believe we lived in 11 different houses in our first 15 years of marriage. Each move meant I was decluttering again. Decluttering a dingy basement can be the worst! If you find yourself moving and cleaning out you military housing, check out my 6 Cleaning Tips for Military Members here.
Struggling with the daily housekeeping chores? Check out my ebook on this topic, entitled Make Over Your Homemaking. Use this link to get it at a discounted price. Also, you can get the complete digital printable copy of the Year Long Thorough Declutter Series Calendar and Checklists here. The printable digital download is delivered to your email. It includes 25 pages of printable calendar pages and checklists to help you declutter every room in your home.
If your house is a mess, 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.
7 Decluttering Tips for Military Wives
Here are some practical, military-life-friendly tips to help you simplify and organize your space:
1. Start With a PCS Mindset
Think of your home like you’re prepping for a move—even if you’re not. Ask yourself: Would I want to pack, move, and unpack this item again? If the answer is no, it might be time to let it go.
Tip: Use colored bins or tags to separate items you want to keep, donate, or toss.
2. Zone Your Decluttering Efforts
Don’t try to tackle the whole house in one day. Pick one area at a time—like the pantry, the kids’ room, or that one drawer that collects everything—and finish it before moving on.
Small wins = big momentum.
3. Get Real About Sentimental Items
Military life can be emotional, and it’s easy to hang onto every memento from every base. But too many keepsakes can create clutter rather than comfort. Choose a few meaningful items and consider digitizing the rest (photos, letters, kids’ art, etc.). I have three kids, so I know it feels painful to toss out their papers and homemade projects, but really try to limit yourself to one keepsake box per child.
Tip: Create a “memory box” for each family member and limit it to one per person.
4. Involve the Whole Family
Even young kids can help declutter. Turn it into a game (like “keep or toss”) or set a timer for a 15-minute daily cleanout. It teaches them responsibility and lightens your load.
Bonus: Less stuff = fewer toys to trip over during deployment!
5. Create a Deployment-Ready Essentials Box
Keep one labeled bin with essential documents, spare keys, emergency contacts, POA forms, and deployment items. This reduces stress when things get hectic.
Organization = empowerment.
6. Use the One-In, One-Out Rule
Whenever you buy something new—clothes, décor, kitchen gadgets—commit to donating or tossing one similar item. This helps you stay clutter-free year-round.
7. Remember: Less Stuff = More Flexibility
A leaner home makes PCS transitions easier, helps you settle in faster, and gives you more time and energy to focus on what matters most—your family, your goals, and your own well-being.
Decluttering isn’t just about tidying up—it’s about taking back your space and sanity in a life full of changes. Start small, give yourself grace, and remember: simplicity is a strength, especially in military life.
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