10 Decluttering Hacks by Jake

1. For the clear storage containers suggestion, do you recommend any particular brands or materials that are both sturdy and affordable?

   1. For sturdy and affordable clear storage containers, look for brands like Sterilite and Iris, which offer good durability at reasonable prices. Choose containers made from BPA-free plastic for safety and longevity. These options balance visibility, strength, and cost well.

2. For the ‘no clutter’ zone idea, what part of the house do you recommend starting with, especially if you have kids who tend to leave things everywhere?

   1. For families with kids, the living room or main entryway is a great place to start your ‘no clutter’ zone. These areas are high-traffic and visible, so keeping them tidy sets the tone for the rest of the house and teaches kids consistency.

3. I’m curious about your suggestion to set up a ‘no clutter’ zone. Do you have recommendations on how to maintain that space, especially if there are kids in the house?

   1. To maintain a ‘no clutter’ zone with kids around, keep the area simple and limit what belongs there. Use baskets or bins for quick cleanups, and involve kids by making tidying up a daily habit. Clear rules, like no toys or school stuff in the zone, help everyone stay on track.

4. For labeling everything, do you have any tips on what materials or tools work best for making durable and easily changeable labels, especially for storage in garages or basements?

   1. For garages and basements, I recommend using plastic label holders with insert cards, or laminated labels with a strong adhesive. You can write on the cards or laminated labels with dry-erase markers for easy changes. Avoid paper labels unless they’re covered, since moisture can damage them in those environments.

5. When labeling everything, do you suggest using a label maker or are handwritten labels just as effective? I’m on a tight budget so I wanted to know what works best.

   1. Handwritten labels work just as well for organizing and decluttering, especially if you’re on a tight budget. Use plain paper, sticky notes, or masking tape with a marker to create clear, readable labels. The most important thing is that the labels are easy to read and help you stay organized.

6. I like the idea of setting aside time each week for decluttering, but what do you recommend as a realistic schedule for a busy family with a home-based business?

   1. For a busy family running a home-based business, aiming for two 30-minute decluttering sessions per week is realistic. Try scheduling these sessions after dinner or on weekend mornings when everyone can join in. Consistency matters more than duration, so find what fits your family’s routine.

7. Regarding labeling everything, do you recommend a particular system or type of label that works best for versatile storage needs, especially if you tend to rearrange things often?

   1. For flexible storage, consider using removable labels like dry-erase or chalkboard labels. They stick well but are easy to update or reposition when you rearrange items. If you prefer printed labels, try using adhesive label holders so you can swap out paper inserts as your storage needs change.

8. For the ‘no clutter’ zone, what area of the home do you recommend setting aside for this, and how do you keep it from becoming another storage spot over time?

   1. A great spot for a ‘no clutter’ zone is a visible area you use daily, like the coffee table or entryway bench. To keep it tidy, make it a rule that nothing gets left there for more than a few hours, and do a quick daily check to clear it.

9. When encouraging families to get involved in decluttering, what are some effective strategies for keeping kids motivated and making the process fun for them?

   1. Making decluttering fun for kids can include turning tasks into games, like races to see who can sort toys fastest, or letting them choose music to play while cleaning. Offering small rewards, involving them in decisions about what to keep, and celebrating their progress can also keep motivation high.

10. I’m curious how often you recommend scheduling decluttering sessions—would once a month be enough for a family with kids?

    1. Once a month can work for many families, but with kids, you might find that decluttering smaller areas every one or two weeks helps keep things manageable. Regular quick sessions are often more effective than occasional bigger ones, especially with toys and school supplies.

11. Do you have any suggestions on balancing the time commitment for regular decluttering sessions with a busy work or family schedule? I struggle to make time each week.

    1. Try setting a timer for just 10–15 minutes a few times a week instead of aiming for bigger sessions. Tackling one small area at a time, like a drawer or a shelf, can make decluttering manageable even on a busy schedule.

12. When getting the whole family—or in my case, my team—involved in decluttering, do you recommend setting individual goals or working together on one shared target?

    1. Both approaches can work well, but Jake suggests combining them: set a shared target to encourage teamwork, then break that down into individual goals so everyone feels responsible for specific tasks. This keeps the group motivated and ensures steady progress.

13. I like the idea of using clear storage containers and labels, but what budget-friendly options would you recommend for organizing inventory or office supplies without spending too much?

    1. You can repurpose jars, shoe boxes, or food containers as storage solutions. Dollar stores often have affordable clear bins and labels. For labeling, masking tape and a marker work just as well as fancy labels and cost much less.

14. Do you have any tips for getting kids to actually participate when you try to get the whole family involved in decluttering? My kids tend to lose interest pretty fast.

    1. Try making decluttering a game with rewards, like timing how fast they can tidy up a space or turning it into a scavenger hunt for items to donate. Letting kids choose which toys or clothes to keep can also help them feel involved and invested in the process.

15. I like the tip about clear storage containers, but do you have any specific brands or types you recommend that are sturdy and stack well? Also, are there any sizes that work best for most rooms or items?

    1. Great question! Many people have good luck with brands like Sterilite and Iris, which make clear, stackable bins in a range of sizes. For most rooms, medium-sized containers (around 15-20 quarts) work well for miscellaneous items, while larger bins are great for bulky things like blankets. It’s helpful to measure your storage space first to make sure the bins will fit!

16. When you mention labeling everything, do you have any tips for making sure the labels stay on over time, especially for containers that get handled a lot? I find a lot of labels start peeling after a while.

    1. To help labels last longer, use high-quality waterproof labels and a permanent marker. Clean the container surface with rubbing alcohol before applying the label to remove oils and dust. For extra durability, consider covering the label with clear packing tape or using a label maker with laminated tape.

17. As a business owner with a limited storage space, could you share more tips on how to effectively label everything to avoid confusion, especially when handling seasonal inventory?

    1. For seasonal inventory, try color-coded labels for each season, add large clear text with item names, and include dates if possible. Use durable, waterproof labels to prevent fading. Consider creating a simple digital inventory list that matches your labels, so you can quickly check what’s in storage without opening every box.

18. If you have a really limited amount of time each week, which of these decluttering hacks would you say gives the quickest results or makes the biggest impact right away?

    1. If you’re short on time, Jake’s hack about tackling visible surfaces first, like countertops and entryway tables, delivers fast results. It instantly makes your space feel tidier. Another good option is the ‘one-in, one-out’ rule to keep clutter from piling up without much extra effort.

19. For the clear storage containers you mentioned, do you have any tips on finding affordable options that are sturdy enough for heavy items like books or tools?

    1. Look for clear storage containers made from thick, reinforced plastic, often found at hardware or home goods stores. Check the weight capacity listed on the label to ensure they’re suitable for heavier items. Shopping during seasonal sales or at warehouse clubs can help you find better prices on quality, durable bins.

20. I’m curious about how to keep a ‘no clutter’ zone actually clutter-free over time, especially when you have roommates—any tips for enforcing that?

    1. It helps to set clear expectations with your roommates by designating specific ‘no clutter’ zones and agreeing on what belongs there. Regularly check these areas together, and if things pile up, have a quick reset routine—like a weekly five-minute tidy-up. Open communication and gentle reminders can go a long way.

21. For the clear storage containers tip, do you have any recommendations for affordable brands or types that work well for different spaces, like closets versus the garage?

    1. For closets, Sterilite and IRIS offer affordable clear bins in various sizes, great for clothes and shoes. In the garage, look for heavy-duty clear containers like those from HDX or Hefty, which are sturdier and stackable to handle tools or bulky items.

22. If I want to sell items I no longer need but don’t have a lot of time, are there any fast and easy platforms or methods you’d recommend?

    1. If you’re short on time, consider using apps like Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp, where you can quickly post items using your phone. Both platforms let local buyers message you directly, making the selling process fast and convenient.

23. For decluttering hotspots, what’s the best way to identify them quickly in a busy home office, and how often should these areas be reviewed to prevent stuff from piling up again?

    1. To spot decluttering hotspots in a busy home office, look for surfaces where items tend to accumulate—like desks, shelves, and drawers. Do a quick scan at the end of each workday and set a weekly review to keep these areas clutter-free.

24. For families with young kids, what are some ways to get children actively involved in decluttering without it turning into a struggle or more mess? Any specific activities or systems you’ve found helpful?

    1. Try turning decluttering into a game, like a timed toy sort or a ‘find five things to donate’ challenge. Let kids choose which items to keep or give away to encourage ownership. Having labeled bins or color-coded baskets makes tidying up easier and more engaging for them.

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