As a professional organizer, I’ve had to ruthlessly declutter five key things in my 30s, as it has been a busy decade full of change.
I’ve found the love of my life, moved cities (and in with him), started a business, and most recently, a family. All of these things require not only time and attention, but also physical space.
We’ve moved three times in the last four years, and with each move, we’ve picked up new things, so I’ve made sure to ruthlessly declutter to keep our lives organized and functional. Focusing on these five categories will help you do the same.
The five things I’ve decluttered in my 30s
1. Childhood artwork
My mom held onto a bunch of my childhood artwork, hoping to one day put it in scrapbooks. While the intention was sweet, I knew it probably wasn’t going to happen.
Now that I’m in my mid-30s and no longer feel the need to carry around a giant portfolio of childhood artwork, one decluttering tip I often recommend is turning it all into a keepsake book. I used a company called Plum Print, and it turned out beautifully.
Additionally, if you're in the thick of growing your family like I am and need a system for organizing your kids' art, I suggest using either a set of clear artwork bags from Amazon, or a simple clear lidded A4 container, also from Amazon to collect it throughout the year.
Once it’s full – or the school year ends – it’s the perfect time to turn those sentimental items that are hard to declutter into a book.
2. Gift Wrap
In my 30s, I’ve stopped buying gift wrap and no longer need gift wrap storage ideas. Instead, I turn my brown paper grocery bags inside out and use them to wrap presents. I still pick up ribbon and love adorning gifts with pressed flowers, dried fruit, or something unique – and they turn out just as beautiful.
I personally don’t use a gift wrap organizer, but I do love it when our clients do. For people who tend to hang on to gift wrap, it helps to have a designated container, as it creates a natural limit to how much you keep.
Say goodbye to squashed rolls. This organizer is tear-resistant, puncture-resistant, water- and fade-proof, and will fit under most beds. Its heavy-duty cardboard construction helps keep the structural integrity year-round. Avoid storing in areas of your home without climate control.
3. Books
In my twenties, I moved around a lot and always hauled my full book collection with me. But the truth is, I rarely re-read even my favorite titles. So I started donating them or sharing them with friends, and I felt the weight lift instantly.
Learn how to declutter your books like a pro or organize your bookshelves for a more streamlined collection.
4. Underwear
If you're 30-something and like me and still wearing that ratty old thong from high school, it’s time to organize your underwear. I have recently gotten myself some fresh undies and I feel like a new woman! I highly recommend it.
Underwear organizers are not a must-have, in my opinion. Just declutter the worn-out pairs and fold the rest nicely. I think one drawer is more than enough. If it’s overflowing, it’s time to pare down your collection.
You can use the underwear itself to create categories, as Head of Solved, Punteha van Terheyden, did with Nate Berkus’ sock drawer method. She found it kept the drawer streamlined for many months with zero ongoing effort.
If you're partial to a nifty drawer organizer, these pretty Martha Stewart undergarment organizers can be stacked in deep drawers to make the most of the space you have and find what you need quickly.
5. Beauty and hair products
In my 30s, I’ve now found my go-to hair and skin products, and I’m sticking to them. All the extra stuff I was keeping ‘just in case’, or for a random mask day? It’s gone. Less really is more.
Learn how to declutter your makeup and skincare, and organize your jewelry for stress-free, streamlined self-care.
What to shop
Head of Solved, Punteha van Terheyden, found this tiered organizer transformational for her compact vanity. She organized one side with morning products, the other with night-time ones, and finds it so handy.
Maximize your storage by using the space on the back of your door. This can be in the rarely used guest room, the garage, or even the back of a cabinet door. It's good for renters, too, as you won't need to nail or screw anything to install this.
These stackable lidded plastic bins are great for storing kids’ artwork until you’re ready to streamline the collection or scrapbook it the set you’re keeping.
Double up on that vertical space by using hanging garment bags with side pockets. You can place less-used lingerie here and keep your underwear drawer tidy and streamlined.
Whether it’s important documents or a child’s artwork, these water and fireproof document bags can protect the most vital paperwork if disaster strikes.
Keep a few of your to-be-read books in a rolling trolley for a compact or makeshift reading nook idea, so you don’t have to give up shelf or cabinet space for books you won’t pick up again.
You can also help your parents ruthlessly declutter in their 80s, look ahead to what to declutter in your 40s, or delve into our tried and tested decluttering methods library for clever tips and tricks to kickstart your streamlining journey.
