How to Declutter Big Spaces Like Basements, Lofts and Garages

Struggling to declutter big spaces like your garage, loft or basement? These out-of-sight areas often become clutter magnets, packed with things we’ve forgotten we even own. In this article you’ll find a practical, step-by-step guide to help you tackle large, overwhelming spaces more easily.

ARE YOU STRUGGLING TO DECLUTTER BIG SPACES IN YOUR HOME?

Big spaces can hold a lot of stuff—and a lot of overwhelm. Whether it’s your garage, basement or loft, these large storage areas often end up as dumping grounds for anything that doesn’t have a clear home. And because they’re out of the way, they’re easy to ignore… until they feel completely unmanageable.

Maybe you’re sick of stepping over clutter every time you go into the garage. Or you’re avoiding the loft because you know it’s full of boxes you haven’t looked at in years. Perhaps your basement is packed with things you once planned to use but never did.

You’re not alone! Based on emails I get from readers, these are very common pain points when it comes to decluttering! These spaces naturally attract clutter. But with a step-by-step plan, a bit of time, and the right mindset, you CAN reclaim them.

In this article, we’ll look at why these spaces are tricky, and then break down exactly how to declutter them without burning out. I’ll also share a few personal tips, common mistakes, and ways to keep the clutter from creeping back.

WHY BIG SPACES ARE HARDER TO DECLUTTER

Big rooms bring big challenges—both physical and emotional. Here’s why:

• They’re often hidden or out of everyday sight, so it’s easy to stash things “just for now” and forget them.
• They become catch-all spaces, holding everything from half-finished DIY projects to seasonal decorations and sentimental items you don’t quite know what to do with.
• They’re filled with decisions: what to keep, what to throw away, and what you feel guilty for owning.
• They’re physically harder to tackle—dusty, awkward to move around, with bulky or heavy items to sort.

It’s no wonder you might feel stuck. But instead of trying to do it all in one exhausting session, the key is to work in small, focused steps and keep momentum going.

Let’s walk through how.

STEP-BY-STEP: HOW TO DECLUTTER BIG SPACES

Here’s a step-by-step guide to declutter big spaces in YOUR home.

1. Start with a Clear Plan and Small Wins

Before you lift a box, take 5–10 minutes to plan. Decide:

• What space are you focusing on today? (Don’t try to do garage and loft in one go!)
• How much time do you have? (Even 20–30 minutes can make a difference.)
• What would success look like for today? Maybe it’s clearing one shelf, or sorting through one corner.

Starting small builds confidence and gives you a win to build on next time.

2. Break the Space Into Zones

Large rooms feel more manageable when broken into sections. Think:

• Garage: garden tools, car accessories, DIY tools, sports kit, recycling.
• Loft: boxes by category (e.g. Christmas decorations, baby keepsakes, old clothes).
• Basement: shelves, cupboards, or even sections of floor.
• Set yourself a rule: Don’t move on until you’ve finished that one zone. This stops you from jumping around and getting overwhelmed.

3. Declutter in Time Blocks (Not All at Once)

Decluttering a big space can take hours or days—but that doesn’t mean you need to do it all in one go. In fact, trying to do too much can quickly lead to frustration or giving up.

Instead, set a timer for 15, 30 or 45 minutes, depending on your energy. Focus on one zone, then stop. Celebrate your progress instead of rushing on. Schedule another session for tomorrow, the weekend, or whenever works best for you.

You’re not falling behind or going too slow—you’re pacing yourself to avoid burnout.

4. Create Clear Decluttering Categories

Have boxes, bags or tubs ready for:

• Keep – Items you use regularly and know exactly where they’ll live.
• Donate – Things in good condition that you no longer need.
• Sell – If you genuinely plan to sell (and can list it in the next week).
• Recycle – Broken or outdated things that can be responsibly disposed of.
• Bin – Things that aren’t useful, repairable or needed.

Tip: Don’t put “sell” items in a pile for months—if you haven’t listed them within 7 days, consider donating instead. Otherwise you’ll still have the clutter, just in another pile!

5. Make Decisions Easier With Quick Questions

Big spaces are full of items you haven’t seen in ages. That makes decisions harder. Use these questions to help:

• Have I used this in the last 12 months?
• Would I go out and buy this today if I didn’t already own it?
• Does this item support the life I want to live now—or the life I used to live?
• Am I keeping this because of guilt, fear or obligation?

It’s okay to let go of things that once served you but no longer fit your life. You’re not throwing away memories—you’re making room to enjoy them.

6. Remove Clutter Promptly

This step is key. Once you’ve sorted what to donate, bin or recycle—don’t leave it sitting there “for later.” That only clutters up your hallway or garage again!

• Book a charity shop drop-off or collection.
• Schedule a tip run.
• List sellable items straight away—or give yourself a firm deadline.

This clears space and gives you that satisfying feeling of completion.

7. Organise What You’re Keeping

Now that you’ve decluttered, make it easy to keep the space tidy:

• Use clear boxes or containers so you can see what’s inside.
• Label everything, especially if it’s going back into a loft or basement.
• Group similar items together—e.g. holiday décor, DIY tools, sports gear.
• Install shelving or hooks to keep things off the floor and more accessible.

You don’t need fancy storage systems—just practical solutions that suit your space and make it easier to maintain.

8. Keep It Clutter-Free

Once your space is clear, protect your hard work by setting a few boundaries:

• Monthly 15-minute tidy-up: A regular check-in helps catch clutter before it builds.
• One-in, one-out rule: If you buy or bring in something new, let something go.
• No “just shove it in the garage” policy: Be intentional about what comes in.
• Label your storage so other family members can help maintain the system too.

These little habits keep clutter at bay—and make future decluttering much quicker.

A Real-Life Example From My Garage

I used to dread opening our garage door. It was packed with good intentions—DIY materials for projects we never started, garden tools we didn’t use, and boxes of mystery items from when my husband and I got married and merged households.

Over a few weekends, I worked through it zone by zone—30 minutes at a time while the kettle boiled or dinner cooked. It wasn’t easy and I would rather have been doing a million other things. However, I knew I would feel better and the space would be more usable so I was determined to carry on. I focused on progress, not perfection.

By the end, not only could we park the car inside, but we could actually find things. It felt less like a dumping ground and more like a useful space again.

OTHER THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN DECLUTTERING BIG SPACES

I’ve covered many ideas in this article already but there are a couple of other things that I’d like to mention when it comes to decluttering big spaces – that have helped me or that have required extra consideration.

1. The Container Concept

You may already be familiar with the Container Concept from my other articles but it’s a really handy way of deciding how much of an item to keep.

Instead of deciding which items to get rid of and which to keep, you FIRST decide where and how you’re going to store the items and only THEN decide how much stuff will fit in the designated storage space.

This is really handy if you struggle to make decisions, or you have a lot of stuff and not enough space.

This also works really well with sentimental items. When decluttering my attic I decided to only keep one big box of my child’s artwork and mementos. I regularly review the contents of this memory box and get rid of things if I want to keep something else, but the total amount of items I keep is never more than what fits in that one box.

2. Dealing With Stuff Belonging To Other People

Now, I’m being very generalist here but many readers have told me they feel stuck decluttering their garage and sheds because much of this stuff belongs to their husbands and partners. DIY tools, gardening equipment, sports equipment and so on…

This is a problem I’m familiar with as much of my shed is given over to my hoarder husband’s love of tools and DIY bits.

So, not only does decluttering come with the challenges of dealing with big areas (the topic of this article) but it also comes with the problems of supporting others to declutter who might not be as enthusiastic and ready to part with stuff as you.

If this sounds familiar, I suggest you try the tips in this article but also read the articles below for some extra ideas on supporting others to declutter so you’re prepared in advance!

• Decluttering Other People’s Stuff: 6 Helpful Tips
• Living With A Hoarder: 12 Helpful Tips
• 18 Ways to Declutter When Your Spouse Doesn’t Want To

FAQ: Decluttering Big Spaces

Here are some common questions I get asked when it comes to decluttering big spaces. I hope you find these ideas helpful.

1. Should I Start If The Room Is Completely Packed?

Choose the most visible or frustrating area first—like the floor near the door or that overflowing shelf. Starting where you’ll see results quickly builds momentum.

2. What If I Get Overwhelmed Halfway Through?

That’s completely normal. Take a break. Step outside, have a cup of tea, and come back when you’re ready. It’s not failure—it’s pacing. Use a checklist to keep you focused when your brain starts to spiral.

3. Do I Need To Buy Fancy Storage Before I Start?

No! Declutter first. Once you know what you’re keeping, you’ll have a better idea of what storage you actually need—if any. Sometimes clearing out creates enough space on its own.

Further Reading: Why Declutter Instead of Organise if You’re Struggling With Stuff

4. What Should I Do With Stuff I Feel Guilty Getting Rid Of?

Try reframing guilt as gratitude. You can thank the item for serving its purpose and let it go to someone else who needs it. If it’s something expensive, remember the money is already spent—keeping it won’t bring it back.

Further Reading: Decluttering Sentimental Items Without Guilt or Anxiety

5. How Do I Stop The Clutter From Coming Back?

Put simple habits in place: regular mini clear-outs, intentional shopping habits, and designated homes for everything you choose to keep. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s maintenance.

Decluttering big spaces can feel like a mountain—but it’s really just a series of small steps. With consistency and a little bit of effort (and kindness to yourself), you can reclaim those rooms.

NEED SOME MORE HELP?

Need a bit of support to get started? Check out my Clear Your Clutter Workbook and Room-by-Room Checklists for guided steps, worksheets, and plenty of encouragement.

Click here to learn more about Clear Your Clutter.