5 Easy Ways to Start to Declutter Your Brooklyn Apartment

I am a professional home organizer, but long before I started my decluttering career, I was a Brooklyn resident—I’ve been living here for almost 25 years. I’ve moved around and I know about all the joys and charms—and the challenges—of living here!

Living in Brooklyn comes with its charms—beautiful brownstones, nice views, and vibrant neighborhoods. However, space is often limited, and clutter can pile up quickly. If you're looking for ways to declutter and maximize your space, here are 10 simple yet effective ideas to help you create a more organized and serene living environment.

I truly believe that decluttering your home can change your life—but often people can get overwhelmed knowing where to start. Here are a few ideas for you!

1. Start with a One-Thing-at-a-Time Approach

Decluttering your entire apartment can feel overwhelming, so tackle one “thing” at a time. Focus on one specific area, such as your bedroom or kitchen, before moving on to another. This method helps prevent burnout and gives you a sense of accomplishment with each completed space. If that still feels too “big”—just pick one part of that space. For instance, in your kitchen—say you’re just going to work on decluttering kitchen tools and utensils!

The other option is to choose a specific “category”—like, I’m going to declutter all our winter gear now that spring is on the way soon. Or, I know that I have a lot of clothing in bins that I haven’t worn—I’m going to go through those and donate what I don’t need. Pick a manageable sized project and get it done—and you’ll feel so good!

2. Say Goodbye What You Don’t Need

Be ruthless when deciding what to keep. If you haven’t used something in the last year (or the last five!!), chances are you don’t need it. Go through clothes, books, kitchen items, and decor, and donate or sell anything you no longer use. Remember, less is more when living in a small apartment.

Often, people feel shame or guilt at letting things go—but donate them to a buy nothing group or a donation location and know they will be used by someone who needs it! You don’t need it cluttering up your space—you’ll feel great letting it go!

Brooklyn has plenty of donation centers, thrift stores, and online community groups where you can give away or sell items. Websites like Buy Nothing Brooklyn or local Facebook Marketplace groups make it easy to find new homes for items you no longer need.

3. Use Vertical Space

When floor space is limited, go up! Install floating shelves, wall hooks, or tall bookcases to store and display items without cluttering surfaces. Over-the-door organizers can also help store shoes, accessories, or cleaning supplies.

4. Invest in Multi-Functional Furniture

Small spaces benefit from furniture that serves more than one purpose. Consider a storage ottoman, a bed with built-in drawers, or a fold-out desk. These space-saving solutions help reduce clutter while maximizing functionality.

5. Create a Daily Decluttering Habit

Spending just 10–15 minutes a day tidying up can make a big difference. Return items to their designated places, clear off countertops, and do a quick sweep of cluttered areas. This small habit prevents messes from piling up over time.

I work with clients all over Brooklyn to live better even in the smallest spaces. Decluttering your apartment doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By taking a strategic and mindful approach, you can create a more spacious, functional, and peaceful home. Start small, stay consistent, and enjoy the benefits of a clutter-free lifestyle!

If you are interested in connecting with me about helping you, I’d love to chat! Click HERE to get in touch!