Decluttering your home can feel overwhelming, especially if you have lived in the same place for many years. But approaching it one small step at a time makes the process manageable, and the results can have a real impact on your safety, comfort, and peace of mind. This guide walks you through how to get started without stress. 

Summary

The best way to start decluttering your home is to begin with one small area, such as a single drawer or shelf, rather than tackling an entire room at once. Focus on removing items that are creating hazards first, such as clutter on walkways and stairs. Work at your own pace and ask for help when you need it.

Why decluttering matters for older adults 

A cluttered home is not just untidy. It can actually be hazardous. Piles of items on floors and in walkways increase the risk of trips and falls, which are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalisation among older Australians (AIHW, 2024). 

Decluttering also makes your home easier to clean and navigate, reduces the mental load of managing too many possessions and can make daily life feel calmer and more manageable. 

If the thought of decluttering feels emotionally heavy, that is completely understandable. Many of the items in a long-lived home carry memories and meaning. Moving through them takes time, and there is no need to rush. 

 

Where to begin 

Start with safety first 

Before thinking about aesthetics or organisation, focus on anything that poses a safety risk. Walk through your home and look for: 

  • Items left on the floor or in walkways 
  • Loose rugs that could cause a trip 
  • Piles of boxes, bags or clothing on stairs 
  • Furniture positioned in a way that makes moving around difficult 
  • Cords or cables across pathways 

Clearing these areas first makes an immediate difference to your safety and gives you a visible result that can motivate you to keep going. 

For a comprehensive guide to fall prevention throughout your home, how to prevent falls at home covers each room in practical detail.

Choose one small area to start 

Once the immediate hazards are cleared, choose one small, manageable area to tackle first. A single drawer, a bathroom cabinet or one shelf in the wardrobe is enough. Completing a small area gives you a sense of progress and makes the larger task feel less overwhelming. 

Resist the urge to move items from one room to another. The goal is to decide: keep, donate, recycle or discard. 

Set a comfortable pace 

There is no rule about how quickly decluttering should happen. Some people work through a room in a weekend. Others prefer to spend 20 minutes a day over several weeks. Both approaches are valid. 

Working in short sessions reduces physical and emotional fatigue, and gives you time to think carefully about items that carry sentimental value. 

 

How to decide what to keep 

Deciding what to let go of can be the hardest part. A few questions that can help: 

  • Have I used this in the past year? 
  • Does this item serve a purpose in my life now, or does it belong to a chapter that has passed? 
  • Is this item taking up space that could be used more safely or practically? 
  • Would someone else get more use or pleasure from this than I do? 

For sentimental items, consider whether a photograph might preserve the memory without taking up physical space. Some families find it meaningful to pass cherished items on to younger relatives while they can still share the story behind them. 

Getting help with decluttering 

You do not have to do this alone. Asking a trusted family member or friend to help can make the process more enjoyable and less emotionally draining. Having someone with you also provides practical support for lifting, carrying and making trips to a donation centre. 

If mobility or energy is a concern, an occupational therapist can assess your home and help prioritise the changes that will make the biggest difference to your safety and independence. This service may be available through the Support at Home program. 

For broader guidance on maintaining mobility and independence at home, tips for maintaining mobility and independence at home offers practical strategies you can build into everyday life. 

 

What to do with items you no longer need 

Once you have sorted through your belongings, here are some options for items you are letting go of: 

  • Donate to local op shops, charity organisations or community groups 
  • Offer items to family members or friends who might use them 
  • List items on community Facebook groups or platforms like Gumtree 
  • Recycle where possible through your local council’s recycling services 
  • Discard items that are broken, worn out or beyond use 

Your local council can provide information about hard rubbish collection dates and recycling options in your area. 

 

Decluttering as part of a broader home safety plan 

Decluttering is one part of making your home safer and more comfortable as you get older. Once the clutter is cleared, you may find it easier to see what other changes could improve your safety and ease of living. 

For a room-by-room guide to home safety modifications, room by room: how to make your home safer and easier to manage takes the next step from decluttering into practical home safety. 

How government-funded support can help 

If you receive support through the Support at Home program or the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP), domestic assistance and home maintenance services can support you in keeping your home safe and manageable. 

The Support at Home program, which launched on 1 November 2025, can also fund occupational therapy assessments that help identify home safety priorities. Speak with your care coordinator about what is included in your support plan, or contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to find out what you may be eligible for. 

 

When to get help 

If decluttering feels unmanageable on your own, or if physical limitations are making it difficult to work through your home safely, reach out for support. 

An occupational therapist can help you prioritise what needs to change and suggest practical solutions. Your GP can provide a referral. My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 can connect you with home support services in your area. 

Decluttering your home is an act of care for yourself and for the people who share your life. It does not need to happen all at once, and it does not need to be perfect. Starting small, focusing on safety first, and working at a pace that suits you is the right approach. Each small step forward makes your home a safer, more comfortable place to live. 

If you would like to learn more about aged care options, Holdsworth runs free information sessions for older adults and their families in the Eastern Suburbs. Call us on 1300 882 962 or visit holdsworth.org.au to find out when the next session is on. 

Frequently asked questions 

Where should an older adult start when decluttering their home? 

Start with safety first. Clear any items from walkways, stairs and floors that could cause a trip or fall. Then choose one small area, such as a single drawer or shelf, and work through it before moving on. Taking it one step at a time makes the process manageable. 

How do I decide what to keep and what to let go of when decluttering? 

Ask yourself whether you have used the item in the past year, whether it serves a purpose in your life now, and whether someone else might benefit from it more. For sentimental items, a photograph can preserve the memory without taking up physical space. 

Can I get help with decluttering through my aged care support? 

Domestic assistance and home maintenance are services that can be included in a Support at Home care plan. An occupational therapist, which can also be funded through Support at Home, can help identify home safety priorities. Contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to find out what support is available to you. 

What can I do with items I no longer want after decluttering? 

Donate to local op shops or charity organisations, offer items to family or friends, list them on community platforms like Gumtree or check with your local council about hard rubbish collection and recycling options.

To find out what support is available in your area, contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or visit myagedcare.gov.au. You can also call Holdsworth on 1300 882 962.