Home renovation projects are becoming more popular across Anderson, SC. Whether it’s upgrading kitchens, remodeling bathrooms, or refreshing entire homes, homeowners are making changes that better match their lifestyles. But before a single tool is picked up or a wall is marked for demolition, there’s an important first step: decluttering.
Taking the time to declutter makes remodeling simpler and less chaotic. It opens up space for workers to move around, protects your belongings from dust or damage, and can even speed up the entire process. For many, this part of the prep work feels overwhelming, but with a little planning, it doesn’t have to be.
Whether you’re downsizing, upgrading, or just reorganizing your space, a thoughtful decluttering plan helps everything else fall into place.
Clear One Room at a Time
It’s natural for you to want everything out of the way quickly, but trying to declutter your whole house in one go often leads to burnout. Instead, choose one room and focus on that space until it’s done. If possible, begin with a room that won’t be directly affected by the remodel. This gives you a chance to build momentum without stepping around tools or tarps.
As you go through each room, separate your items into four basic groups: keep, donate, toss, and store. Keep what you need regularly, donate what’s in good shape but no longer useful, toss anything broken, and store what’s valuable but not currently needed.
Larger furniture, seasonal items, and extra household goods often fall into that last group. These items take up space but aren’t things you use every day. Having a place to store them off-site can help you keep your home clean and safe during the remodel.
When it comes to storage Anderson has many facilities that offer short-term and long-term options in various sizes. These units make it easy to move things out of your way without having to say goodbye to them. With local access, you can get to your items when needed but keep them secure while your home is under construction.
Once the first room is done, move on to the next. You’ll likely find that the process gets quicker each time. Focusing on one space at a time keeps you from feeling overwhelmed and gives you visible progress along the way.
Decluttering also makes it easier to take stock of what you own. You might discover things you forgot you had, or realize there are items you no longer want in your newly remodeled home. Either way, it helps you start the next phase with a clean slate.
Use the Remodel Plans to Guide What You Keep
Once you’ve cleared the first few rooms, it’s time to think about your remodel goals. Having a clear vision of the changes you’re making can help you decide what stays and what goes. If your plans include opening up a room or changing its purpose, some of your current furniture may no longer fit—either in size or in function.
Look over the layout or design mockups from your contractor or designer. Will you be adding built-in shelves, cabinetry, or a kitchen island? If so, that’s one less need for large shelving units or standalone pieces. This is your chance to let go of items that served you in the past but don’t match the direction you’re heading.
It’s also a good time to sort through decor, old electronics, and extra kitchen tools. As you prep your space for something new, make room for things that support your goals. If you’re creating a more open, airy look, start now by removing anything that feels bulky or outdated. If the remodel is focused on better organization, think about what’s truly useful before deciding what to keep.
Don’t Forget Hidden Clutter
Most people focus on what they see, but a lot of clutter hides behind closed doors. Basements, closets, cabinets, and drawers can be packed with items that haven’t been used in years. While these areas might not seem urgent, remodeling tends to stir up dust and movement throughout the home, even in rooms not under construction.
Taking the time to clear out these hidden areas now will make the entire process smoother. Start small, do it one closet or cabinet at a time. Pull everything out and group items like you did before: keep, donate, toss, or store. Be honest about how often you use each thing. Items that haven’t been touched in a long time can often be let go of.
You might also find belongings that are worth saving but have no place in your home during construction. These could include seasonal decorations, rarely used kitchen gadgets, or family keepsakes. Having already designated space off-site makes it easier to keep these items safe without adding to household clutter.
Set Up a Temporary System for Daily Life
As remodeling begins, your usual routine may get interrupted. Your kitchen might be off-limits, your bathroom may be under construction, or your living space could shrink. To keep stress low, create a small area where your day-to-day items stay organized and easy to access.
Use labeled bins or rolling carts to hold essentials like snacks, toiletries, and daily clothing. Choose a space that’s away from the work zone but still easy to reach. If you’re working from home or managing kids during the remodel, having this system in place keeps things from getting chaotic.
You don’t need a fancy setup; you just need something that helps you stay functional during the changes. As the remodel progresses, you can shift or update this system as needed.
Decluttering before a remodel helps you prepare both your home and your mind for the changes ahead. It clears out distractions, makes space for new ideas, and allows your home to grow with your lifestyle. By taking it one step at a time and using local tools and resources, you’ll feel more ready for what’s next—and your finished space will feel even better because of the work you did upfront.
