How To Use Dot Stickers To Declutter Everything In Your Home

Organization expert Barbara Hemphill said it best: "Clutter is nothing more than postponed decisions." And let's be real, clutter piles up fast when we avoid making those decisions. It drains your time, your energy, and even your wallet. Plus, it also stresses you out. Fortunately, there's a low-effort way to cut through the chaos: the dot sticker decluttering hack. All you need is a pack of dot stickers and a little patience. As you move through your home, place a sticker on anything you're on the fence about keeping — that shirt you might wear again, the kitchen gadget you haven't used in months, or the random charger you think you need. Then, set a date on your calendar for three months from now.

Over the next few weeks, if you end up using a stickered item, peel the dot off and keep it. But if that sticker's still there after the deadline, that's your cue to let it go without overthinking or guilt. The sticker made the decision for you. This method takes the pressure off in-the-moment decisions and gives you space to consider what actually deserves a place in your home. Minimal effort, major results — just what we expect from a decluttering hack. If you've ever made a New Year's declutter checklist only to find yourself with even more stuff 12 months later, give this a try. You've got nothing to lose but your clutter.

The dot sticker decluttering hack works because it buys you time. You're not forced to make a final decision on the spot. Instead, you're giving yourself a trial period. But like any method, a few tweaks can make it even more effective. Start with a single room to avoid overwhelm. Decluttering your kitchen or bathroom is perfect for testing the system. These areas often house things you can more easily let go of since there's (usually) no sentimental attachment. Use bright, easily visible dot stickers so you don't forget what you marked. 

The suggested timeline isn't set in stone. Adjust it to suit your lifestyle and the items in question. Seasonal items might need a longer window of six months to a year. For everyday clutter, 30 days could be enough. What matters is sticking to the deadline — when the time's up, the stickered stuff goes. No arguments, no negotiations, and no "what-ifs." To level up the process, jot down what you think you'll use vs. what you're unsure about. Later, compare that with what you actually reached for. It's a great way to spot patterns and cut back on "just in case" thinking. And remember: The dot is just a tool. The real win is recognizing what's useful, meaningful, or just taking up space. The mega win? Applying this knowledge at the store. Skip the clutter in the first place and you won't even need to ask Marie Kondo's well-known question before you start decluttering.