CommunityClean & Tidy UpWhat is the effective way to declutter? in Clean & Tidy Up What is the effective way to declutter? Jo F. I like to work on a small area that I can finish. For example if I'm working on my bookcase, which has 7 shelves. I decide i will clean 2 that way im not overwhelmed and the part I choose to do is complete when my time is up.