Maximalism is a delicate art. Filling your home with fun trinkets, layering bold patterns, and curating unique collections is one thing, but being able to declutter well when you're a maximalist is another.
A little clutter control goes a long way in preserving your home's overall function and clear outs can be done without sacrificing your style or personality.
Here, our professional home organizers and a die-hard maximalist have shared their eight brilliant decluttering tips that won't interfere with your aesthetic.
How to declutter as a maximalist without impacting the magic of your home
When decluttering and organizing with maximalism in mind, Cara Palmer, professional home organizer and owner of Organize Every Room says, ‘The goal isn't to strip away personality but to choreograph it thoughtfully. When maximalist spaces are organized intentionally, they tell a richer story than when they're simply accumulated.’
Whether you want to simplify your daily routine or have spotted a few signs you have taken maximalism too far, these expert tricks are for you.
1. Distinguish between intention and accumulation pieces
The first rule of decorating with maximalism is curating the items you have on display, rather than keeping everything. It is what separates maximalism from hoarding.
To do this, Cara Palmer shares, ‘First, I guide maximalist clients to identify their 'intention pieces' versus 'accumulation pieces.' Intention pieces are deliberately chosen items that contribute to the rich, layered aesthetic – perhaps that vintage globe collection or those boldly patterned throw pillows. Accumulation pieces are items that have simply accumulated over time without adding to the intended visual story.
‘Clients maintain their maximalist style while reducing overwhelm by focusing on thoughtfully displaying intention pieces and editing out accumulation pieces.’
There are several things you can do with the items you are decluttering that will ensure they move on to caring homes. This will help make decluttering items you love but have no place for a little less daunting.
2. Try the gallery approach
One of the best ways to work out what you want to keep and display collections without clutter is to use the ‘gallery approach’, suggests Cara Palmer.
She continues, ‘Just as art galleries rotate exhibitions while maintaining their distinctive character, maximalists can create seasonal rotation systems for their collections. This allows them to enjoy all their pieces while preventing spaces from becoming overwhelming. One client with an extensive vintage camera collection transformed her cluttered shelves into an evolving display by rotating pieces quarterly, keeping her space dynamic while maintaining breathing room.’
Originally made for nurseries, these scalloped edge bookshelves make a fun alternative for displaying collections.
With six shelves, there is plenty of space to keep trinkets on display without them looking cluttered together.
22"x15"x13"
Sometimes it is better to have some storage blend into be background to avoid too much visual clutter. Beautiful storage baskets are a great way to manage this.
3. Use the best and favorite rule
If you need to be more ruthless when decluttering, but still want to maintain your collections, Angela Aitken, professional organizer at Finding Function Home Organizing suggests asking yourself, if you could only keep the best version of this item, which one would it be? The idea is to only display your favorite pieces rather than all pieces.’
If you are still struggling to work out which items you want to display most, consider using a vision board to help you declutter. This can help to visualize the space and stick to the maximalist aesthetic, avoiding clutter traps and messy shelving.
This book redefines minimalism, showing how a maximalist can streamline their life without giving up the things that bring joy.
4. Incorporate storage into the aesthetic
A great way to keep the focus on your collections, rather than everyday clutter, is to hide clutter in plain sight, strategically picking your storage ideas to blend into the maximalist aesthetic.
Cara Palmer says, ‘Maximalists often struggle with storage solutions that feel too minimal or sterile. The solution is to turn storage itself into part of the aesthetic. Use decorative boxes, vintage suitcases, or antique cabinets to store overflow items. This way, even your storage solutions contribute to the maximalist look while keeping non-display items organized and protected. One of my clients uses a collection of ornate Chinese trunks to store seasonal decor – they're both functional and fabulous.’
Make use of every nook and cranny with these corner wall mounted shelves for displaying collections where they will not be knocked over.
This vintage style storage trunk is a great way to keep some of your off-season collections hidden without succumbing to the need for boring plastic containers.
Two size options
Baskets don't have to be boring. This scalloped edge storage basket is make with Forest Stewardship certified paper rope with scalloped edges for a more interesting cubby for clutter.
5. Use the one-in, one-out rule
To avoid creating clutter in a maximalist space, incorporate the one-in, one-out rule suggests Angela Aitken.
She says, ‘When something new comes in, something of equal size or category goes out. This helps maintain balance without forcing a drastic cutback.’ It is the best way to avoid decluttering when you feel overwhelmed.
6. Channel your inner Marie Kondo
The ‘sparking joy’ rule doesn't just apply to minimalists. There are some great Marie Kondo tips for people nervous about decluttering that can really help maximalists shine.
Timur Tugberk, maximalist and chief imagineer at Designing the District says, ‘Sometimes maximalism can be borderline clutter or hoarder vibes if not managed correctly. If something no longer provokes joy, whimsy, or purpose, upcycle her to a deserving home. Most people love maximalist elements, and there is always someone looking to continue the story of something you've loved forever or for a short time.’
This New York Times bestselling book packs so much information into a mere 200 pages, in a readable and digestible structure that's accessible to all.
7. Set realistic goals
To set yourself up for a successful decluttering session as a maximalist, you need to set realistic goals, urges Angela Aitken.
She explains, ‘Start by working out what is most important to you. Do you want more space, easier cleaning, or better functionality? Then, focus on improving flow rather than eliminating items. You can use room by room decluttering or category by category approach to keep from feeling overwhelmed.'
8. Tell a story
Timur says, ‘To be a true maximalist, the piece, item, or decor element typically tells a story. Remember that if it provokes joy and memory, it is within your non-cluttered maximalist space. You have to love what you have and care deeply enough about it to exhibit it.’
When deciding what to declutter, ask yourself what the piece adds to the space, and what it contributes to your collection. If you cannot think of an answer quickly, it is a good contender for donating or selling.
Meet the experts
Cara is a seasoned home organization expert and decluttering specialist, having worked with clients for over a decade to transform their lives through strategic organization. She believes in blending style with practicality to create homes where people can truly thrive.
Angela is a member of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing, where she has gained qualifications in residential organizing. She has also taken several psychology courses, helping her to connect with neurodivergent clients to create lasting systems that really work for their lifestyles.
Interior designer turned PR, Timur Tugberk is a well-known maximalist in Miami, FL. He believes that Maximalism is 'life curation through the acquisition of whimsy.' With over 20 years of experience in the design industry, he has mastered the art of the practical maximalist space.
FAQs
How to be tidy as a maximalist?
Staying tidy as a maximalist comes from using smart display options, limiting your collections to shelving and surfaces that do not get in the way of your daily routine. You do not want your whole teapot collection to live on your kitchen counters, for example, or your vacation mementos scattered across your dressers and nightstands.
Remember that you can bring in maximalist patterns and silhouettes through your furniture and the colors you use in your home, too, helping to carry the aesthetic through functional spaces without it getting in the way.
What is the golden rule for decluttering with lots of stuff?
If you have lots of stuff and need to cut back, the first rule should be to start small and work bit by bit. This approach will stop you from feeling overwhelmed or burning out too quickly, mitigating the urge to give up early. Taking regular breaks and working with a friend or 'body doubling' will make the whole process seem a lot more manageable.
Several fun decluttering methods can make the task as a maximalist more manageable, such as the dopamine decluttering method, which helps break big tasks down into smaller chunks for constant dopamine release, or the snowball decluttering method which helps you build momentum as you see more progress – it's a great way to get motivated to declutter.
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