Are you tired of living in a cluttered space? Does the sight of piled-up belongings overwhelm you? It’s time to take control and create a living environment that leaves you feeling zen. In this article, we will explore the top ten decluttering tips to help you transform your home into a tranquil oasis.
1) Create a Decluttering Plan
Decluttering can be a daunting task, but having a plan will make it more manageable. Start by categorizing your belongings into four main groups: toss, keep, donate, and store. Assess each item individually and determine its value and which group it belongs in. It may be tough but really be ruthless when deciding which items no longer serve a purpose in your life. This will help cut down on useless items around your house. Once you have decided on your groups, consider donating gently used items to those in need and storing meaningful items you can’t part with just yet.
2) Declutter One Room at a Time
Don’t overwhelm yourself by tackling the entire house at once, rather focus on one room at a time. When choosing a room to start with, select one that seems like it will be easy to tackle first or a room that will have the greatest impact on your day to day life. You can also break down the decluttering progress into smaller tasks. This way you’ll see progress quicker and stay motivated throughout the project.
3) Break Down Each Room
Now that you’ve selected a room to start with, break it down into different sections. Such as closets, desks, night stands, cabinets, drawers, etc. This will help your decluttering effort be more efficient so you’re not hopping from section to section throughout the room. Once you’ve chosen a section to start with, take out all your items and evaluate each of them with: toss, keep, donate, or store. Don’t move onto the next section until you’ve completed the one you’re working on.
4) Throw Out Items You Don’t Use
The most important rule in decluttering is to get rid of things you don’t use. If you want to feel less cluttered you have to let go of some of your belongings. Don’t just hold onto things for when you “might” need it in the future. A great mind set is, if you haven’t used it in the past year or so, it’s time to part ways. You’ll thank yourself later!
5) Stay Organized with Containers
Using clear containers or storage bins are a great way to organize the belongings you do decide to keep. Use them in closets, drawers, cabinets, or anywhere else that seems to accumulate clutter. This will remind you that your items have a home and will help you avoid future clutter.
6) Use Labels Around Your Home
Maintain organization by using labels on your containers, shelves and cabinets. This helps identify items and their home easily. A label maker will create a clean and unified look throughout your home. Or opt for neatly handwritten labels for a more homey feel. Either will help keep the clutter away and your belongings in their rightful place.
7) Designate a Place for Your Items
Now that you’ve gone through your items and kept what you want, make sure to designate a place for your things so you maintain a clutter free home. Using the containers and bins that we mentioned earlier are a great way to help prevent future clutter. Remind members of your household that things now have a designated place after they’re done using them.
8) Use an App to Stay Organized
There are countless apps available now that can assist you throughout your decluttering and organization journey. Streamline your decluttering process with an app that tracks inventory or one that finds donation pick ups.
9) Clean After You Declutter
So you’re done decluttering and you’re all organized, this is the perfect opportunity to give your space the deep clean it deserves. Consider sweeping, vacuuming, dusting, and wiping down surfaces of your newly decluttered home. This will instantly give you the fresh and clean feeling you’ve worked so hard for!
10) Place Extra Items into Storage
You may be wondering what to do with those items you weren’t ready to part with just yet, whether they’re sentimental or you just don’t have enough room for them. Renting a storage unit will give you the opportunity to keep your belongings without feeling cluttered in your home. We recommend storing with us and we’re happy to assist you in finding the perfect size storage unit for your specific needs! Find Great Deals on Storage at Snapbox Self Storage!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I stay motivated throughout the decluttering process?
A: The decluttering process can definitely be overwhelming, especially if you have a particularly cluttered home but there are ways to stay motivated. Set small achievable goals throughout the process, like, finishing a closet declutter or using storage bins to organize your desk. This can help you feel accomplished and wanting to conquer more tasks. Remember to keep in mind how great it will feel to have a clean and organized living space.
Q: How often should I declutter my home?
A: A good rule of thumb is to declutter once a year but that is totally up to the person. Some areas of your home may become more cluttered than others and require attention more than once a year. Using storage bins and labeling areas can help keep clutter at bay and regular maintenance and organization will help prevent clutter from building up again.
Q: How can I prevent clutter from returning after decluttering?
A: You can prevent future clutter by changing your ways and establishing new habits around organization. The “one in, one out” rule is great to practice throughout your home. This is when you buy something new, one old item needs to make its way out of your home. This creates a less cluttered home by not having so much stuff to begin with.
Q: Should I hire a professional organizer to help with decluttering?
A: Hiring a professional organizer is great option for those that feel truly overwhelmed, don’t have the time to declutter, or lack of motivation. They can help set up an expert system for you to follow so all of your belongings have a place. However, if you prefer a DIY approach, following the tips outlined in this article can also lead to successful decluttering.
Q: What are some tips for decluttering sentimental items?
A: Some tips for decluttering sentimental items are, categorize your sentimental items by significance and keep those that a truly meaningful to you. If you’d like to see your things more often, work them into your home decor and display them throughout your home. If you’re having a hard time parting ways with some of your belongings, a storage unit is a great option for those wanting to hold onto sentimental items for a while longer.
Hopefully these tips will help you jump start your decluttering and organization journey. Remember to have a plan, start small, break down each room, let go of unused items, use containers for organization, designate places for your belongings, label everything, clean up after decluttering, utilize helpful apps, and consider storage options when needed. Starting your journey today will create a clutter free and organized space in your home.
