We all feel overwhelmed at times, especially when the housework and chores pile up faster than we can clean it. For a more peaceful, simpler life decluttering your home can be a big help. It’s an effective way to achieve stress-relief and improve your home’s overall look. Here are some tips on how to get started:
One: Go room-by-room. It’s always best to start small and work through each room of the house, taking your time and making sure nothing is overlooked. Taking it one step at a time will make it easier to focus rather than trying to tackle the entire house at once.
Two: Check what’s no longer needed. Even if you don’t want to get rid of anything, checking what’s relevant and what’s not is an important part of decluttering. This helps to open up more storage and give the room a tidier look.
Three: Find simple storage solutions. Drawers, storage boxes and baskets are a great way to store items that you don’t necessarily use on a daily basis. This keeps them safely out of sight and hasn’t been a hindrance to your daily life.
Four: Get organized. Once you have identified what you want to keep, it’s time to get organized. You can use labeling machines, folders and filing systems for documents, and storage solutions for other items.
Five: Donate, sell or recycle. Whatever it is you decide to get rid of, donating or recycling is a great way to give back while freeing yourself from unnecessary clutter. And if it’s still useful, why not consider selling it?
Six: Put away toys, books and craft supplies. Boxes and bins are great options to store away toys, books and even craft supplies in a safe, designated area. Labeling them is a helpful way to remind your children or family where each item belongs and keep the room free of clutter.
Seven: Set aside time to declutter. It can be tempting to put it off but it’s important that you set some time aside each week to declutter. This will make the smooth running of your house a lot easier as it reduces the time-consuming tasks later.
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Clean Up Unused Closets and Storage Spaces
It can be difficult to keep on top of closets and storage spaces, as we often end up using them to store things we’re not sure what else to do with. As a result, they often become a storage graveyard, filled with items we no longer need or want. To prevent this from happening, go through each closet or storage area once a month and get rid of anything you no longer need or use.
Look Into Downsizing
To further simplify your life, consider downsizing your living space. A smaller home often means less space to store items or do housework, which can help you feel more on top of things. But downsizing can also mean less room for guests or visiting family members and it’s important to weigh up the pros and cons of such a decision.
Control Your Digital Clutter
In the digital world, applications, downloads and random files can easily take up more of your time than you realize. Every week take a few minutes to go through your computer and delete any files or programs you no longer need or use. And take a look through your emails and unsubscribe from any newsletters you’re no longer interested in.
Re-think Your Decoration
It’s easy to get carried away with interior decorations but too much of it can make a space feel over crowded. To prevent this from happening, re-think which items are necessary and which decorations and knick-knacks could be done away with.
Reduce Kitchen Clutter
The kitchen is often one of the most cluttered areas of the home and it’s easy to pack away multiple gadgets and appliances that we hardly ever use. But when your kitchen is full of unnecessary items, it can be difficult to keep things organized and clean. So go through your kitchen cupboards and drawers and donate or recycle any storage containers, gadgets or appliances you no longer use.
Unify Product Spaces
Do you have products scattered throughout the house? From laundry products to cleaning supplies, it’s important to keep similar products together in one space. This can help to prevent the buildup of a certain product and aids the easy finding of the product in case of an emergency.
Let Go of Sentimental Items
For some, it can be difficult to part with sentimental items because of the memories they bring. When clearing out a room, remind yourself that letting go doesn’t mean forgetting the memories but rather it’s a way of freeing up space for something new.
Purge Your Drawers
Sometimes drawers can be the biggest culprits for clutter. Consider purging your drawers by categorizing items such as stationery, gift wrappings and small items such as jewellery or bobby pins. You can also use drawer organizers, boxes and drawers to keep items organised and tidy.
Declutter Your Office Space
If you have an office or workspace in your home, it’s important to ensure it’s decluttered to create an efficient and conducive workspace. Go through your desk drawers, bookshelves, filing cabinets and any other office space and get rid of anything that takes away from the focus and efficiency.
Clean Out Your Wardrobe
Do you have clothes you no longer wear? If so, it’s time to have a clear out of your wardrobe and purge anything you no longer wear or use. This will also make it easier to look for clothes when you need them.
Give Away Unused Electronics
Do you own electronics that you no longer use? From laptops to TV’s and tablets, these items can take up a lot of space in a home. Consider donating any that are still in working condition or recycling them at a local store or recycling centre.
Rethink Your Furniture
Furniture can take up a lot of space in a house and depending on the type of furniture you own, it can also look and feel crowded. Consider getting rid of large furniture, such as sofas and beds, and replacing them for smaller, more practical pieces.
Do a Regular Clean Up
Don’t forget to take the time to do regular clean ups to prevent clutter from building up. Set aside some time, at least once a week, to do a thorough clean and sweep up any dust or mess, as well as rearrange items to make rooms feel more organized. This will help make your house more manageable and preserve your mental peace.