How to Declutter Your Home
- by Kirk Hickle
Cluttered homes can feel overwhelming and unproductive. But, with a little planning and organization, decluttering your home can be less stressful than you think!
Get Organized
Everyone has a little bit of clutter lying around the house, but too much can be overwhelming. A cluttered home can increase your stress levels, and it can be difficult to focus on work or relax at home when your space is full of trash, broken items, and other junk. Fortunately, you can get rid of the clutter in your home by starting small and taking one room at a time. Here are a few decluttering tips and tricks to help you get started.
A common mistake people make when trying to declutter their homes is going in without a plan. This can lead to frustration and overwhelm, so it’s important to set a realistic vision for what you want your home to look like after you’ve decluttered it. It may be helpful to write down your goals in a journal or on your computer so you can easily refer to them when you begin the task.
In addition, Abundant Life With Less suggests setting specific decluttering timelines to keep yourself on track. Set a goal for how long you want to take to complete the project, and then set a specific schedule for each individual area that needs organizing. This will keep you from procrastinating and allows you to see your progress.
Another decluttering tip is to start by tackling the trash. Having a clean, uncluttered space will give you the motivation to continue with your decluttering efforts. This can include donating or throwing away clothes that you haven’t worn in a year, unneeded kitchen items from the pantry, and empty containers from the bathroom.
Once you’ve thrown out all the clutter that you don’t need, it’s time to organize the items that remain. It’s essential to have a designated place for everything so that you’re not constantly searching for something. Try implementing the one-in, one-out rule in your home by making sure that every item you bring into the home has a spot to go when you’re done with it.
Rapidly accumulating clutter can swiftly transform your living space or property into a chaotic mess. It's easy to overlook, but once you notice the encroaching junk, it's time to confront the disorder and regain control before it spirals further out of hand. At Junk Removal Buford Ga, we step in to aid you in this endeavor. You should also consider making a habit of cleaning out the clutter and organizing your home daily, weekly, or monthly to prevent it from building up again. If you’re not disciplined enough to do this, don’t worry, it’s normal for a home to build up over time.
Declutter One Room at a Time
Organizing experts say that tackling clutter room by room is the best way to approach decluttering. This allows you to focus on a single space at a time so it doesn't feel overwhelming or like a never-ending project. It also gives you a sense of accomplishment each time you complete a room, which will encourage you to keep up the good work.
Before you start decluttering a room, set a clear goal for what you want to achieve from the space. This will help you determine what items to keep, donate or sell, and it can serve as a guiding force as you begin to sift through your stuff. It may also make it easier to maintain a clean space once you've finished decluttering.
When you're ready to get started, grab a garbage bag and a box for trash, another one for donations, and another one for things that you need to relocate. This will ensure that your hard work doesn't end up in the landfill, and it will save you from having to go back through the relocate pile later on. Also, keep a box for any items you wish to sell, and be sure that everything in the room has a home. This will prevent you from buying more stuff to fill the empty space.
Decluttering can be emotionally taxing, so it's important to be patient with yourself. Try listening to music or a podcast to distract you from your thoughts, and use timers to set goals for yourself to complete each task. It's also helpful to enlist the help of a friend or family member. Not only will this give you someone to talk to while you sort through your stuff, but they can be a support system when you need it.
No matter how much you declutter, it's impossible to completely eliminate all of the clutter in your home. Even if you have a strict one-in, one-out policy, there will always be a few drop zones and closets that collect old clothes, broken items and all manner of papers. The key is to learn how to manage these spaces, and this can be achieved by setting up organizational systems for your belongings and practicing daily/weekly/monthly/seasonal maintenance routines.
Donate or Sell
Decluttering can feel like a Sisyphean task, especially when you find yourself with piles of items on your bed or in the hallway. But a major part of decluttering is getting rid of the stuff you no longer need, and you can do this either by selling or donating.
The advantage of donating items is that they’ll go to someone who can use them, which can be a great feeling. Plus, if you itemize a donation list of what you’re giving away, you can usually claim the fair market value of those items on your taxes.
On the other hand, selling items can take a lot of time, and it can be difficult to decide how much to charge for something you’re no longer using. Plus, you have to remember that your items are only worth what someone else is willing to pay for them.
If you’re going the selling route, try to save your most sentimental items for last. This will give you a chance to think about what’s really important to you, and it can make it easier to get rid of items that you might not have been ready to let go before.
Once you’ve sorted through your things to keep, it’s time to start organizing them. One of the best ways to do this is by using storage containers and bins, so you can see what’s in each container at a glance. Also, try to follow a one-in, one-out rule when buying new items. This will help prevent clutter from building up again!
Another thing to consider is that you might not be able to sell all of the items you’re decluttering. That’s okay! The main point is to get rid of the clutter so you can start living your life again.
If you’re not sure how to go about deciding what to keep and what to get rid of, try asking for help! Find a friend who will be honest with you about what should stay and what should go, and have them come over to your home. This can be a great way to motivate each other and help you stick with the process.
Make a Plan
Getting organized doesn’t just happen. It’s a process that requires planning, and the best plan starts with figuring out what you need to accomplish your goal. Creating an organizing system is key to keeping your home clutter-free, and it should be tailored to your specific lifestyle. For instance, if your shoes are constantly scattered around the house, get a box or bin to store them right near the front door, so you’ll see it every time you walk in. Similarly, if your papers are a disaster area, create a system that puts a stop to the problem – like a one-touch rule or an “inside the box” method.
Once you’ve figured out the goal of your decluttering plan, break it down into manageable sections and assign them to different days. Trying to do too much at once will lead to frustration, so set realistic expectations for yourself. Then, stick to it!
Start with a small space, like a junk drawer or the silverware cabinet. It will help you feel accomplished quickly, which will motivate you to keep going. Then, as you complete each area of your home, you’ll be able to see real progress in your clutter reduction efforts.
If you’re feeling ambitious, try taking before and after photos to document your progress. Then, display your photos somewhere in your home so you’ll be reminded of the impact of a clean and organized home.
Another way to stay motivated is to reward yourself for your successes. It doesn’t have to be anything huge, but just a little something to let you know that you are working toward your goal of a clutter-free home. For example, you could treat yourself to a new coffee mug or set of dish towels – items that will add to the aesthetic of your newly organized space.
Remember, a well-planned and executed decluttering plan is the best way to create a functional, beautiful home. So don’t be afraid to try out a few different methods and find the perfect fit for your family! You’ll be glad you did.
Cluttered homes can feel overwhelming and unproductive. But, with a little planning and organization, decluttering your home can be less stressful than you think! Get Organized Everyone has a little bit of clutter lying around the house, but too much can be overwhelming. A cluttered home can increase your stress levels, and it can be…
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