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Wonder where to start decluttering your home? The new year is always a time when we want to get a fresh start and can use some decluttering tips and organization help to get the ball rolling.
It is common for our houses to be taken over by clutter within no time at all! Can you relate to the piles of magazines, shoes, clothes, projects, or junk mail here, there, and everywhere?
If you look around your home and become anxious or downright stressed when you see all there is to put away or organize, it’s time to de-clutter. As we know a cluttered home is a stress-filled home.
Don’t Get Overwhelmed
Many times people get to a certain point and feel there is just too much to tackle and they give up completely, but you don’t have to throw in the towel just yet. Besides, that towel has a place and it isn’t on the floor!
The process of decluttering your home may seem a bit overwhelming to you, especially if the clutter has been allowed to pile up over several weeks, months, or even longer, but it doesn’t have to be a monumental task.
Start Small
The best way to tackle clutter is to do it in small increments. Begin with a closet, drawer, or counter, and then move to a room in the house. Start small! Ask a friend or family member for help during this process if it helps you keep your momentum.
Besides, that other person will have an objective perspective and may help you make better decisions.
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How to Start Decluttering
Prepare to declutter your home by gathering a few bags or boxes. You’ll have three categories:
Give, Keep, or Sell
Right now it seems you don’t have room for everything, but once you decide on what you’re keeping, you’ll have a better idea of how it fits into your plan of organization for each space.
Choose a small space that has been bothering you for a while and start there.
Keep in mind the following questions to ask yourself when decluttering
- How does this item make you feel? Are there negative feelings associated with this item? (If so, give it away!)
- Does this fit? Do I wear it regularly?
- Do I LOVE it?
- Does this item make my life simpler or more difficult?
More than likely, you’ll find forgotten treasures you can use to create entirely new displays in your home. Storage options will present themselves naturally as you put things in the “Give” container.
As soon as you get through a space, load all of the items for charity into your vehicle. If possible, take them right away! If you plan to sell some items at a consignment shop, on eBay, or on Craig’s List, set a time frame for listing them.
How to Keep Clutter Under Control
- Open mail over the trash can. Pitch junk mail immediately. File statements right away. Bills go to a designated place to pay later.
- One area of the home should stay clutter-free always – a counter, room, or drawer at the very least. Just try keeping one place clean at a time.
- Purge regularly!
- Take 15 minutes a day and de-clutter a corner, a counter, or the office desk. You will be surprised at the progress you can make.
- Everything needs a home and has to fit somewhere or it needs to go to charity.
- Try the Buy one – Give one method. If you purchase something new, plan to give something away.
- As soon as you come through the door, have a place designated for coats, shoes, backpacks, briefcases, outwear, purses, and the like.
We need to accept the reality that clutter is going to happen. We all have clutter so never feel alone in this. Given our busy and hectic lives, clutter is often the end result. The good news is that you can stay ahead of it if your purpose is to organize your home and simplify your life. First when you start decluttering each area of your home and then by maintaining it regularly.
How do you keep clutter under control? Do you have any tips you can share with us?