It doesn’t matter whether declutter your home is a New Year’s resolution, or you wanting to clean out your junk, getting rid of the clutter in your home will make your life feel better. There isn’t a wrong way to declutter. But having a plan helps. Below are some steps that will help you in your “decluttering journey”.
The very first thing you do before anything else: get rid of the trash. Old papers, plastic containers, paint cans – trash them.
Step 1: Set your goals
What is your end goal? Your closet, one room, or the whole house? Decide what your goal is before you start. Make a list of all the areas you want to declutter. Sort them from easiest to hardest. Then decide if you’re going to minimize your possessions, reorganize spaces or make a more peaceful, decorative home. What you decide will determine what you do next.
Step 2: Take your decluttering project and break it down into manageable jobs.
Decide how much time you’re going to commit to the project. Do a little each day, or spend a whole weekend. The time you spend depends on what your schedule is like. Maybe start with 15 minutes a day? But stay the course, Don’t do some one day and never again. Keep at it. It might be best if you focus on a closet, or one room at a time. Or you can confront a specific category – like the kitchen cabinets or the toys.
Step 3: Start with the visible areas first.
Start with the things that are in plain sight. Clean those surfaces! When you clear those spaces, you will get immediate satisfaction. This will also encourage you to keep going. Things in plain sight: crowded, cluttered countertops, coffee tables or any surface in your house that collects clutter.
Step 4: Confront the hidden spaces.
Once the visible areas are decluttered, now is the time to get to those ‘hidden’ spaces. This includes the closets, drawers, and under the sink. If these are what you’re working on already, please, continue! These spaces are full of unused and forgotten things.
Step 5: Sort and decide.
When you pick up something, ask yourself if it brings you joy – is it necessary. Use the 5 second rule. When you’re holding something in your hand, you have 5 seconds to remember the last time you used it. If you can’t – it goes.
Step 6: Contain it and get creative.
Sometimes all you have to do to declutter is put your things away in a container. Organization is key to decluttering. Baskets, plastic tubs, even storage boxes to store out of season items are great ways to declutter and organize at the same time. Get creative and find a way to make your storage decorative if you can’t hide it.
Step 7: Eliminate the extras.
It’s a very ‘freeing’ feeling to let go of some of the things that clutter your life. Get rid of clothes that you haven’t worn in a year. Look hard at kitchen gadgets and holiday décor. Again, if you haven’t used it recently, get rid of it.
Some ways to help declutter are:
- Use hangers. Put up wall hangers and shelves. You have walls everywhere. Use them to help declutter your house.
- Minimize yourself. Minimalism doesn’t mean getting rid of everything, just look at things in a different way. Do you really need two sets of dishes? Do you have a drawer of socks? Do you need them all?
- Ask for help. If you can’t do it yourself, ask a friend or family member for help. It can be help with making decisions on what to keep, donate or trash.
The psychological benefits of decluttering will surprise you.
- Reduces stress and anxiety.
- Boosts productivity and focus.
- Enhances decision-making skills.
- Improves your mood and happiness.
- Promotes better sleep.
- Encourages healthier eating habits.
- Encourages mindfulness and present living
- Creates space for new opportunities.
Where do you get rid of your clutter:
- Donate
- Resell them.
- Recycle
- Trash
When you declutter, you’re creating space in your home. You’re also improving your mental health and fostering a more positive lifestyle. You won’t trip over something and hurt yourself and you lower the risk of fire. You’ll have an easier time finding your bills and important papers and this will help with time and money.
Decluttering for the New Year isn’t going to be quick and easy. But it is worth the time and effort you put into it. Start with a good plan and begin your new year with an organized, cleaner house.
