A cluttered desk is the sign of a cluttered mind. What do you suppose a cluttered home is? There are new storage facilities popping everywhere. Why is that? Because we have a tendency to buy, buy and buy. Once our home is packed to the gills, then we need a storage locker to store our things.
One of my favourite things to do is purge. It sounds odd, but it’s so true. I feel happier, less stressed. it also gives a sense of accomplishment and gives me more space. If you want to learn more on how to declutter your home, check out these 7 tips.
1. Start with one space
This first step sounds easy enough, but it’s crucial. Tackle one room at a time. You’re breaking it down into bite sized chunks. It keeps you focused and it prevents the overwhelm of looking at the entire picture. Not to mention it makes it ten-fold easier.
2. Give yourself a good window of time
Continue the break down into blocks of time. For example, blocking off a 3 hour period, Saturday morning from 9-12 allows you to keep focus and helps you to become more efficient in the process. You will be amazed at what you can accomplish in that time.
3. Have boxes at the ready
Before you start tackling the pre-packing, you need to create 3-4 categories: Keep, Donate, Sell, and Purge. You may want to have some boxes ready in advance. For the items you’re not sure about, why not keep a box to be decided. My personal go-to for boxes is Dymon Storage.
4. Stay guilt-free and focused
Often during the process, comes guilt. Getting rid of items, be it expensive, gifts, heirlooms or made by the kids can tug heavily at the heartstrings.
In this case, I like to channel Marie Kondo by asking a simple question: Does this item spark joy? If yes, keep it. If not, then it has to go. One thing I’ve done in the past and it’s helped me considerably, is to recognize that a particular item is not and does not represent somebody. Whatever you’re doing, be it purging or donating, you are not “throwing away” a particular individual.
5. Take photos for memories
Take pictures. This is a great way to preserve items that you no longer want or need, but still holds sentimental value. It saves space and you still have a visual memory of it. Definitely a win-win.
6. Use attractive organizing products
Baskets, baskets, baskets. Especially nice-looking, wicker, woven or canvas lined ones! These are great for visible areas because they look pretty, but they also quite nicely hide things that are hard to organize, like cords, etc. They look great and keep your home neat and tidy.
7. Establish rules against future clutter
Once you have tackled your whole home, establish some ground rules so that you reduce any future clutter. Here are some suggestions:
-get rid of something for every new item that comes in
-before purchasing something, ask yourself if you really need it
-decline other gifted household items from friends or family unless you this is something you can use it.
Decluttering is a difficult and time-consuming challenge, but there is something immensely satisfying about it. For me it gives a sense of accomplishment, but it also feels like a weight lifted off my shoulders. I’m always happier and it makes it easier to find things because I’m not drowning in junk. There is something very peacefully about living in a clutter-free home.
What’s your favorite (or least favorite) part of decluttering or do you have a tip on how to declutter that you want to share? Tell us in the comments below. Or if your getting ready to list, check out my blog How to Effectively Declutter Your Home Before Staging it.
Until next time,
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