Clutter can be overwhelming and stressful, making it difficult to relax and enjoy your home. Having stuff and the need to keep buying things are powerful driving forces in our daily lives. Self worth should not come from the stuff we own, nor should material things take precedent in how we live and play. Having the freedom to live without over consumption is a motivation that many should strive for. However, decluttering every room in the house can seem like a daunting task that has no end in sight.
To help you get started, we’ve put together this list of declutter tips, so you can tackle each room one at a time and create your clutter-free oasis today.
Start with a plan
Before diving into decluttering, make a plan that works for you and your family members. Decide which rooms need the most attention and how much time you can dedicate to each space. Write down your goals and set a timeline to keep yourself accountable. Yes, a timeline for starting and ending is important – set goals!
Focus on one room at a time
It’s important to focus on one room at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Start with the room that needs the most attention or the one that will give you the greatest sense of accomplishment when it’s finished.
Sort items into piles
As you begin to declutter, sort items into piles: keep, donate, sell, and throw away. Be honest with yourself about what you really need and use. If you haven’t used an item in the last year, it’s time to let it go. Say ‘thanks’ to your stuff, and don’t hesitate about getting rid of it or give it away to someone you know will make good use of it. Find Facebook groups where you can give your stuff away for free, or donate to charities like the Salvation Army, you’ll easily find one in your neighbourhood. When you are ready to live more free and let things go, you cannot imagine the “load” that will be removed from your life.
Get rid of duplicates
We often accumulate duplicates of items without realizing it. Go through your possessions and keep only one of each item. This will save space and reduce unnecessary clutter. Many people keep buying the same items because they forget where they put them, forgot they have them, or even as the saying goes, “I need spares” … but the truth is, keep essentials that you really use every day will free up your life for other things. Keep that in mind!
Organize as you go
As you declutter, take the opportunity to organize the remaining items. Use storage containers, shelves, and baskets to keep everything in its place. This will help prevent future clutter from accumulating. The magic is in labelling, labelling and labelling. You’re not going to remember everything you’ve sorted, so a simple note or label will take the stress out of having to sort or organise the items again.
Don’t forget about hidden spaces
Clutter can accumulate in hidden spaces such as closets, drawers, and cabinets. Take the time to declutter these spaces as well to create a truly clutter-free home. If you have the space, designate areas of the home according to function. For example, your home office area will only have cabinets and drawers that are work related, or things that help you with personal finance, your business and schedules. If you have a cozy reading corner or a meditation space, obviously, keeping these areas free of clutter is very important for it to serve the purpose it was meant for in your home.
Maintain your progress
Decluttering is an ongoing process. To maintain your progress, make a habit of regularly going through your possessions and getting rid of anything you no longer need or use.
Decluttering every room in the house can seem like a daunting task, but with a plan and some determination, it’s possible to create a clutter-free home. Remember to focus on one room at a time, sort items into piles, and organize as you go. With these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy a more peaceful and organized living space.
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