Are you feeling overwhelmed by the amount of stuff in your house?
You’re not alone. Millions of people feel bogged down by their belongings, and it’s only getting worse. The average UK home has 42 unused items in it. That’s a lot to deal with.
But there is hope! Decluttering can be fun and rewarding, and it doesn’t have to take forever. These nine of the best decluttering tips will help you get started on your journey to a clutter-free home.
1. Determine Your Goal
First things first, you need to decide why you’re decluttering.
Are you trying to achieve a minimalist lifestyle? Do you want to be able to find things more easily? Are you tired of trip hazards everywhere?
Knowing your goal will help determine how much needs to go away. If you’re aiming for minimalism, then obviously, you want extreme decluttering. But if you just want to get rid of the clutter, you can be more selective about what stays and what goes.
Take some time to think about your goal before moving on to the next step. It will make it easier to determine what should go and stay.
2. Set a Timeline
Now that you know your goal, it’s time to set a timeline.
How much time do you want (or need) to dedicate to this project? Will it take a weekend? A month? More than that?
Knowing how long the process will take will help keep you motivated and on track. It can also help with decision-making.
Some factors that can influence the timeline needed to declutter thoroughly are:
- The amount of stuff you have
- The level of organization you’re aiming for
- How much time you can realistically dedicate to the project
- The size of the space you’re working with
- The type of clutter
- Any special considerations (pets, children, allergies, etc.)
Set some realistic goals and stick to them. You’ll be surprised at how quickly the decluttering process goes when you’re focused.
3. Start Small
Don’t try to tackle the entire house at once. It’s overwhelming, and you’ll likely get frustrated.
Start with one small area, like a drawer or a closet. Once that’s done, move on to another space. This will help keep you motivated and make the process feel more manageable.
You can also start by decluttering specific categories of items, like clothing, kitchenware, or books. That way, you’re not facing an insurmountable task right from the beginning.
Break down the project into smaller goals, and it will be less daunting overall.
4. Gather Supplies
Before you start decluttering, gather the supplies you’ll need.
Essential supplies include boxes or bags to store things in, garbage cans or recycling bins, labels for your containers, and anything else you might need.
It’s helpful to have everything ready to go so that you don’t have to stop in the middle of the process to run out and get something.
Make sure you have enough space to store everything once it’s been decluttered. If you don’t have enough room, consider getting some storage containers or renting a storage unit.
5. Make Three Piles
As you’re decluttering, put things into three piles: keep, donate, and trash.
These categories will make it easy to decide what to do with everything. You can also add a fourth pile for items that need to be returned or repaired.
Once you’ve gone through everything, it’s time to deal with the piles.
Start with the trash pile. Throw away anything that is broken or damaged beyond repair. If you haven’t used something in over a year, chances are you don’t need it.
Donate any gently used items that are still in good condition. And finally, keep only the things that you love and use regularly.
6. Create a System
Once you’ve decluttered, create a system for keeping things organized.
This might mean installing shelves or racks in your closets, creating a file system for paperwork, or finding a home for everything in your kitchen.
If you have children, help them develop their own organizational skills by giving them age-appropriate tasks like putting away their toys or clothes.
A sound system will make it easier to keep things tidy and reduce the chances of clutter building up again.
The key is to be consistent with whatever system you choose. Follow the same rules every day, and eventually, they’ll become second nature.
7. Try Loft Boarding
Loft boarding is a great way to declutter your home and create extra storage space. It involves installing sturdy boards across the floor of your loft, which can then be used to store boxes, clothes, or other household items.
If you’re not sure if loft boarding is the right solution for you, visit Instaloft.co.uk for more information about this easy way to declutter your home.
8. Get Help from a Professional
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the decluttering process, get help from a professional.
Some companies specialize in decluttering and organizing homes. They can help you develop a plan and give you easy decluttering tips on how to keep your home clutter-free.
Hiring a professional is a great way to get the job done quickly and efficiently. It’s also worth it if you need some extra declutter motivation tips or support.
9. Don’t Focus on Sunk Costs
Finally, it’s essential to focus on the present when you’re decluttering.
Don’t hold onto things because you paid a lot of money for them or because they have sentimental value. If you don’t love or use something, get rid of it.
It can be challenging to let go of things, but remember that holding onto clutter costs you time, energy, and space.
The sooner you let go of those items, the better off you’ll be.
The Best Decluttering Tips for You
When it comes to decluttering your home, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. What works for one person might not work for another. The important thing is to find what works for you and stick with it.
With the best decluttering tips, you’ll be on your way to a clutter-free home in no time.
Keep reading our articles for more exciting information.
