Clutter can make your home feel chaotic and overwhelming. It can be difficult to relax and enjoy your space when there is clutter everywhere. Fortunately, decluttering your home doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With a few simple steps, you can easily reduce clutter and create a more organized and peaceful home. Here are ten easy ways to declutter your home:
Start Small
Don’t try to tackle your entire home at once. Instead, start with one small area, such as a closet or a drawer. This will give you a sense of accomplishment and motivate you to keep going.
Create a Plan
Make a plan for decluttering your home. Decide which areas you want to tackle first and set a timeline for completing each task. This will help you stay on track and make the process less overwhelming.
Sort Items into Categories
When decluttering, sort items into categories such as keep, donate, and toss. This will help you make quick decisions about what to keep and what to get rid of.
Use the One-Year Rule
If you haven’t used an item in a year, it’s likely that you don’t need it. Consider donating or tossing items that you haven’t used in a year.
Get Rid of Duplicates
Do you have multiple items that serve the same purpose? Consider getting rid of duplicates and keeping only one.
Keep Only What You Love or Need
When decluttering, ask yourself if you love or need each item. If the answer is no, consider donating or tossing it.
Use Storage Containers
Invest in storage containers to help keep your home organized. Use containers to store items such as seasonal clothing, sports equipment, and holiday decorations.
Keep Countertops Clear
Clear countertops can make a big difference in reducing clutter in your home. Keep items off countertops when they’re not in use.
Implement a No-Shopping Rule
To prevent clutter from building up, implement a no-shopping rule for non-essential items. This will help you avoid bringing unnecessary items into your home.
Make Decluttering a Habit
Decluttering your home is not a one-time event. Make it a habit to regularly go through your belongings and get rid of items you no longer need or use.
Keep a Donation Box
Keep a box in a convenient location where you can toss items that you no longer need or want. Once the box is full, donate the items to a local charity or thrift store.
Use the Hanger Trick
Turn all of your hangers in your closet backwards. As you wear an item, turn the hanger back around. After a few months, you’ll see which items you haven’t worn and can consider donating or tossing them.
Digitize Your Documents
Get rid of paper clutter by digitizing your documents. Scan important papers and save them to your computer or the cloud. Be sure to securely dispose of sensitive documents.
Set Limits on Collections
If you have a collection of items, set limits on how many you keep. For example, if you collect coffee mugs, decide to keep only a certain number and donate the rest.
Get Rid of Broken Items
Broken items take up valuable space and often go unused. Get rid of broken items that can’t be fixed or aren’t worth the effort.
Practice the 20-Second Rule
If a task takes less than 20 seconds to complete, do it immediately. This can include putting away a dish or hanging up a coat. Small actions can help keep clutter at bay.
Organize Your Mail
Designate a specific area for incoming mail and take a few minutes each day to sort through it. Discard junk mail and file important documents in a designated spot.
Clear Out Your Refrigerator
Clean out your fridge regularly and discard expired or spoiled food. Keep your fridge organized by grouping similar items together.
Use Vertical Space
Utilize vertical space by installing shelves or hanging organizers on walls. This can help free up floor space and make your home feel more organized.
Keep Sentimental Items to a Minimum
While sentimental items can hold special meaning, they can also add clutter to your home. Be selective about which sentimental items you keep and consider displaying them in a meaningful way.
Take Advantage of Storage Furniture
Invest in furniture that can double as storage, such as ottomans or benches with hidden storage compartments. This can be a great way to keep items out of sight while still having easy access to them.
Store Seasonal Items
Store seasonal items such as holiday decorations or winter clothing in labeled containers. This can help keep them organized and make them easier to find when you need them.
Use Drawer Organizers
Drawer organizers can help keep small items, such as jewelry or office supplies, in their place. This can prevent them from getting lost or creating clutter.
Be Ruthless
When decluttering, be ruthless about getting rid of items that no longer serve a purpose. Be honest with yourself about what you really need and use on a regular basis.
Consider Hiring a Professional
If decluttering feels overwhelming or you’re not sure where to start, consider hiring a professional organizer. They can help create a plan, offer guidance, and make the process less daunting.
Create a System for Paperwork
Paperwork can easily pile up and create clutter in your home. Create a system for handling paperwork, such as sorting it into different categories and filing it in designated folders or drawers.
Rotate Your Decor
Switching out decor and accessories can help refresh a space and prevent it from feeling stagnant. Consider rotating decor seasonally or every few months.
Sort Items by Frequency of Use
When organizing your belongings, sort them by frequency of use. Keep items that you use regularly in easily accessible locations and store less frequently used items in harder to reach spots.
Consider the One-In, One-Out Rule
For every new item you bring into your home, consider getting rid of one item. This can help prevent clutter from accumulating over time.
Get Rid of Duplicates
If you have multiple items that serve the same purpose, consider getting rid of duplicates. This can free up space and prevent unnecessary clutter.
Use Labels
Labels can be a helpful way to keep items organized and make them easier to find. Use labels on containers, shelves, and drawers to create a clear system for where things belong.
Store Items Near Where You Use Them
Keep items near the location where you use them. For example, store cooking utensils near the stove or cleaning supplies near the bathroom.
Decluttering your home can be an ongoing process, but by incorporating these additional tips, you can create a more organized and functional space. Remember to take it one step at a time and celebrate your progress along the way.