Do you ever feel like clutter is taking over your life? It’s actually one of the most destructive things affecting us on a daily basis. Clutter not only impacts our own stress levels and ability to focus, but it also has a negative impact on the environment worldwide.
But the good news is that you can take control of the clutter in your life! By first eliminating the clutter you already have and then developing habits to help you stay organized and clutter-free.
So don’t stress – there are many ways to tackle the clutter and start enjoying your life without the burden of having too much stuff.
“The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary
so that the necessary may speak.”
– Hans Hofmann –
1. Assess Your Stuff
If you’re working on decluttering your home, the very first step is to take a good look at all your stuff. There are a few different ways you can do this, depending on your personality and what works best for you.
One popular method, made famous by Marie Kondo’s book “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up,” is to go into each room and dump everything out into a pile. This can be a great way to get a clear view of all the things you have and decide what to keep and what to get rid of.
But if that approach feels a bit too overwhelming, there are other ways you can tackle the clutter.
For example, you might try clearing out one area, closet or drawer at a time. So today you could focus on your dresser in the master bedroom, and tomorrow you could move on to the closet. This way, you can gradually work your way through your belongings and decide what is worthy to stay in your space and what you can let go of.
Making a decluttering plan is a great way to stay focused on your goal of a neat and tidy home – you can read more about how to craft a decluttering plan HERE.
2. Trash, Sell, Give Away, Keep
When you’re decluttering your home, it’s important to have a system in place to help you decide what to do with each item. One common approach is to use four boxes or bags labeled as trash, sell, give away, or keep. This way, as you go through your belongings, you can quickly and easily sort them into the appropriate category.
The great thing about this method is that you don’t have to worry about folding, cleaning, or organizing anything just yet. Right now, your main goal is simply to get a handle on what you have, what you want to keep and what to let go of.
It’s important to remember that decluttering isn’t just about creating a tidier home – it’s about taking a closer look at your relationship with stuff and figuring out what truly matters to you. By getting rid of the clutter that’s weighing you down, you can make space for the things that truly bring you joy.
Don’t be afraid to get real with yourself and your situation – it’s the first step toward a more organized and fulfilling life!
3. Organize the Stuff You’ll Keep
Once you’ve sorted through your things and have a box of items you want to keep, it’s time to start organizing them. One great technique is the packet method of folding. This means folding your clothes into neat, compact packets which makes it easier to see your items in a drawer and keeps them from falling apart when you’re searching for something.
It’s also helpful to use dividers, small boxes, or other tools to keep things organized.
For example, a flatware divider can keep your kitchen utensils in order, while a jewelry box with different compartments can keep your necklaces, earrings, and bracelets separate and easy to find. Similarly, a shoe rack can tidy up your footwear collection, and a tie rack can hold your ties or scarves in one place.
Before you rush out to buy any new organizational tools, it’s important to have a clear idea of what you need and how you’ll use it. After all, the goal is to simplify your life, not add more clutter!
4. Create Sanctuary Spaces
As you work your way through each room in your home, take note of things that would make it more comfortable and easier to keep organized. When your home looks and feels nice, you’ll be more motivated to keep it that way.
Let’s start with your bedroom. Imagine what your dream bedroom would look like. What kind of bed would you choose? What type of bedding would make you feel cozy and relaxed? Would you like to have a comfortable chair and a reading nook?
Take some time to think about each space in your home and how you’d like to use it.
Whether it’s adding a cozy rug to your living room, organizing your kitchen cabinets, or finally investing in that comfortable sofa, having a clear vision can help you stay motivated and make your home a place you truly love.
By envisioning your ideal home, you can create a clear goal to work towards.
5. Put Stuff Away When You’re Done
You’ve heard it before, but it’s so true – putting things away as soon as you’re finished with them can make a huge difference in keeping your space organized. The key is to make sure everything has a designated home. From your nail file to your underwear, everything you own should have a place to be.
It’s also important to think about where you’re putting things. For example, in the kitchen, if you enjoy coffee or other hot beverages, consider setting up a designated coffee or beverage area. This way, everything you need is easily accessible and neatly organized in one spot.
By creating designated homes for your belongings and organizing them in a way that makes sense for your daily routines, you’ll be much more likely to keep your space tidy and clutter-free.
6. Use Junk Baskets
Clutter is a sneaky thing. It can pile up without you even realizing it, especially when you’re busy. But there are ways to keep the clutter at bay. One is to avoid bringing in more clutter, and the other is to find a system for dealing with the daily clutter.
A handy solution is to use color-coded junk baskets for each room and family member.
Here’s how it works: if you spot something that doesn’t belong in a room, toss it into the appropriate basket. Everyone in the house should be aware of the system and check their basket frequently for misplaced items.
If you have a two-story home, you might want to consider getting two sets of baskets. Keep them in a convenient spot, like the entryway or laundry room. This way, you can quickly toss the stray items into their proper baskets, keeping the clutter under control.
Junk baskets will help keep the day-to-day clutter at bay.
7. Create Some Buying Rules
You may have thought that being an adult means no more rules, but setting standards for yourself can actually be really helpful when it comes to clutter.
Here’s a rule you can try out: for every one thing you bring in, you must remove one thing from your home. It’s a simple and effective way to keep your space clutter-free.
You could even add some other rules, like you will only keep clothing that you actually wear regularly or you won’t buy any items just because they’re on sale. That way, you can prevent clutter from building up. Plus, you can feel good about making more thoughtful and sustainable purchasing decisions.
Buying Rules are essential for a clean, clutter-free home!
8. Get Help from a Professional
Organizing and decluttering can be overwhelming. If you find it emotionally draining or don’t know where to start, hiring a professional can be a great option. You can look for a professional organizer who will come to your home or work with you virtually to help you achieve your goals with personalized strategies.
It’s worth it to invest in professional help to get the job done efficiently and effectively. The bonus is that you’ll find it easier to keep an area organized if someone else helps you to set it up correctly to start with.
Remember, there’s no shame in outsourcing something you don’t want to do, especially if it will improve your quality of life. (Check out my virtual Declutter/Downsize service by clicking HERE).
Once you’ve cleared the clutter, make a commitment to yourself and others to avoid bringing more clutter into your space. When you have an organized and clutter-free home, it will have a positive effect on your mental, physical, spiritual, and financial well-being, and therefore, make it easier to maintain.
Remember, organizing your space is a process, and it takes time and effort. But the results are well worth it! It’s not about perfection or getting rid of everything you own; it’s about creating a space that serves you and brings you joy.
By using these strategies, you can enjoy a more streamlined and stress-free home that allows you to focus on the things that really matter in your life.
If you need some help getting started then download my 10 things you can declutter from your bathroom today cheatsheet HERE.
and my “10 things to declutter from your kitchen today” cheatsheet HERE
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- Email your questions and comments to me at kim@kimyoung.ca
- If you would like more information about decluttering, here is an article that may interest you: How to Prepare for Decluttering Success
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