Clutter can be a huge distraction, and it can be challenging to focus on anything when your home is filled with it.
There are multiple reasons why your home might need decluttering, such as wanting to live a more minimalist lifestyle or simply not having enough storage space.
Sometimes, a cluttered home could also signify attachment issues that you may need to discuss with a therapist or trusted friend.
Whatever the reason may be, cleaning out your space can feel like a daunting task. But it doesn’t have to be!
This article will discuss the 7 easy steps to declutter your home. We’ll also provide tips and tricks you can apply to your life.
Let’s get started!
1. Check in with yourself and ask the tough questions
The most crucial step in decluttering your home is checking in with ourselves and our goals.
I believe we should consider this step before and after we start the decluttering process because it will help keep the clutter gone for good- not just for a week.
Here are some helpful questions to ask yourself:
- What are my current living goals?
- How can I achieve those goals with the stuff I have taking up space in our homes?
And when going through your belongings, ask yourself:
- Do I use this regularly?
- Does this item bring joy?
- Am I holding onto this for sentimental reasons?
If you answered yes to any of these, it might be time to let go.
It can also be helpful to think about how our stuff makes us feel. Is it something that we need or something that we can live without?
If it’s something we can live without- it might be time to get rid of it.
We should also consider how much space our stuff is taking up. Do we have too much stuff for the area that we have? If so, then it might be time to declutter.
Finally, we should ask ourselves whether our stuff is organized in a way that makes sense. If not, then it might be time to reorganize.
Remember to be gentle with yourself when asking these questions, and never criticize yourself or judge your clutter.
You’re doing the right thing by taking action and deciding that you no longer want to live in the chaos, so be kind to yourself.
2. Take inventory of what you have
Once you have gently addressed some of the clutter internally, it’s time to address it externally.
You can start this process by going through each room and taking note of the items that are taking up space.
Once you have a good understanding of what you have, you can start to make decisions about what to keep and what to get rid of.
Again, if you’re having trouble letting go of certain items, ask yourself if they serve a purpose or if they bring you joy. If the answer is no to both of those questions, then it’s time to let them go.
Trust us. You’ll feel better once you’ve cleared them out of the house!
2. Sort your belongings into categories
Next, you’ll want to start sorting your belongings into three categories: keep, donate, and trash. This will help you focus on removing the things you don’t need or use anymore.
For items that are in good condition but that you no longer want, consider donating them to a local charity or thrift store.
And for damaged or beyond repair items, it’s time to say goodbye and toss them in the trash.
3. Label your items so you can keep better track of them
One of the best ways to declutter your home is to label your items to help you keep better track of them and make it easier to find things when needed.
To label your belongings, grab a marker and some labels (you can find these at any office supply store or Target).
Then, start by marking each item with its name and expiration date. For example, if you have a shirt that you haven’t worn in a year, put an “X” on the label, so you know it’s time to get rid of it.
This method is especially helpful for food items. Labeling everything with its expiration date will make you less likely to let things go bad before you have a chance to eat them.
4. Create a designated space for essential items
Another tip that can be helpful is to create a designated space for things like bills, paperwork, and other items that tend to pile up.
Having a specific place for these things will help you keep them organized, and it will be easier to find them when you need them.
A simple filing system can go a long way.
You might also want to consider creating a space for things you use daily, like a key rack by the door for your keys, purse, or anything else you need to grab before heading out.
Having everything in one place will make it easy to find and help you stay organized.
5. Focus on one area at a time
Now that you’ve sorted your belongings, labeled them correctly, and made all the prior adjustments, it’s time to start decluttering each room!
Begin by focusing on one area at a time and work your way through the entire space. Don’t be afraid to get rid of things you don’t need or use anymore.
And if you’re having trouble deciding what to keep and get rid of, refer back to step one. Remember, the goal is to declutter your home- not add to it!
As you declutter each room, take the time to dust and vacuum. This will help you get rid of any dirt or dust that’s been accumulating.
And once you’ve finished decluttering, be sure to put everything back in its designated space.
Practicing this method will keep your home more organized and make it easier to find things when you need them!
6. Have a garage sale
One of the best ways to declutter your home is to have a garage sale. Not only will this help you get rid of some of your unwanted belongings, but it’s also a great way to make some extra money.
To have a successful garage sale, advertise it in advance and price all your items accordingly. You might also want to consider having a themed sale, such as a kids’ clothes or toy sale.
7. Maintain your newly decluttered home
Once you’ve decluttered your entire home, it’s time to focus on preventing future clutter from taking over.
Remember these tips to keep your house decluttered for longer:
- Be more mindful of the things you bring into your home.
- Declutter areas that accumulate clutter frequently and regularly.
- Make sure to put everything back in its designated space after using it.
- Create a weekly cleaning schedule and stick to it. This doesn’t have to be anything fancy- just a simple list of things that need to be done each week, such as vacuuming or dusting.
- And last but not least, don’t be afraid to ask for help! If you’re struggling to keep your home clean and organized, enlist the use of your family and friends. They’ll be more than happy to pitch in and help you out.
The underlying message of it all
No matter how you choose to declutter your home, the most important thing is that you get started and stick with it. It will take some time and effort, but the results will be worth it.
You’ll feel better in your space and have more time for the things you love.
Remember to be patient with yourself as you declutter and take things one step at a time. And if you need help, don’t hesitate to ask a friend or family member for assistance.
So go forth and declutter! Your home (and mind) will thank you for it.
