Decluttering 101: Tips and Tricks for a Tidy Space

Getting Started on Decluttering

Decluttering your home can be overwhelming especially if you have not done a lot of maintenance for months or even years. It’s nothing to be embarrassed about because we all need to start sometime, somewhere when we say that enough is enough and it’s time to stop the clutter and start being more organized. Once you get started, you’ll get used to decluttering. Pretty soon, being in a peaceful and more organized living space becomes your natural habitat and you will be more used to having that in your life instead of all the clutter.

In this article, we will provide you with some practical tips on how to declutter your home efficiently and effectively. Remember, decluttering is a process, and it won't happen overnight. But with a plan in place and a little patience, you can create a peaceful and organized living space that you will love.

Start with a plan.

Before you start decluttering, it is crucial to have a plan in place. It makes the task more manageable and a lot less overwhelming. It also helps you stay focused and on track. Take some time to assess your home's cluttered areas and determine what needs to be decluttered first. Consider starting with the areas that are causing the most stress or that you use the most frequently. So do it one room at a time.

Have a goal.

Do you want to clear out a specific room or area, or do you want to get rid of a certain number of items? Trying to declutter your entire home at once might make you want to just drop the project altogether so break it down and tackle your tasks either by things or by room. This approach will help you stay motivated and see progress, which will, in turn, inspire you to keep going.

Once you have a goal in mind, create a plan of action. Determine the order in which you want to tackle your decluttering tasks, and set a timeline for when you want to complete them. Be realistic with your plan and allow for breaks and rest days.

Gather your supplies.

Make sure you have all the supplies you need before you begin. Common supplies to keep within reach when decluttering include:

1. Storage boxes or containers: You'll need containers to hold items that you're keeping or want to donate/sell.

2. Trash bags: You'll need bags to dispose of any items that are damaged or no longer useful.

3. Labeling materials: You can use labels or sticky notes to identify the contents of your storage boxes, making it easier to find items later.

4. Cleaning supplies: Cleaning supplies like a vacuum cleaner, dust cloths, and all-purpose cleaner will help you clean up your space as you declutter.

5. Sorting tools: You may want to use tools like hangers, bins, and dividers to help sort and organize your items.

6. Donation/Sell bags or boxes: Separate containers to keep items you will donate or sell.

7. Scissors or box cutter: For opening boxes, cutting packing tape or unwanted items like clothes. such as trash bags, boxes, and cleaning supplies. Having everything you need on hand can save you time and energy.

Now that you have the preliminaries taken care of, congratulations, you can now proceed to the methods you can use to stay organized!

Methods on How to Declutter

Use the 3-Box method

The 3-box method is an effective way to declutter. Go to each room and start sorting your items by three boxes: one for items you want to keep, one for items to donate, and one for items to throw away.

Let go of sentimental items

We all have items that hold sentimental value, but sometimes, we need to let them go. Holding onto too many sentimental items can lead to clutter and unnecessary stress. Take some time to evaluate which items truly bring you joy and let go of the rest.

Get rid of duplicates

Do you have multiple versions of the same item? It's time to let go of the duplicates. Keep one and donate or sell the others.

Organize as you go

As you declutter, take the time to organize your remaining items. Now would be the best time to pile or group similar things together. For example, you can pile and group together new clothes in one section of your closet. This will help you create a more functional and visually appealing space. Consider investing in storage solutions such as shelving, baskets, and bins to keep your items organized.

Shelving Units, Baskets and Storage Bins

If you have shelving units and baskets or storage bins available after you have gotten rid of some of your items, you can use those bins for the items you’ve chosen to keep. The best way to keep and store items is to label them so you can keep track of what’s piling up and what needs to be reviewed when your weekly or monthly decluttering schedule arrives.

More often than not, you would need extra storage bins to get organized and we recommend these products to get you started:

Shelving Units

Shelving units are a great way to create more storage space in any room. They come in various sizes and can be used to store anything from books to clothing to kitchen appliances. One of the top-rated shelving units on Amazon is the Amazon Basics 5-Shelf Shelving Unit. This unit is easy to assemble, made of durable steel, and has adjustable shelves that can hold up to 350 pounds each.

Baskets

Baskets are a versatile storage solution that can be used in any room. They are perfect for storing blankets, toys, and even toiletries. One of the top-rated baskets on Amazon is the Vintiquewise(TM) Decorative Wooden Basket. This basket is made of natural wood and has a rustic charm that can complement any decor.

Storage Bins

Storage bins are a great way to organize items that you don't use frequently. They come in various sizes and can be used to store anything from seasonal clothing to holiday decorations. One of the top-rated storage bins on Amazon is the Sterilite 19849806 18 Quart/17 Liter Ultra Latch Box. This bin has a clear base that allows you to see what's inside and a secure latch that keeps the lid in place.

Storage Cubes

Storage cubes are a great way to create more storage space while also adding to your decor. They come in various colors and can be used to store anything from books to toys to clothing. One of the top-rated storage cubes on Amazon is the ClosetMaid 1290 Cubeicals Organizer. This cube organizer has 9 cubes that can be used to store a variety of items and comes in various colors to match your decor.

Hanging Organizers

Hanging organizers are a great way to save space and organize items that you don't use frequently. They can be used to store anything from shoes to accessories to craft supplies. One of the top-rated hanging organizers on Amazon is the Simple Houseware 24 Pockets Large Clear Pockets Over Door Hanging Shoe Organizer. This organizer has 24 pockets that can hold up to 12 pairs of shoes and can be hung over any door.

Maintaining Your Clutter-Free Home

Finally, you have done the work and all you need to do is to maintain your progress. Decluttering is an ongoing process. Once you have decluttered your home, make sure you keep your labeled items in place by putting things back where they should be. It also helps to clear a day or two in a month to redo these decluttering tips and steps. Having a schedule keeps your things from going into an overwhelming pile of clutter again. Set aside some time each week to declutter and organize, so you don't end up back where you started.