Simple, Effective Approaches to Decluttering
We all know the feeling. The clutter in your home is causing you stress. You know that you need to declutter your house, but the thought of doing it is causing you to feel overwhelmed. It’s okay; is a normal feeling. The good news is that we are here to help!
Here is a simple, low-stress process to declutter your home:
- Take a deep breath and know that decluttering your home can be a satisfying, productive, and stress-relieving endeavor. It is worth the effort!
- Find an approach below that works for you! Many of them are simple and quick!
- Enjoy a clutter-free home – and less stress!
It’s that simple.
Here are several approaches you can consider:
(And be sure to keep reading to find bonus tips to decluttering your home!)
1. Rule of 5: This is a simple way to get started. Pick a room to declutter and get rid of at least 5 items. Repeat for each room that you want to declutter. This will help you make progress without feeling overwhelmed.
2. Declutter schedule: Designate a set day or time to regularly declutter, like the first Sunday of every month. This helps avoid letting clutter build up again. It also helps you maintain so clutter doesn’t accumulate.
Tip! Make it a party when you do it! Turn up the music and have fun while you lighten the stress!
3. 30-Day Declutter Challenge: Commit to decluttering one item per day for 30 days. This gradual approach can make the process less overwhelming and help you build a decluttering habit.
4. Room-by-Room Approach: Start decluttering one room at a time. This helps you focus on specific areas and prevents you from feeling overwhelmed.
Tip! As you declutter the room, try the Four-Box Method: Grab four boxes or bins labeled “Keep,” “Donate,” “Sell,” and “Trash.” As you go through your belongings, sort items into the appropriate box. This streamlines the decluttering process. Work through each room systematically before moving on to the next. Just remember, you don’t have to do all the rooms at one time!
5. KonMari Method: Inspired by Marie Kondo’s book “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up,” this method involves going through your belongings by category (e.g., clothes, books, sentimental items) instead of room. Hold each item and decide if it “sparks joy.” If not, let it go.
Tip! Don’t forget to declutter your digital space as well. Clean up your computer files, digital unsubscribe from unnecessary emails, and organize your digital documents and pictures!
6. Minimalism Approach: Embrace the concept of minimalism by keeping only items that have a clear purpose or bring you joy. Evaluate each possession and ask yourself if it adds value to your life. Consider getting rid of duplicates, items you rarely use, and things with sentimental value that no longer serve you.
7. Sentimental Items Approach: Sentimental items can be challenging to declutter. Set a specific space or container for sentimental items and limit yourself to what can fit there. Take photos of sentimental items you’re willing to part with to preserve the memory without keeping the physical object.
8. One-In, One-Out Rule: For every new item you bring into your home, commit to getting rid of one item. This helps maintain a balance and prevents clutter from building up again.
9. One Year Rule: Use the “one year” rule. If you haven’t used an item in the past year, you probably don’t need it. Exceptions may be seasonal items.
Tip! You can make it a “two year” rule, if you feel you need a longer time frame
10. The Purge: Do a big purge. Consider getting rid of a large volume at once. Rent a Dumpster! (If you live in St. Charles County, Missouri… we would love for you to rent a Simple Space mobile dumpster to quickly clear out junk and clutter!)
No matter which method you choose, the most important thing is to start decluttering and to be consistent with it. The more you declutter, the easier it will become, and the more you will enjoy your decluttered home.
Bonus: Additional tips for decluttering your home:
- Start small and work your way up. Don’t try to declutter your entire home in one day.
- Get rid of trash and recycling first. This will make it easier to focus on the items that you need to decide whether to keep or get rid of.
- Set a timer. This can help you to stay focused and to avoid getting overwhelmed.
- Take breaks. If you start to feel overwhelmed, take a break and come back to it later.
- Start with problem areas. Target the most cluttered spots first, like kitchen counters, closets, and the garage. Seeing progress in overwhelmed areas keeps motivation high.
- Store items properly. Use storage containers, shelves, bins, and closet organizers to neatly store belongings you’re keeping. Proper storage makes rooms feel instantly cleaner.
- Reward yourself. When you finish decluttering a certain area, reward yourself with something you enjoy. This will help you to stay motivated.
- Enlist help from others. Have family and friends over for “Declutter Party!”
Remember! Decluttering your home doesn’t have to be a daunting task! By following these approaches and tips, you can make the process simple, rewarding, and more enjoyable.
We hope this helps and sets you on a path to less stress and a decluttered home! Please contact us if you have any questions or need any assistance!
Less Clutter – Less Stress. Make your space a Simple Space.