With every passing day, our home can become cluttered with things we have bought or were gifted. Many of these things become unnecessary over time and can lead to chaos and stress. These things should be removed regularly to give the home peaceful, breathing space. However, it is easier said than done; busy lifestyles don’t always allow the time for decluttering. Hence, we have put together a list of 15 decluttering tips to make it less overwhelming.
Pick A Decluttering Approach According To Your Lifestyle
Have limited time? Reserve 10-15 minutes every day or a few hours every weekend to declutter your home. Take one room in the house each week. Some even go by category, for example, closets, bathroom cabinets, or linen drawers. Or you can prepare a list of your top three or five clutter-collecting areas and start with them.
Practise One-In-One-Out Rule
It’s simple – you can’t buy new stuff unless you let go of something you already have. It makes you more thoughtful about the items you let into your home.
Organize Things As They Enter Home
One of the best decluttering tips is not to let things pile up. As soon as you get things home put them in their proper place. When you get birthday gifts, sort them out immediately and put those you don’t need in the donation box or garage sale pile.
Follow Three Steps Of Decluttering
Decluttering involves three essential steps, which include sorting your items into keep, donate, or discard categories. It helps keep your things organized and doesn’t let your living environment decluttered as you regularly evaluate your belongings.
Have A Bin On Standby
Whenever you are decluttering, keep a basket or a bin close by. Put all the items in it that are not useful, but you don’t want to part with them yet. It is the first step towards distancing yourself from those items. Visit the basket after a week or so and decide if you still want to keep those items.
Give Everything A Home
All your belongings should have a designated space. It keeps rooms and surfaces tidy. However, if you are unable to find a spot for an item, it’s best to get rid of it.
Practice 20/20 Rule
The 20/20 rule of minimalism helps you when you are struggling to make decluttering decisions. It says if an item can be replaced for under $20 and within 20 minutes, it’s time to let it go. It’s ideal for small items that are rarely used and can be restocked easily and quickly.
Invest In Closed Storage Spaces
If you can immediately show your clutter to the recycle bin, nothing like it. But if you want to take time to decide if your unwanted things can be a good fit for someone else, put them in a designated storage cupboard. However, out of sight shouldn’t be out of mind. Make it a point to visit it in a week and sort it out. This cupboard can also be the place to put your extra baskets, hanging rods, etc. It will keep your surfaces clean and neat.
Invest In Proper Storage Organizers
Plenty of storage organizers are available in the market, invest in them; they can be your savior. Baskets or hampers can keep your fruits and vegetables contained in the kitchen, medicines, tampons, diapers in the bathrooms, and socks, hair clips, etc. in the closets. Buy a makeup organizer to keep things neat and efficient and over-the-door pocket organizers to keep shoes and toys.
Ask If It Sparks Joy
If you follow Marie Kondo, you must know her favorite mantra while decluttering. She recommends that when you find a difficult item to discard, ask yourself, “Does it spark joy?” Most people get their answer there and then.
Follow The Six-Month Rule
The Six-Month rule is a method that can be applied to any item in any room and across any category. It helps you identify and remove things that have been lying untouched and unused in your home for six months. The idea is that what hasn’t been used or will not be used in six months is unnecessary and can be thrown out. The actual time is flexible, and you can change six months to three months or a year to suit your lifestyle.
Check If The Items Work
Go through children’s old toys lying in storage bins to check if they are working properly. If they don’t, get rid of them. If you come across broken sunglasses, scratched DVDs/records, or books with missing pages, throw them out. In the same way, go through the cans and packets in the kitchen pantry and throw out items past their sell-by date.
Get Rid Of Your Guilt
It is difficult to part ways with items that have sentimental value or you paid a hefty price for. However, if you consider donating or selling them, you are less likely to feel guilty about getting rid of them. Always remember, one man’s garbage is another man’s treasure.
Go Vertical
Opt for hanging storage solutions like keyholders, mail/magazine holders, book racks, and shoe organizers that help keep flat surfaces clear.
Follow Minimalism
Minimalism is the new chic. Not only does keeping a few items make your home look tidy and aesthetic, but makes it functional and accessible.