Amazing Decluttering Tips. Organise Your House.
Certainly, the thought of getting organized can feel like a daunting task, particularly if your living spaces are filled with clutter and excess belongings. Sorting through overcrowded bedrooms, stuffed kitchen cabinets, and mislabeled boxes can be a challenge. However, the benefits of decluttering extend beyond just tidying up. It can lead to improved mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Trust us, the effort is entirely worthwhile.
To kickstart your decluttering journey, we’ve compiled a list of incredibly useful tips. A cleaner, more organized life is within reach with these suggestions!
1. Ask more specific questions than "Should I keep this or toss it?"
Absolutely, the conventional “keep or toss” question may not always be the most effective approach for everyone. Some may find it limiting or anxiety-inducing, leading to deferred decisions and a perpetuation of clutter.
Exploring alternative questions can be immensely helpful in breaking free from this feeling of being stuck. For instance, consider asking yourself: “Would I buy this item again?” “Does this item evoke positive or negative emotions?” “Does this item align with my current identity and values?” If the majority of your responses lean towards “no,” it’s a strong indication that the item may be clutter.
Trust your instincts. If there’s something you already know you no longer want or need, don’t hesitate to let it go. You may not realize it, but there’s likely an item in your home that you’re ready to part with. Removing it can have a transformative effect on the energy of your space, providing motivation to continue decluttering. The positive shift can be quite empowering.
2. Don't start something you can't finish.
Indeed, the hallmark of organized individuals is their ability to initiate and complete tasks as they arise, whenever feasible. If you notice yourself becoming easily distracted during the decluttering process, consider adjusting your perspective on the projects at hand. Remember, there’s no obligation to tackle everything in a single day. Prioritize completing smaller tasks first and resist the urge to leave anything half-done. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how you can effortlessly finish projects you once deemed challenging!
3. Start with the smallest decluttering tasks first.
When it comes to decluttering, commencing with simpler tasks is often the most effective approach. Begin with the easiest categories or areas, gradually progressing to more challenging ones. This step-by-step method not only builds momentum in your decluttering journey but also bolsters your confidence in making decisions about more emotionally significant or sentimental items. It’s a strategic way to navigate through the process.
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4. Practice the two-minute rule.
Breaking tidying tasks into smaller, manageable blocks is a highly effective strategy. The “two-minute rule” is particularly powerful – if a task can be completed in less than two minutes, tackle it right away. While doing so, it’s helpful to remind yourself that this action is actually preemptively eliminating future responsibilities and reducing potential stress. This principle applies to a wide range of tasks, from doing the dishes to hanging up freshly laundered clothes. It’s a simple yet impactful way to maintain a tidy and organized living space.
5. Break down your to-do list.
While to-do lists can be helpful, they can sometimes become overwhelming if not managed effectively. If you find yourself struggling with a lengthy list, consider breaking down larger projects into small, actionable steps. Assign specific time limits to each task to help stay on track, and always make note of deadlines.
For added organization, consider keeping a digital copy of your to-do list on a portable device. This way, you can access and update it while on the move, ensuring that you have a clear and up-to-date overview of your tasks. This approach combines practicality with efficiency for a more streamlined and manageable task management system.
[Read More: How to Create an Awesome House Cleaning Schedule]
6. Make split decluttering decisions.
When decluttering, it’s crucial not to dwell on individual items for too long. If you find yourself hesitating or unsure about something, consider setting it aside for later and grouping it with similar objects. Some decisions are simpler to make when assessing the entire category of items. Once everything is categorized, you can take a comprehensive view of your possessions, making it much easier to determine what to keep and what to discard. This approach streamlines the decluttering process and helps in making more confident choices about your belongings.
7. If it's covered in dust, it's time to go.
Dust-covered items often signal that they’ve fallen out of use or no longer serve a purpose in our lives. These could be belongings relegated to the back of a closet, like a pair of seldom-worn special occasion shoes, or perhaps a piece of exercise equipment from a past fitness phase. Allowing the condition of these items to guide our decisions provides a clear indicator of what should be retained and what should be let go. It’s a practical and straightforward way to streamline our belongings.
8. Create a command center by your entryway.
Installing a simple medicine cabinet near your entryway can be a game-changer. It provides a designated spot to keep daily essentials like sunscreen, bug spray, extra keys, pens, post-it notes, and earbuds. Having a central location for these items not only prevents clutter from accumulating around the house but also streamlines your morning routine, making it much smoother and more efficient. It’s a small adjustment that can have a big impact on your daily life.
9. Keep your most helpful documents handy.
Keeping frequently referenced lists, files, or documents easily accessible is a smart move. Desktop file sorters or baskets can be invaluable tools for keeping physical documents organized. Alternatively, you can utilize your email inbox to store important digital documents in one centralized location. This way, you’ll have quick and convenient access to the resources that are most helpful to you in any aspect of your life.
10. Keep a permanent donation box.
Keeping a donation box readily available is a convenient way to swiftly clear out those no-longer-needed sweaters and less cherished leggings. Once the box is filled, transfer its contents into trash bags and place them in the front seat of your car, ensuring they’re ready for donation the next time you’re out running errands. This straightforward approach ensures a seamless process for passing along items to local charities.
11. Have a no-buy month.
One of the simplest yet highly effective decluttering strategies is to prevent clutter from entering your home in the first place. This is why the concept of a “no-buy month” is recommended. Throughout these 30 days, focus on purchasing only consumable items, such as food, and avoid acquiring anything that may later contribute to clutter. This deliberate pause in bringing new items into your household provides an invaluable opportunity to streamline and thin out your possessions.
12. Ditch duplicate utensils.
This principle stands as a cornerstone for embracing a more minimalist way of life. Even an octopus wouldn’t require eight spatulas and 15 wooden spoons. It’s wiser to choose your absolute favorites—those you consistently reach for—and declutter the excess. Ultimately, having fewer utensils cluttering your drawers leads to a more serene and efficient cooking, baking, and cleaning experience.
13. Keep your trash bags in your trash can.
While trash cans might not be at the forefront of your decluttering efforts, they present a valuable opportunity for organization. It’s advisable to remove trash bags from their boxes and keep them at the bottom of the trash can. This ensures that a fresh liner is always within easy reach when it’s time to empty the trash. This simple practice not only saves time but also conserves space, making it a practical win-win solution for everyone!
14. Hang your long clothes to the left of your closet and your short ones to the right.
Arranging your clothes from longest on the left to shortest on the right can have a positive impact on how you feel about your wardrobe. Additionally, consider utilizing the space beneath the shorter clothing on the right side. You can incorporate a small three-drawer dresser or a tiered shoe rack to make the most of this available space. Alternatively, utilize small cubbies for storing bags and purses, ensuring that every inch of your closet is optimized for functionality and organization.
15. Don't ignore under-the-bed storage.
Even the most meticulous individuals likely have a few items tucked away beneath their beds. It’s a convenient spot for storing things that aren’t used daily. However, this practice may be counterproductive. Many people struggle with sleep issues, and having dusty belongings underneath the bed doesn’t help. To rectify this, use a dust rag or paper towel along with some cleaning spray to thoroughly clean this area. Take out and wipe down everything stored under the bed, carefully evaluating each item before placing them back into their designated spots. This process ensures a cleaner and more conducive sleeping environment.
16. Live like you travel.
Vacationing often involves bringing only the absolute essentials. This same principle can be applied to your home. The next time you travel, take a close look at what you use on a daily basis. The items you didn’t bring along are likely things you can do without. Consider placing these unused items in the donation bin or discarding them. This straightforward approach helps to declutter and streamline your living space.
17. Ask friends for help.
Decluttering doesn’t have to be a solitary endeavor. Many of us have a friend who excels at organization and isn’t emotionally attached to our belongings. This friend can provide a valuable perspective and may be more willing to help you let go of items you’re uncertain about. Additionally, close friends often have a good sense of the things you actually wear or use.
Alternatively, you may consider hiring a professional cleaner or organizer to assist you in tackling the clutter. Their expertise can be invaluable in creating a more streamlined and organized living space. Don’t hesitate to seek out support to make the decluttering process more efficient and effective.
House cleaning services can simplify your life so you can live out your priorities the way you desire. Good Cleaners Finder offers cleaning services tailored to your specific needs. Take a moment and book online today, and learn how refreshing it is to come home to a clean house.
You may also visit our recent blogs for more cleaning tips and ideas.
Let us help you! If you want professional cleaning help and might wonder what kind of service you need when you are ready to hire a home cleaning service, come to Good Cleaners Finder for home cleaning services every week or month. We would be happy to help you take care of your home.
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