Do you ever feel like you’re being overwhelmed by the number of things you have? The cupboards are spilling over and you probably have one of those drawers that you can’t even open because it is packed to the brim. It may be time to tackle the clutter and clear your home to clear your mind. 

Why should I declutter?

  • People tend to feel like life is out of control when they surround themselves with more things than they can manage (Psychology Today). 
  • The mess causes stress. Decluttering can be a form of stress relief.
  • Taking care of the clutter in your home may be a reflection of your self-care.
  • Getting rid of the junk frees up extra space for more important things.
  • You’ll be able to see the things you do decide to keep and get better usage from them.

 

How do I get started?

Set up ‘KEEP IT’, ‘GET RID OF IT’ and ‘STORE IT’ boxes or bags.

Kitchen

- Clear the kitchen countertops! This is the first thing you see when you enter the kitchen, so it is important that the countertops are clean and clear.

- Start by identifying the items you would like to keep on the counter, like the knife block, salt and pepper shakers, or coffee machine, and find new homes for all the items you do not want on there anymore.

- Divide your kitchen into zones. 

  • Cooking utensils, pots and pans should be stored close to where you usually do the cooking.
  • Baking supplies should be stored together for easy to reach usage. Unless you bake every day, we recommend storing it in a cabinet or on a shelf.
  • Cleaning supplies should be stored away from food items.

- When you have found a new place for all your things, it’s time to get rid of the things you no longer need.

 

Bathroom

- Bathrooms are probably the smallest rooms in our houses, so it is easy to pile too much in there without even noticing it. So take everything off the shelves and out of the cabinets so that you can see what you have to work with.

- It’s important that similar things go together in the bathroom, so grab some boxes and smaller containers to organise all your medicine, make-up, toiletries and refills all in one place.

 

Living room

- The living room is usually the most frequently used room in a house. Everyone gets together in this room, so it is easy for clutter to get out of control. 

- Start by removing items that do not belong in the living room. Relocate these items to the rooms they belong in or consider getting rid of it. 

- Baskets are great storage solutions for this room. This allows you to keep all the toys, extra blankets, and Xbox games and controllers together. We found these at Makro.

- Tackle the tangled wires behind the TV. You’ll be surprised how much more streamlined the room will look if the unsightly wires are hidden or at least neatly bunched together.

 

Bedroom

- Ask yourself:

  1. Does it belong in this room?
  2. Have I used it in the last year?

   If you answered no to any of these questions it’s time to get rid of it or to move it to the appropriate room.

- When placing the things you’re going to keep back in the drawers and cupboards, try using dividers or smaller containers to keep like things together.

- Storage bins are a great clutter buster in kids bedrooms. It’s easy to throw everything in there when they are done playing and it’s easy to get the children involved as well.

 

Clothes and shoes

- Ask yourself:

  1. Does it fit?
  2. Is it damaged? (And am I willing to repair it?)
  3. Have you worn it in the past year?

   If you answered no to any of these questions it’s time to get rid of it.

- After you’ve decluttered your closet, try keeping track of the things you actually do wear over the course of the year and do this exercise again.

- Boxes and bins are great ways to keep the shelves in your closet organised.

How do I get rid of the clutter?

  • Recycle - maybe you can use the items you’re getting rid of in new and innovative ways.
  • Donate - One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.
  • Regift - If the item is still in good condition and you know of a friend or family member that would appreciate it, why not gift it to them?
  • Garage sale - You won’t get exactly what you paid for the item, but at least you’ll get some cash for letting go of all the clutter.
  • If you absolutely can’t do any of the above, or the item is just beyond repair, the rubbish bin is the best option.

 

Some closing notes:

  • Declutter a little every day - you might keep putting the task off if you aim to tackle the whole house in one day.
  • One in, one out - this rule states that when you bring one thing into your home, you should get rid of another. This will keep clutter from piling up.
  • Rent or borrow things that you only use once in a blue moon.

 

There you have it. You’re ready to tackle the clutter in your home. Do you have any decluttering tips and tricks? We’d love to hear how you clear your space!

 

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