When it comes to organization, you have probably heard that decluttering is one of the first steps. This can often be one of the most daunting steps in the whole process though because for some situations, it’s hard to know where to even start. On top of that, it can be extremely hard to let go of some of our possessions. Isn’t it amazing how we attach emotional feelings to objects that make it hard for us to give them up? If you are at the beginning of an organizational project, and need help know where to start, here’s how to declutter your home the easy way.
How to Declutter Your Home the Easy Way
Don’t set out to do it all at one time
That is a surefire way to end in a feeling of being overwhelmed and frustrated. Instead, try to do small things one by one. For instance, clear off the top of your microwave and then move on to something like your spice cabinet. Do small tasks that just take a few minutes to complete in one room. Eventually, you will have cleaned and decluttered the whole room just by working one small task at a time.
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Don’t make yourself spend hours
Just like doing small tasks is important, it is also important to recognize that you don’t need to devote one day to these small tasks. Plan to do just small areas when you have time. There is no need to carve out whole weekends to do the work needed. Even 10 minutes a day will get you where you want to go, if it’s consistent.
Leave the hard stuff for later
I know that they always say do the hardest things first, but in this case, I think it will overwhelm you starting on the hardest tasks. Instead, you want to start on the easiest things. Things that you can get done quickly and painlessly so that you get a sense of accomplishment super quick. This will help keep you motivated to tackle the bigger tasks.
Take frequent breaks
Decluttering is not only physically taxing, but emotionally, in some cases, too. Make sure to take frequent breaks so you don’t become too fatigued and overwhelmed.
Plan ahead
Plan what you will do with the items you don’t want before you start decluttering. If you don’t have a plan, they may just get pushed aside and eventually find their way back into a clutter heap. For larger items, arrange for pickup from charities or start listing them as you decide to get rid of them online for sale.
Take a photo, it lasts longer
For items that you know you don’t need, but hold significant emotional meaning, try taking photos. This is one way to still have a visual of the item, but not have it in your home taking up space. If you find that too difficult, why not take a piece of the item and use it to make something functional? For instance, if you have lots of band t-shirts that mean something to you, why not make a quilt with them? Have a bunch of old LP records? Why not have your kids burn you a CD of your favorite songs? Just make sure it is copyright legal and for your use only. Don’t sell the CD’s!
Don’t put too much pressure on yourself
If you start putting too much pressure on yourself, you’ll stop being motivated. Take you time, consistency is key. Remember, it’s the tortoise that wins the race!
Avoid clutter in the future
When you are finished, make sure you have a plan to avoid clutter in the future. This can simply be doing regular decluttering in certain areas that tend to get chaotic easily or as hard-core as avoiding thrift stores if you tend to collect things you don’t need when you go there. Whatever it is that works for you and helps you STAY decluttered.
What are your favorite tips for decluttering? After you declutter a room in your home, how does it make you feel? Accomplished? Sad? Happy?
I completely agree that the best way to de-clutter is to tackle just a little bit at a time. That makes it way less overwhelming! If I try to do too much at once I end up procrastinating much longer on decluttering the rest of the house.
I love the feeling of getting rid of clutter. A donation company always calls once a month looking for donations. Its a great monthly reminder to see what we don’t need anymore and donate.
I always feel amazing after clearing out a room. My hubby is a packrat so its like pulling teeth to get him to part with anything, even junk! I find too much clutter stresses me out. I prefer the less is more approach to home decor!
I agree. My ex-husband was a pack rat too. Here’s an article that may help you Stacie, How to Organize Your House with a Pack Rat Spouse.
Using the “I will only purge one drawer, shelf, or file…until it is done” rule, is the best way for me to tackle any decluttering project. It’s taken me a year, but our home stays cleaner and hearing that doorbell ring with unexpected guests doesn’t scare me anymore!
That’s great that you have found a system that works for you. 🙂