Decluttering your space not only creates a nice and tidy environment, but it also is very beneficial for mental health. According to research, people who feel an attachment and place a high value on their materialistic items are more likely to develop anxiety and depression.
This means that the less stuff you have, the better your overall well-being will be. Reducing your items creates a spacious environment, as it isn’t the items that matter, it’s the energetic space in between the items that make a difference in your well-being.
The only problem is that if you have decluttering goals, how can you ensure you are finally able to let go of those things that no longer serve you? How can you organize your stuff in a way that improves your quality of life?
Thankfully, that is exactly what we are going to teach you in this article, keep on reading to learn how to declutter like a professional.
1. Just Get Started
When you have a lot of stuff to get rid of, it can feel nearly overwhelming to know where to even start. Typically, this thought alone is what prevents many people from decluttering, and forces them to just avoid and ignore how much their cluttered space bothers them. Over time, your stuff will accumulate more, it will affect your energy levels, and make you feel defeated.
To get over this analysis paralysis, just simply get started. Put on some of your favorite energetic music, brew a pot of tea, and get started on cleaning one area. Eventually, this will feel so good that you will begin to clean more areas around your house.
2. Start Small
If you live in a large space, such as a big house, decluttering is a much bigger task than if you were in a small condo. Because the task is so big, you may feel like you do not want to get started until you have enough time to complete the entire project.
One of the best decluttering tips is to learn how to break down your project into bite-sized tasks. For example, start with only the junk drawer, then when that is complete, begin to declutter your bathroom toiletries. By breaking it down, you will feel more motivated and less overwhelmed.
3. Set a Timer
Sometimes the thought of decluttering your kitchen can feel similar to the feeling of climbing to the top of Mount Everest. This doesn’t have to be the case, especially if you set a time limit each time you declutter your home.
Set a timer for no more than two hours, then get busy! Put away all distractions, such as your electronic devices, put on music, and look at it as a fun challenge.
4. Invest in Vertical Storage
If you live in a small space, it can be difficult to decorate and organize your home without it feeling cluttered. To help reduce the clutter, invest in some vertical storage shelves. This will help you to make use of the height of your space, rather than just the width of it.
You can also invest in over the door hanging organizers, or closet organizers that can be hung easily on a closet rod or pole. These are perfect for storing away household items, such as pantry items, toiletries, kid’s shoes, gift bags, foldable grocery bags, tissue paper, etc.
5. Improve Your Home’s Productivity
Look around your home for items that have multi-purposes, and get rid of the other items that it could replace. For example, jars, collapsible bags, boxes, to name a few. Then, take the saved items and place them in an area that is easy to reach, so that you do not have to search for these items when you need them.
Also, it is best to labels items that are in closed boxes, so that you know what’s stored in each box. Better yet, invest in a clothes storage bin that has a see-through window. These zippered bins are great space savers and can be stored inside closets or under beds. They also keep away the dust and can be folded flat when not in use, and are great for storing comforters, bedding, winter clothing, cuddly toys, etc.
6. Give Back To the Community
If you have items that you no longer need, there is no reason for you to keep them. If it is hard to let go of these items that are collecting dust, imagine how someone less fortunate than you will really appreciate them.
For example, if you have a sweater that you love, yet no longer fits you, it may feel like a dream come true on a cold day for someone else.
7. Follow the Words of Marie Kondo
If you have been doing any research about living clutter free, chances are you have heard of the highly acclaimed organizing guru, Marie Kondo, who specializes in minimalism and decluttering.
In her book, “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up”, she shares her philosophy that if it does not “Spark Joy”, get rid of it. If an item in your hands no longer makes you feel excited and happy when you look at it, it has lost its magic and it is time to let it go.
8. Break Down the House Into Sections
If you have multiple rooms in your house that need to be decluttered, it may feel like you won’t be able to finish for years to come. Instead, break down every room into its own project, as well as every category.
For example, you can break down your bedroom into multiple categories such as:
- Clothing in each category, such as socks, underwear, pants, dresses, shirts, etc.
- Decor
- Shoes
- Bedding
- Miscellaneous items
- Beauty products
This helps you to feel like you can come up for air and breathe in between each category before you move on to the next.
9. Focus On the Feeling
Recently, scientists at Yale University discovered that certain areas of the brain light up when someone can declutter and rid of items they do not need. This simple action provides a sense of calming in the psyche and helps you to focus on things that matter such as more time with your family, and more focus on work.
Learn More About the Secrets to Decluttering Your Home
Congratulations! If you are ready to get started on decluttering your home, you are already halfway there.
If you found this article helpful, check out more just like this on our decluttering and organizing blog!