Now that I have packed away all my holiday decor, it suddenly feels like the house is naked! But
honestly, I LOVE it. A clutter-free home not only looks inviting but also paves the way for easy
maintenance and stress-free cleaning routines. I am certain that having a clean and decluttered
home will bring a sense of peace and relaxation to your life helping keep those winter blues
away.
Organizing is one of my favorite things to do, but I get it, for some the thought of decluttering
feels overwhelming. I’ve learned that adopting a systematic approach can turn this into a
manageable and even rewarding process. Here is my comprehensive guide to the best way to
declutter your home, ensuring a clean and organized living space for the long haul.
1. Start Small:
Embarking on a decluttering journey doesn't mean tackling your entire home in one go. Begin
with a small, manageable area, such as a single room or even a specific zone within a room.
Starting small allows you to see tangible progress and build momentum for larger decluttering
projects. I like to set a timer and focus on one small task at a time, say 20 mins. I can easily get
distracted so this seems to help me focus better.
2. The Four-Box Method:
Equip yourself with four boxes or bins labeled "Keep", "Donate/Sell", "Trash", and "Relocate".
As you go through each item in the designated area, place it in the appropriate box. This
method helps you make quick decisions and prevents second-guessing. Just make sure you
actually follow through once you determine the category. This may mean taking a daily trip to
the donation center.
3. Declutter by Category, Not Room:
Take a cue from Marie Kondo's method and declutter by category rather than by room. For
example, tackle all clothing items at once, regardless of where they are in the house. This
approach allows you to see the full extent of your possessions and make more informed choices
about what to keep. And if it doesn’t bring you joy, LET IT GO!
4. The 90/90 Rule:
Consider implementing the 90/90 rule: If you haven't used or worn an item in the last 90 days
and don't foresee using it in the next 90, it's time to let it go. This rule applies to clothing, shoes,
towels, blankets, dishes, kitchen gadgets, and various other items that tend to accumulate over
time.
5. Digital Decluttering:
Don't forget to declutter your digital space. Organize your computer files, delete unnecessary
emails, and streamline your digital photo collection. A clutter-free digital environment contributes to a clearer mindset and efficient use of technology. Truthfully, I am not as good at the email part as I want to be, and it’s evident in my 94,918 unread emails, all junk mail probably. I plan to get this under control next, but I do have a pretty organized google drive!
6. Invest in Storage Solutions:
Once you've identified the items you want to keep, invest in storage solutions that make
organization a breeze. Utilize bins, baskets, and storage containers and keep similar items
together. When your belongings maintain a tidy appearance, things feel more manageable.
There are some very cool organizing things out there and a million how-to videos on reusing
and repurposing what you have when you can not afford new.
7. Adopt a "One In, One Out" Rule:
This is the most important habit to embrace. It will ensure the longevity of all your hard work to
prevent future clutter. Adopt a "one in, one out" rule. For every new item you bring into your
home, consider parting with something you no longer need. This habit helps maintain a
balanced and clutter-free living space.
8. Create Designated Spaces:
Assign specific spaces for commonly used items to minimize daily clutter. For example,
designate a spot for keys, mail, bags, jackets, shoes, and other frequently accessed items.
Having designated spaces ensures items are put back where they belong, reducing the
likelihood of random clutter accumulating. I personally throw all the junk mail in the trash
immediately and never bring it in my home. Junk mail and magazine subscriptions are a sure
clutter starter!
9. Regular Maintenance Sessions:
Schedule regular decluttering and maintenance sessions to prevent clutter from accumulating
again. Consistency is key to sustaining an organized home, so set aside time each month to
reassess and declutter as needed. For those of you who rent for Masters week, beginning to do
this monthly will eliminate a ton of stress in your life, especially at the end of March.
10. Embrace Minimalism:
Consider adopting a minimalist mindset. Evaluate your possessions and strive for a curated
collection of items that bring you joy and serve a purpose. Minimalism promotes a sense of calm
and makes maintenance and cleaning more straightforward. I think you'll find this also helps
your budget. Buying nicer things you really want and value, and avoiding bargain buys, will help
you sustain a more minimalist lifestyle.
Anyone can transform their home into a streamlined and organized haven. I promise the initial
effort pays off and in the long run, makes daily maintenance and cleaning routines enjoyable.
Say goodbye to clutter-induced stress and hello to a harmonious living space where every item
has its place. I promise, you'll be thankful you did.
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