Decluttering tips to help motivate clearing out your home
- Start with one area: Begin decluttering in one room or even one area of a room, and work through it completely before moving onto the next.
- Use the four-box method: Keep four boxes labeled “bin,” “donate,” “sell,” and “keep” to sort through your items as you declutter.
- Ask yourself if it sparks joy: As you go through your belongings, ask yourself if each item brings you joy or serves a purpose. If not, consider letting it go.
- Take before and after photos: This can help you see the progress you’ve made and motivate you to keep going.
- Don’t keep duplicates: If you have multiple items that serve the same purpose, choose the one you like the most and let go of the rest.
- Get rid of items you haven’t used in a year: If you haven’t used an item in over a year, it’s likely that you won’t use it again.
- Be mindful of sentimental items: Sentimental items can be difficult to let go of, but consider taking a photo of the item instead of keeping it.
- Don’t hold onto items for “just in case”: Holding onto items for “just in case” can lead to clutter. Consider whether you would be able to easily replace the item if you needed it in the future. Or think back to the last time you used it and if you will need it again.
- Invest in organizational tools: Once you’ve decluttered, invest in organizational tools like shelves, bins, and drawers to keep everything in its place.
Make decluttering a habit: Regularly decluttering your home can help prevent clutter from accumulating in the first place. Set aside time each month to go through your belongings and let go of anything you no longer need.
How to start decluttering your space
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by clutter in your home and don’t know where to start, the first step is to take a deep breath and remind yourself that it’s okay to ask for help. Start small by choosing a single area, such as a desk or a closet, and set a timer for 15 minutes.
During this time, focus on sorting items into three categories: keep, donate, and throw away. Be honest with yourself about what you need and what you don’t, and don’t be afraid to let go of things that no longer serve a purpose.
If you’re struggling to let go of sentimental items, consider taking a photo of them to keep as a memory. Once you’ve sorted through the items, make sure to put everything away in its proper place. Repeat this process in other areas of your home, and remember to take breaks and celebrate your progress along the way. With time and practice, decluttering can become a habit that will help you create a more organized and stress-free home.
Quick fire tips to get you started:
- Start with a small area, like a drawer or a shelf.
- Set a timer for 15 minutes and focus on decluttering for that time.
- Sort items into three categories: keep, donate, and throw away.
- Get rid of duplicates and items you haven’t used in the past year.
- Tackle one category at a time, such as clothing or books.
- Use vertical storage solutions, such as shelves or hooks, to maximize space.
- Avoid keeping items out of guilt or obligation.
- Use the “one in, one out” rule for future purchases.
- Enlist the help of a friend or family member to keep you motivated.
How to be ruthless when decluttering
When it comes to decluttering, being ruthless is key. It’s important to be honest with yourself about what you need and what you don’t, and to let go of items that are no longer serving a purpose in your life.
Ask yourself questions…
One way to do this is to ask yourself a series of questions about each item. For example, do I use this regularly? Do I love it? Does it bring me joy? If the answer is no, it’s time to let it go.
Don’t feel guilt over getting rid of things you no longer want
Another helpful tip is to avoid keeping items out of guilt or obligation. For example, if you have a gift from a friend that you don’t love, it’s okay to let it go. Additionally, you can keep it to one side and regift the item, or donate it to charity so that someone else can enjoy the gift.
Remember that decluttering is a process, and it’s okay to start small and work your way up. You may find that the more you declutter, the easier it becomes to let go of things that are no longer serving you. By being ruthless, you’ll create a more organized and stress-free home that reflects the life you want to live.
Where to get rid of clutter
Now that you’ve decluttered your home, you may be wondering where you can properly and safely get rid of the clutter you’ve accumulated. Here are some options on how to get rid of your clutter:
Donation centers or shops: Many local charities and non-profit organizations accept donations of gently used items such as clothing, furniture, and household goods. These items can be used to support their programs and help those in need. You can either walk into a charity shop with your items or leave them at a designated pick-up spot.
Recycling centers/tips: If you have items that are made of materials that can be recycled, such as paper, plastic, or metal, consider taking them to a recycling center. This is a great way to reduce waste and help the environment.
Throw it out with your rubbish: For items that cannot be recycled or donated, such as broken or unusable items, consider using a garbage disposal service. This can be a convenient and responsible way to dispose of these items. If you’re unsure about some items, check online with your local bin collection as some items will need to be taken to the tip.
Sell your clutter online: Another option for getting rid of your clutter is to use online selling platforms such as eBay, Craigslist, Gumtree, or Facebook Marketplace. These platforms allow you to reach a wider audience and potentially earn more money for your items. Clothes and furniture do very well on these platforms.
Remember, when getting rid of clutter, it’s important to dispose of items responsibly and avoid contributing to landfill waste. By choosing the right disposal method for each item, you can help reduce your environmental impact and create a more organized and stress-free home.
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