If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the clutter in your home, it can be tough to know where to start. But with a little planning and some helpful tips, you can create a space that feels clean, organized, and clutter-free. Here are some decluttering guidelines to get you started:
1. Identify problem areas
The first step in any decluttering project is to identify problem areas. Take a walk around your home and make a list of areas that need decluttering. This could be a specific room, a closet, or a certain type of item that you have too much of.
2. Set a goal
Once you’ve identified your problem areas, set a specific goal for your decluttering project. For example, you might want to declutter your closet to make more space for clothes, or you might want to clear out your kitchen to make it easier to cook and clean.
3. Sort items
Begin by sorting items into categories. You can use boxes or bags to separate items that you want to keep, donate, sell, or throw away. This step can be time-consuming, but it’s essential for making progress in your decluttering project.
4. Ask yourself these key questions
When deciding whether to keep an item or get rid of it, ask yourself key questions like “Do I use this?”, “Do I love this?”, “Is it in good condition?”, and “Can someone else benefit from this more than me?”
5. Be realistic
It’s important to be realistic about how much you can realistically declutter in one go. If you try to do too much at once, you may get overwhelmed and give up. Set achievable goals and break your decluttering project into smaller tasks if necessary.
6. Create a system
Create a system for keeping track of items you want to keep, donate, or sell. This could involve labeling boxes or bags or making a list on your phone or computer. Having a system in place will help you stay organized and on track.
7. Follow through
Once you’ve sorted your items, follow through on your plan. Take the items you’re donating to a charity or thrift store, sell items online or at a garage sale, and throw away items that are no longer usable.
8. Maintain your space
Finally, make an effort to maintain your newly decluttered space. Regularly clean out your closets and drawers, and avoid accumulating new items that you don’t need.
In addition to the steps above, here are a few additional tips to help you with your decluttering project:
- Start with the easy stuff: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, start with the easy stuff. Items that are obviously trash or that you know you don’t need can be thrown away or recycled without much thought.
- Consider sentimental items: Sentimental items can be the hardest to declutter, but it’s important to be honest with yourself about whether you really need to keep them. Consider taking a photo of the item before getting rid of it so you can still remember it.
- Get rid of duplicates: It’s common to accumulate duplicates of items over time, whether it’s kitchen gadgets, clothing, or books. Consider getting rid of duplicates to free up space.
- Focus on one area at a time: Instead of trying to declutter your entire house at once, focus on one area at a time. This could be a room, a closet, or a specific type of item.
- Get rid of expired items: Check the expiration dates on items like food, medicine, and beauty products, and get rid of anything that’s expired or no longer usable.
- Use the “one in, one out” rule: To prevent clutter from building up again, consider using the “one in, one out” rule
- If you feel like you could use some extra assistance, consider checking out The Get Organized Gal’s courses, which can be just what you need to begin. These courses are specifically designed to help you overcome the overwhelming feeling that often accompanies starting a decluttering project.
