Decluttering is a powerful tool to help us make our lives simpler and more organized. By reorganizing and getting rid of unnecessary items, we can create more space both mentally and physically. However, this process involves taking the time to go through all your belongings, creating categories of what to keep, what to donate or recycle, and what should be discarded.
It encourages us to think about our possessions and how they fit into our lives, so that we can make room for only the things that truly matter. As a result of decluttering, we can clear out any feelings of being overwhelmed or stressed from having too much stuff around us.
We gain a sense of clarity and control over our lives as well as the opportunity to focus on important aspects such as relationships and hobbies. Below, we will go over some of the best things you can do to eliminate clutter in the home.
Become a Habitual Putter-Awayer
Creating a place for everything and putting everything in its place is essential for maintaining an organized, stress-free home. The best way to do this is by establishing a habit of always putting things away when done with them. This means that as soon as you take something out, you put it back where it belongs - whether it's the bottle opener in the kitchen drawer, or the skirt you didn't end up wearing back into your closet.
Once this becomes a habit, it will become second nature and keeping your home neat and orderly will be much easier. To keep your home even more organized, consider investing in storage solutions like bookshelves and filing cabinets to store items that have multiple functions or are used often - such as paperwork or craft supplies.
Store Things Where You Use Them
By utilizing shelving, storage containers, and organization systems in areas of your home that are easily accessible, you can save yourself from having to search for belongings and walk long distances to put them away.
Having such an organized system at home also makes it easier to find items when they're needed. As an added bonus, this will help make your space more efficient and add a sense of style and design to the room.
Create Keep, Donate, Toss Piles
It's important to create three piles; one to keep, one to donate, and one to throw away. Having these different piles is an effective way of ‘cleaning up’ your home in steps and getting rid of things that you may no longer need or use.
Whatever items remain from the keep pile can then be designated storage areas and help make all rooms in your house seem neat and tidy, creating a clutter-free environment.
Do the Dishes As They Are Used
Creating a routine of washing up or loading the dishwasher after an evening meal is a great way to ensure that the kitchen remains tidy and that you have clean dishes and cutlery ready to use when needed.
This simple task can help reduce the stress of facing a sink full of dishes in the morning while also cutting down on the need to purchase multiple sets of plates and silverware. Plus, modern dishwashers are equipped with efficient cleaning cycles that effectively remove bacteria and germs from tableware for maximum safety.
Doing this small action at the end of your day will save you time, energy, effort, and money in the long run.
For Each New Item You Purchase, Get Rid of an Old One
The "one in, one out" rule can be a great way to reduce clutter and keep organized. It is only guaranteed to work for some, but it can be a helpful guide if you're looking to keep your home neat and tidy. This rule involves being mindful of the items you bring into your home: every time you buy a new item, such as a bag or chopping board, you should get rid of an existing item.
By only introducing new things when something else is leaving your home, you can keep yourself from accumulating too much junk. This strategy also encourages conscious consumerism; by eliminating something that already exists in order to make room for something new, it encourages us to think twice before making purchases.
Additionally, this rule makes donating or repurposing old items easier since making space for new items is built into the process. While it may not work perfectly for everyone, the "one in, one out" rule is still an effective tool for minimizing clutter and forming good habits when it comes to buying new things.
Keep All Flat Surfaces Clear of Random Pile-Ups
Keeping kitchen counters, tables, worktops, floors, and even stairs free of clutter is essential to achieving a home that looks and feels organized. To do this, it's important to have a daily plan for clearing surfaces. For example, start by setting aside a few minutes in the morning or evening to gather up anything that doesn't belong on the surface and put it away where it should go.
Give each item its own place so you know where everything is. If something doesn’t have a place, find one for it or throw it away. It's also important to regularly clean flat surfaces such as countertops and tables with soap and water or disinfectant wipes. Not only will this help keep your home clutter-free, but it will also make these surfaces look bigger and more inviting.
Finally, if you encounter items that are too large for the space they're in, try decluttering them by donating or selling them to make room for whatever belongings you choose to keep in the future.
Make Your Bed Every Morning
Creating a tidy bedroom environment is an essential step towards achieving a peaceful and organized mind. Taking the time to make your bed each day helps to set the tone for a productive and successful day.
Some say that when you make your bed, it's like sending a signal to your brain that you are ready to tackle whatever challenges come your way. Not only does it create an orderly atmosphere, but it also eliminates any worries or stressors that may have lingered prior to tidying up.
Studies have shown that living in an untidy space can contribute to feelings of anxiety, depression and overwhelm. Taking actionable steps like tidying up can help lift the mood and promote better mental health outcomes.
