Clutter triggers one of your body’s alarm systems. Living in a cluttered environment causes cortisol, the stress hormone, to increase. High stress levels play a role in a wide range of physical and emotional health problems.
Unlike clutter, organization soothes the body and soul.
If you’re thinking that sounds wonderful but how do I don’t where to start, you’re not alone. This post is for all our fellow clutter bugs. Read our tips on steps you can take to declutter your home or office.
Welcome to My Mess
The entryway or foyer is a logical starting point. It’s the place where people slip out of shoes, boots, hats, and coats. If you have kids, it’s where they drop backpacks, instruments, and sports equipment.
Help your family transform your front door area from a dumping ground to a space that says “welcome to our home”
Install low-level shelves and hooks in your coat closet. Use hatboxes to store out-of-season attire. Help kids form the habit of taking sports equipment to the garage, and dirty gym clothes and uniforms to the laundry room.
The coat closet is a great start, but other closets are clutter hotspots too. Avoid overwhelm and de-clutter one closet each week.
Tip: As you declutter closets, fill donation bags and take them immediately to a thrift store or other donation center.
Tackle Clutter Hotspots
In many homes, the garage, basement, and attic attract so much clutter no one can even walk through the mess. If you can’t park your car in your garage or avoid the attic because of the clutter, it’s time to put on the gloves and grab 3 boxes. Label the boxes as follows:
Keep
Help these items find their new home—fast. Whether it’s a storage bin or cabinet, put them away so they don’t end up back in circulation.
Toss
Trash removal teams like the one here suggest donating what's usable and tossing what isn't. Once you’ve tossed something in this box, don’t look back!
Store
Fill this box with things you don’t use often but want to keep. Prepare storage containers with labels and inventory sheets. Stack neatly in an area designated solely for storage.
Tackle only one hotspot per session. You want to start and finish each project without causing stress. Remember, one of the goals of decluttering is lowering your stress hormone levels.
Ready to Declutter Your Home and Office?
We know—we only gave you a few things to do, but these are big projects and once completed, will make your soul sing.
Once you’ve caught the declutter bug, you can work on other ways to declutter your home. Things like having someone haul away old furniture and appliances taking up valuable space in your house or office.
For more ways we can help you on your journey to the clutter-free life, check out the rest of our services. Starting small is better than not starting at all! Cut the clutter in your home and office today by reading more tips to organize and clean your house and workplace.