Looking around and seeing clutter causes you stress — and you're not alone in feeling this way. Experts have long linked clutter and stress, and there are many reasons why it makes you feel this way. For one thing, it reminds you of everything you have yet to accomplish on your to-do list. It can make you anxious to have people over, too.
So, it's time to tackle the clutter and free up space at home. It shouldn't be hard to organize your room, especially if you have storage solutions ready to deploy — and we have you covered on that one.
Here's how to declutter your home quickly and efficiently.
How to Declutter Your Home
Our first tip is to apply these rules to one room at a time. So, choose a space and go through the checklist. Once you're done, move onto the next room and follow the same steps.
In the end, you'll have a decluttered home — but it all starts with one room and step number one.
1. Get Rid of the Trash First
Grab a trash bag and get started. Sifting through the clutter and removing rubbish is a great way to start the decluttering process.
Chuck out anything broken or out-of-date. Sort through mail piles and toss empty envelopes or coupons that have expired. Test markers, glue and other supplies to make sure they still work — if not, toss them.
Removing all of the trash first will cut down on the visual clutter. And, with less waste around you, it'll be easier to decide what to do with the rest of the stuff you find.
You should occasionally revisit this step, too. If you feel like your counters or closets are getting too full, clear out the trash.
2. Decide What to Donate
Now that everything in the room is functional, it's time to decide what you no longer need. You can deploy the 12-month rule, which states that you'll get rid of anything that hasn't been used for the past year. It can be harsh if you build emotional attachments to things, but it's worth it if you have an excess amount of clutter.
Once you have a donation pile, figure out the right place to leave it. Please do your research and call charities ahead of time to see what they need. If you can fulfill that quota, then make a delivery.
3. Try a Storage Unit
You can see what's left after removing the trash and donations. If it's still too much for the given room, then consider buying a storage unit.
You shouldn't do this to avoid dealing with clutter. However, if you have too much valuable stuff to fit into your home, you could experience these benefits by renting additional space.
4. Find a Place For Everything
Once you have whittled down your clutter to the items you want to keep, it's time to put them away. Designate spots in closets, drawers and on shelves for the items you have kept. Do your best to maintain your organizational system — put everything back in its place after using it. With such a system in place, you will cut down on clutter for good.
Organize and Declutter Your Home
Now that you know how to declutter your home, it's time to put what you've learned into practice. Get started today, and you'll soon forget the stress that your home made you feel. Instead, you'll be happy to be there — and that's precisely how you should feel in your decluttered abode. Now cut the clutter and keep it clean!
