There’s something about an organized space that just makes you feel more productive. Obviously, clutter can be a major source of unnecessary hectic stress and can make it difficult to find what you need, when you need it. However, decluttering your home doesn’t have to be a daunting task (even though the thought of it is) and often times it doesn’t require you to take the entire day to complete. You can go from clutter to clean in no time!
We all have lives that we want to enjoy, and we don’t want to spend most of it organizing items to perfection (at least, I don’t!) Check out these five easy steps so you can not only declutter your home, but create a more organized, peaceful space that you want to be in.
From Clutter to Clean in 5 Easy Steps
Step 1: Set a goal and create a plan.
Before you take on going from clutter to clean, take a moment to think about what you hope to achieve. Are you looking to get rid of any items that are no longer being used and are now considered trash? Are you looking to have a specific area look and feel cleaner? Are you looking to reduce stress?
Once you have a clear idea of the direction you want to go, it will help to ideate your plan of action. For instance, if you work from home, most of the time you can find a date or window of time that works around your schedule. One other goal that you can keep in mind when decluttering is identifying the areas of your home that need the most attention.
From there you can decide on a method for sorting through your possessions (such as the “keep, sell, or donate” method). Pending the specific area in which you would like to keep your focus on, it can help you feel less stressed about completing a larger task at hand. Take it one section at a time – those little wins will feel great!
Step 2: Start small.
As I previously mentioned, decluttering your entire home at once can be overwhelming. Therefore, as an alternative option, start with a small area, such as a closet or a single room. That so-called small progress will give you the encouragement to tackle other areas needing attention and possibly manifest additional creative ways to organize.
For instance, starting with a space you utilize often would be great. Hence, peek at your space! Sometimes your desk and office space are loaded with documents, both trash and important, along with office supplies and random items. Because this space is used often, decluttering it will improve workflow. Check out CGS Founder Raya’s favorite desk accessories to keep her organized!
Step 3: Sort through your possessions.
The next step to go from clutter to clean is to take everything out of the area you’re decluttering and sort through it one item at a time. An important factor to keep in mind when decluttering is to be mindful of the items you bring into your home – no need to duplicate as that takes up space and adds to the clutter.
Ask yourself if you truly need or use the item, and if not, decide whether to keep, sell, or donate it. You will be shocked at how many gems you thought you lost but never did! Be honest with yourself about what you really need and use frequently, and don’t be afraid to let go of items that no longer serve a purpose for you.
To avoid clutter from piling up, invest in storage solutions that cater to your specific needs. For example, a shoe rack for your shoes, a jewelry organizer for your jewelry, and a shelf for your books. Breaking the habit of hoarding will have a major impact on your life in the long run – trust me! For an extra step, take this time to sanitize and wipe clean the area of any dust particles.
Step 4: Create a home for everything.
Once you’ve sorted through your possessions, put everything back in its proper place. Don’t procrastinate on this step! Make sure to have a designated spot for each item so that it’s easy to put away and easy to find. One of the biggest reasons why people tend to accumulate clutter is that they don’t have a proper storage solution in place.
This will help to keep your space organized and reduce clutter in the future. It will also make it easier to find items when in a hurry and short on time. You can also try the “one in, one out” rule. This means that for every new item you bring into your home, one item must go out. This rule can help keep your possessions in check and prevent clutter from piling up.
Step 5: Maintain the clutter-free space.
Decluttering is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. To keep your space clutter-free, be mindful of the items you bring into your home. Avoid impulse buys and only purchase items that you truly need or will use. Regularly go through your possessions and get rid of anything that you no longer need or use.
By following these five easy steps, you can declutter your home and create a more organized, peaceful space. Remember to start small, sort through your possessions, create a home for everything, and maintain your clutter-free space. With a little effort, you’ll be on your way to a more organized and stress-free home in no time.
Related: Declutter Your Way to Happiness
In short, it’s nice to keep your home clutter-free and regularly go through your possessions. Set aside a day every month to go through your belongings and get rid of anything that you no longer need or use. This could be clothes that no longer fit, old magazines, or broken items that you no longer use. Do you plan on decluttering any time soon? If so let us know if these steps and tools were helpful.
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