Where To Get Started With Decluttering

We are prone to consumption, and this means we tend to accumulate many items over the course of our lifetime. There will come a time when you need to declutter. When you have a house full of stuff, however, it can be hard to know where to start.  Use the tips below to help you get started.

Pick your worst room

You probably already know which room is causing you the most grief, and that is the room that you should tackle first. When you take the time to spruce it up and make it look amazing, it will be the spark that ignites your motivation to continue with the rest of the house. After all, if you can make one room look amazing, then you can make the whole house look just as beautiful. There are many ways to achieve this, from a quick refresh with a new coat of paint, to a complete overhaul with new furniture and decor. Either way, it's important to take the time and effort to make the room look perfect, and it will be worth it in the end.

Visualize the room

When deciding which room to start with, take some time to really visualize what you want the space to look like. What does your dream room look like? Think about what you are hoping for the end result to be, and how the room will be used. Visualizing the room and having a clear goal in mind is an important first step to help keep you motivated and focused on the task at hand. Spend some time considering the possibilities and imagining the outcome. Once you have a good idea of what you want the room to look like and what it will be used for, you can begin the process of transforming your dream room into reality.

Start with what you see

It can get overwhelming when you think about all the things that are in drawers, closets, cupboards and other storage areas. Start with desktops, floor space, and the tops of dressers and tables; the most visible and accessible areas. Clearing these items will help you to feel like you're making real progress and can be a great motivator when you are feeling flat or stressed. Sort through each area, being sure to take your time and properly assess what you need and what you can do without. Donate items that you don't need and create a designated space for those items that you do. This process will provide clarity and help to reduce clutter. When you've finished, you'll feel a sense of accomplishment, satisfaction and relief.

Consider the furniture

Furniture can also contribute to how cluttered a room looks. Look at every piece in the room and make sure they serve a function, and are in the right place. Reorganizing your space can totally transform a room, and this can be a great inspiration to keep going!

Get rid of items that don't have a function

Going through your things, it's important to identify items you don't need or that don't serve a purpose. If you don't love it, and it's not something you use regularly, it might be time to get rid of it. This can be difficult at first, especially if you've held onto something for a long time, but it will help to reduce clutter and create a more organized space. Additionally, it can also be beneficial to invest in storage solutions, such as baskets, bins, and shelves, to keep items organized and out of the way.

Set up donation and trash bins

To make the decluttering process easier, create some designated bins for items you no longer need. Have a bin for items you want to donate, a bin for items you want to throw away, and a bin for items you want to keep. This will help to keep you organized and make the process less overwhelming.

Create a regular decluttering schedule

Decluttering can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. Set up a regular decluttering schedule and stick to it. This will help you to stay on top of your decluttering and ensure that your home is always looking its best.

Prepare yourself mentally

It’s important to be both physically and mentally prepared for your declutter. Have bags and boxes ready to go so that when you're ready to start, you have the tools you need. Additionally, it's important to understand that this process takes time and that you won't transform your home overnight. You should also remember that it's ok to take breaks or pause your decluttering journey if you need to. Having an understanding of the process and the patience to complete it is key to making your home look how you want it to.

Use a timer to keep you on track

Decluttering can be overwhelming, so break your time up into small, bite size chunks. Most experts recommend 15 minutes at a time. Remind yourself why you are doing this. What will be the end result? Visualize the end result and keep going. Set a timer, get to work, and take a break when the buzzer goes off.

Take some time to reward yourself

Decluttering can be hard work, and it's absolutely essential to reward yourself for your efforts. Whether it's a luxurious spa day, a trip to the movies, or a night out with friends, make sure to give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done. Even if you feel like you’re starting to lose motivation, it’s important to remind yourself of why you are doing it in the first place. Maybe it’s to help you feel more organized and productive, or perhaps it’s to make your home a more relaxing and comfortable space. Whatever the reason, be sure to keep it in mind and celebrate your accomplishments!

Break up large projects into smaller tasks

When it comes to decluttering, it can be helpful to break up larger projects into smaller tasks. This will make it easier to manage the workload. Look at the project as a whole and create a list of tasks to complete. Break them down into smaller chunks so that they are achievable and manageable.

Give everything a home

One of the most important ways to succeed in decluttering is to ensure that every item in your home has its own designated space. Remember the mantra: a place for everything, and everything in its place.

Photograph sentimental items

It can be hard to let go of things that have meaning. One option is to take photographs of sentimental items. Remember, the person who gave it to you would not want you to be weighed down and obligated to keep it.

Final Thoughts

Decluttering can feel like a monumental task, but as long as you keep going, stay strong, and complete each task, there will be plenty of benefits. You can enjoy reduced stress, more space to enjoy and, in the majority of cases, a reduction in housework!

By breaking down your decluttering tasks into small chunks, you increase your chances of success. All you have to do is get started!