Junk can range from obvious trash to things you don’t use or like anymore. It can also be the items you’ve been putting off for a later date. The key to successfully declutter your home is to trust that part of your brain that gets rid of junk without thinking too much.
Create a “maybe” box
Create a “maybe” box in your home for items that you might not want to part with. This box can quickly become full, so try to be patient. Include things that are seasonal, such as decorations and clothing, and that you might not ever want to part with. Also, consider doing a decluttering project area by area.
Clutter not only limits your access to certain spaces in your home, but it can also impact your digital space. For example, it can be overwhelming to go through your computer files. It can affect your mental health as well. Fortunately, there are plenty of tips online to help you get rid of clutter in your home.
You may have the desire to donate items that you haven’t used in a long time. But in reality, these items might be worth something to someone else. Therefore, you should consider whether or not to donate them. For instance, ripped or heavily stained shirts are probably not worth donating.
Designate a place for clutter
If you have a lot of clutter, designate a place for everything. This way, you can eliminate the clutter and build the habit of putting things away. It will help you to avoid the clutter that can make you feel overwhelmed. You can start by categorizing everything according to its function. For instance, bath and bathroom towels should be kept in the bathroom or linen closet. Other items, such as pens and scissors, can be stored in the kitchen drawer, office, or bedroom. Similarly, things that are used while sleeping should be kept in the bedroom or nearby the bed.
Another area where clutter can accumulate is the family room. This room is used frequently by everyone in the household. Kids, for example, will often leave things around the family room, such as their toys and clothes. This means that the family room is a prime place for clutter to accumulate. For this reason, it’s vital that you designate a place for everything, especially in this area.
Create a permanent storage space
One way to get rid of clutter is to create a permanent storage space for common household items. This could be a closet or a special area on a coffee table. Organize your storage space so you can put away things you use on a daily basis, such as books, magazines, and toys.
Decluttering your storage space is not an instant process, but it will build momentum and confidence. If you start by decluttering an easy area first, you won’t feel overwhelmed and will be motivated to continue. Once you’ve completed the first area, you can move on to the storage room.
Teach your kids where things belong
Clutter can be distracting and even cause anxiety in a child. It can also make a child feel guilty, leading to problems later in life, such as academic, social, and financial difficulties. Parents need to teach their children where things belong and how to be responsible for the space they live in.
Start by organizing toys by location. When kids are young, they’re still able to understand that toys have a designated place and don’t belong in the middle of the living room. Often, they’ll hold onto a toy from a birthday party, but will need to toss it out once it’s broken. Be sure to spell out the rules and reward them with a small prize for putting the toy away.
Teaching kids where things belong is an important step toward achieving a clean home. Kids may feel repelled to part with their possessions when they see clutter in the living room, but they’ll be more likely to respect the space if they know where their things belong. To help your kids understand why certain things belong where they belong, you can ask them if they love the item or whether it’s useful or adds value to their lives.
When getting rid of clutter, start with easy areas to get rid of. Things that are easy to get rid of are garbage, old school papers, and broken toys. Another easy area to declutter is clothing. Outgrown clothes should go into a donation bag, while toys should be put in their appropriate place.
Make a mess before you get organized
Whether your kitchen counter is messy or your whole home is, you’re probably not the only one. A mess on one spot can make a larger space look cluttered, and it sets the mood for the day. Try cleaning just one spot in your home at a time. This involves throwing away trash, returning items to their proper home, and straightening up the remaining items.
First, stop setting everything on the spot that you want to organize. Perhaps you don’t have a system for bills or recycling, or you don’t have designated hooks for school supplies. Take some time to sort things out and create a system for everything.
Avoid multitasking while decluttering
One of the best ways to declutter effectively is to avoid multitasking. It’s hard to focus on multiple tasks at the same time, which will make your task seem more daunting. In addition, multitasking decreases your willpower, making you more likely to give in to temptation, delay decisions, and end up with more clutter than you started with. Plus, multitasking becomes the norm once you start doing it regularly.
To keep yourself focused while decluttering, set a time limit for the task. This is very important if you want to accomplish your goal without getting distracted by other activities. Turn off the TV, radio, and cell phone while you’re decluttering. These distractions will keep you from focusing on the task at hand.
