Decluttering your home can feel like an overwhelming task, but it doesn’t have to be! With some planning, dedication, and helpful decluttering tips, you can clear the clutter from every room. Here is a comprehensive guide to tackling a full home declutter.
Why Declutter?
Before diving into the how-to’s of decluttering, it’s helpful to review the many benefits of clearing clutter:
-
Reduced stress & anxiety. Cluttered spaces can contribute to feeling overwhelmed. Decluttering helps create peaceful surroundings.
-
Increased productivity. It’s easier to complete tasks and focus in tidy spaces free of excess stuff.
-
Improved organization. Decluttering allows you to create efficient systems for managing belongings.
-
More space. Getting rid of unused items frees up room in your home.
-
Easier cleaning. Cleaning takes less time and effort in a decluttered home.
-
Safety. Removing clutter eliminates tripping hazards and makes it easier to spot potential problems.
Decluttering By Room
Approaching decluttering one room at a time is an effective and manageable way to tackle the entire house. Here are some tips to declutter common areas:
Kitchen
The kitchen often attracts a great deal of clutter. When decluttering this space:
-
Clear countertops completely so they can be used for food prep.
-
Organize pantry items by type and use baskets to corral packages. Get rid of expired goods.
-
Clean out cabinets and drawers. Keep only essential cooking tools and dishes you use regularly. Donate unused items.
-
Declutter appliances by removing duplicate gadgets and small appliances you rarely use.
Bedrooms
Bedrooms accumulate clutter easily. Follow these tips to clear them out:
-
Make the bed and keep bedding clutter-free. Store extra blankets and pillows elsewhere.
-
Organize clothes. Thin out overcrowded closets and drawers. Donate unworn clothes.
-
Declutter surfaces. Remove everything from nightstands, dressers, and desks. Keep back only essentials.
-
Reduce books and accessories. Donate excess books, decor items, and accessories. Shelve or store edited collections neatly.
Bathrooms
With limited storage, bathrooms can quickly get overrun with clutter. Here’s how to tackle them:
-
Edit supplies. Toss expired medications, old makeup/skincare, and dried up products.
-
Organize toiletries neatly. Use coordinating bins, trays, and racks to corral bathroom essentials.
-
Clear countertops. Display just a few decorative items plus daily use products like soap and toothbrushes.
-
Simplify cabinets. Only keep current towels and a reasonable backup supply of toilet paper and cleaning products.
Living Spaces
As communal family spaces, living rooms, dens, and playrooms easily become catchalls. Use these tips to declutter them:
-
Remove excess furniture. Make the space feel open and uncluttered.
-
Declutter surfaces. Mantles, coffee tables, media consoles, and shelves attract clutter. Remove everything and selectively display decorative items and books.
-
Edit toy collection. Store or donate toys without play value. Use bins and shelves to neatly organize keepers.
-
Manage media clutter. Contain DVDs, video games, remotes, and tech accessories in storage units.
Decluttering Strategies
These general decluttering strategies will keep the process manageable as you work through your home:
-
Start small. Tackle one area, surface, or drawer at a time. Completing small tasks builds motivation.
-
Use the “one in, one out” rule. When bringing something new into your home, get rid of something already there. This maintains clutter-free space.
-
Try the 20/10 cycle. Set a timer for 20 minutes of focused decluttering. Take a 10 minute break. Repeat. This timeline keeps energy and productivity up.
-
Categorize belongings. Designate items as trash, donate, sell, or relocate. This creates an action plan for clearing each decluttered item.
-
Don’t let items linger. Remove donate and sell items from your home right away so they don’t get re-cluttered.
Maintaining a Clutter-Free Home
Congratulations on completing a thorough home declutter! Here are some tips going forward:
-
Institute a regular, quick decluttering session, like spending 10 minutes tidying up before bed.
-
Process mail and paper as soon as it enters your home. Don’t let it pile up.
-
Put incoming items directly into their designated homes. Don’t set them down randomly.
-
Review your decluttered spaces often. If they start filling up, it’s time for another round of decluttering.
With a little diligence, your tidied and organized home will stay that way! Just take decluttering step-by-step and soon it will become a healthy habit.
