These days, most people’s lives are busier than ever. Most people tend to accumulate things, and thanks to things like work, kids, hobbies and moving, our homes can often become cluttered with items we no longer use or need – which can create a chaotic and stressful environment.
Decluttering your home not only creates more space but can also improve your mental well-being, reduce visual clutter and create a more calming and relaxed environment. In this guide, we walk you through the process of decluttering your home efficiently to create a tidier, more organised space.
Benefits of Decluttering Your Home
While it may seem like a simple task, decluttering your home can have many surprising benefits.
A clutter-free home reduces stress, enhances creativity and productivity, and can even improve your sleep quality. While also creating more space in your home; and cutting back the amount of time and energy you spend cleaning and tidying around your home.
It’s about creating a more organised space that reflects your needs and values, rather than being a storage area for unused items.
Setting Goals for Decluttering
Begin by setting small goals that are clear and achievable.
Whether it’s making your living room more welcoming, a clear out of the garage, getting rid of unused kitchen gadgets, or simply just organising your wardrobe; having specific targets will keep you focused and motivated.
Create a Decluttering Checklist
Creating a checklist specific to each room in your home can help to simplify the process. Break down the tasks into manageable sections, such as “Clothes”, “Books”, and “Electronics”, to tackle your home piece by piece.
Methods of Decluttering
- The KonMari Method: Popularised by Netflix, the KonMari method focuses on only keeping those items around your home that ‘spark joy’.
- The Four-Box Method: This method involves using four boxes in your home – Keep, Donate, Sell, and Trash – to categorise and organise items quickly. Items assigned to each box are then dealt with accordingly.
Tackle One Room at a Time
Start with the easiest room to build momentum. Or start with the most lived in rooms where you spend most of your time. Sort items into your chosen categories, and be ruthless about what to keep. Remember, the goal is to reduce clutter, not to move it around.
Organise As You Declutter
As you declutter, organise the remaining items. Invest in storage solutions that fit your space and lifestyle. Label boxes and bins to maintain order and make items easy to find.
Dispose of Clutter Responsibly
For items you’re getting rid of:
- Donate: Give to local charities or community centres.
- Sell: Use online platforms such as DoneDeal or car boot sales.
- Recycle: Be mindful of recycling regulations in Ireland.
Tips for Success
Decluttering is not a one-time task but a continuous process. Implement habits to prevent clutter from accumulating again, such as the “one in, one out” rule.
Start Small
If the thought of decluttering your entire home feels overwhelming, start with a small, manageable area. This could be a single drawer, a shelf, or a countertop. The sense of accomplishment from clearing even a small space can motivate you to tackle larger areas.
Use the Five-Minute Rule
For those days when motivation is low, apply the five-minute rule. Commit to decluttering for just five minutes. Often, getting started is the hardest part, and you may find yourself continuing well beyond the initial five minutes.
Implement the One-Year Rule
A practical way to decide whether to keep an item is to ask yourself if you’ve used it in the past year. If the answer is no, and it’s not a seasonal item or of sentimental value, it’s likely time to let it go.
Be Mindful of What You Bring Into Your Home
After decluttering, it’s crucial to be more intentional about what you bring into your home. Before you buy something, ask yourself if it’s necessary, where it will be stored, and whether it replaces something that can be discarded.
Reward Yourself
Set goals and milestones and reward yourself when you meet them. This could be after decluttering a particularly challenging area or completing a room. And rewards don’t have to be counter-productive, they can be as simple, such as a favourite treat or an episode of your favourite TV show.
By following this guide, you’ll be well on your way to creating a clutter-free, peaceful home that serves your needs and reflects your personal style. Remember, decluttering is a journey, not a destination. Take it one step at a time, and enjoy the benefits of a tidier, more organised home.
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