When it comes to creating a peaceful, productive space that truly feels like home, decluttering plays a vital role. Whether it’s your physical space or digital world, clutter can create chaos, stress and confusion. On the other hand, a clean, well-organized space can promote a sense of calm, control and efficiency. In this blog post, we’ll explore 16 practical decluttering moves that will help you get a fresh start.
1. Start with Five Minutes a Day
Beginning a decluttering journey can feel overwhelming. Instead of trying to tackle everything at once, start with just five minutes a day. Choose one small area like a drawer or a shelf and focus your attention there. You’ll be surprised at how much you can accomplish in just five minutes. And once you start seeing progress, you’ll feel motivated to keep going.
2. Do the 12-12-12 Challenge
This innovative decluttering method involves finding 12 items to throw away, 12 items to donate, and 12 items to be returned to their proper place. This challenge not only helps you declutter 36 items at once, but it also encourages you to think about what items are truly necessary and what items simply take up space.
3. Declutter One Room at a Time
When you look at your entire house or apartment as one big decluttering project, it can feel overwhelming. Instead, break it down room by room. Start with the room that bothers you the most, and once you see the difference in that space, you’ll be motivated to move on to the next.
4. Use the Four-Box Method
Get four boxes and label them: trash, give away, keep, or relocate. As you go through the items in a room, place each item into one of the four boxes. This method forces you to make a decision about each item, preventing you from merely shifting clutter from one spot to another.
5. Follow the One-Year Rule
If you haven’t used an item in a year, it’s a prime candidate for decluttering. This rule is particularly useful for items like clothes, kitchen gadgets, and other items that are easy to accumulate but often go unused.
6. Digitize Paper Clutter
Bills, receipts, and other papers can quickly pile up. Consider going digital to eliminate this form of clutter. Many companies offer electronic billing, and apps are available to digitally store receipts and other important documents.
7. Unsubscribe from Unwanted Emails
Digital clutter can be just as overwhelming as physical clutter. Take some time to unsubscribe from unwanted emails. Not only will this reduce clutter in your inbox, but it will also reduce the time you spend managing your email.
8. Declutter Your Phone
Delete unused apps, old photos, and unnecessary files from your phone. This will free up storage space and make your phone easier to navigate.
9. Use Vertical Space
When decluttering, don’t forget to look up. Using vertical space by installing shelves or hooks can help keep items off the floor and surfaces, resulting in a more organized space.
10. Get Rid of Duplicate Items
If you have two or more of the same item, consider getting rid of the duplicates. This is especially helpful in the kitchen where you may have multiples of the same utensil or appliance.
11. Use Storage Baskets
Storage baskets are a great way to keep items organized. They can be used in closets, on shelves, and in cabinets to keep similar items together and easy to find.
12. Implement a One-In, One-Out Rule
To prevent clutter from accumulating, adopt a one-in, one-out rule. This means that for every new item you bring into your home, you should get rid of an old one.
13. Keep Flat Surfaces Clear
Flat surfaces like countertops, tables, and desks tend to attract clutter. Make it a habit to keep these surfaces clear of anything that doesn’t belong there.
14. Label Everything
Having a place for everything and everything in its place is a key principle of decluttering. Labeling boxes, bins, and shelves can help ensure that items are returned to their proper place.
15. Don’t Forget About Digital Photos
Digital photos can quickly accumulate and become a source of digital clutter. Regularly go through your photos and delete any duplicates or unwanted images.
16. Maintain Your Progress
Decluttering isn’t a one-time event. It’s an ongoing process that requires regular maintenance. Set aside a few minutes each day or a specific time each week to continue decluttering and organizing. Remember, the goal of decluttering isn’t to live with as few things as possible. It’s to make sure the things you do have serve a purpose and bring value to your life. So, take a deep breath, roll up your sleeves, and start decluttering!
