We all have been there. The once neat and tidy space of ours gradually turns into a mess, filled with items that we don’t even remember buying. This clutter not only takes up our physical space but can also cause mental stress and anxiety. Keeping our living or working space organized is not a one-time task.
It requires consistent effort and smart strategies to maintain it. Let’s discuss 18 effective ways to keep clutter from returning, helping you to create a serene and peaceful environment.
1. Start Small
Don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to declutter your entire house in one day. Start small. Choose one room or even a part of a room to start with. You can choose your closet, garage, office desk, or even your car.
Gradually, you can move to other parts. This will not only keep you motivated but also make the task less daunting. For example, start by decluttering your kitchen drawer today, your closet the next day, and so on.
2. Follow the “One In, One Out” Rule
For every new item you bring into your home, get rid of an old one. This will not only help to keep your space clutter-free but also make you think twice before buying a new item. This strategy is particularly useful for items like clothing, shoes, books, and kitchen appliances. If you buy a new shirt, donate an old one. If you get a new book, give away a book you’ve already read.
3. Organize Regularly
Organizing your space should not be a one-time task. Make it a part of your daily or weekly routine. Spend a few minutes every day or dedicate a specific day of the week to organize your space. This will not only keep your space tidy but also save you from the massive task of decluttering after months. For example, you can dedicate 15 minutes every day before going to bed to organize your space.
4. Use Storage Solutions
Investing in smart storage solutions can help to keep your space organized. You can use baskets, boxes, shelves, or even furniture with built-in storage. The key is to ensure that every item has a designated space. This will not only make it easier to find things but also prevent items from piling up. For instance, you can use a basket to store your magazines, a box for your craft supplies, or a shelf for your books.
5. Declutter Digitally
In today’s digital world, clutter is not just physical. It can be digital too. Organize your digital space regularly. Delete old emails, unnecessary files, duplicate photos, and unused apps. This will not only free up storage space but also make it easier to find important files and documents. For example, you can organize your emails into different folders or delete old photos from your phone.
6. Create a Donation Box
Keep a donation box in your house. Whenever you find an item that you no longer need or use, put it in the box. Once the box is full, donate the items. This will not only help to keep your space clutter-free but also help those in need. You can donate clothes, books, toys, kitchen appliances, and more.
7. Be Mindful of What You Bring Into Your Home
Before buying a new item, ask yourself if you really need it. Avoid impulse buying. This will not only save you money but also prevent unnecessary items from piling up in your home. For example, before buying a new shirt, think about whether you really need it or if it will just end up in your already overflowing closet.
8. Use the “6 Month Rule”
If you haven’t used an item in the last 6 months, chances are you don’t need it. Get rid of such items. This rule particularly applies to items like clothes, shoes, kitchen appliances, and books. However, there might be exceptions like seasonal items or sentimental items.
9. Make Use of Vertical Space
Don’t forget about the vertical space in your home. You can use walls to hang shelves, hooks, or rods. This can help to keep your floor space free and make your space look more organized. For example, you can hang a rod in your closet to hang scarves or belts, or install a shelf to display your favorite books.
10. Keep Flat Surfaces Clear
Try to keep flat surfaces like countertops, tables, and desks clear. These surfaces tend to become a dumping ground for all sorts of items. Clear them off every day. This will not only make your space look tidy but also make it easier to clean.
11. Label Everything
Labeling can help to keep your space organized. You can label boxes, baskets, jars, or even shelves. This will not only make it easier to find things but also remind you where to put things back. For example, you can label a box as “craft supplies” or a jar as “pasta”.
12. Don’t Buy Storage Supplies Until You Declutter
Avoid the temptation to buy storage supplies before you start decluttering. You might end up with unnecessary supplies. First, declutter your space, sort items, and then decide what kind of storage supplies you need.
13. Don’t Let Paper Pile Up
Deal with paper immediately. Whether it’s mail, bills, or school papers, don’t let them pile up. Create a system to deal with them. For example, you can create a “one-touch rule”. Handle each piece of paper only once. Read it, act on it, file it, or toss it.
14. Use the “Four-Box Method”
The four-box method can make decluttering easier. Get four boxes and label them as “keep”, “donate”, “trash”, and “relocate”. Go through each item in your space and put it in one of the boxes. This will not only help to sort items but also make the decluttering process more manageable.
15. Have a Place for Everything
Having a designated place for every item can help to keep your space organized. After using an item, put it back in its place. This habit can prevent items from ending up in random places and piling up.
16. Involve Family Members
Involve your family members in the decluttering process. Make it a team effort. This can not only make the process faster but also teach everyone the importance of keeping the space tidy.
17. Make it Fun
Decluttering doesn’t have to be boring. Make it fun. Listen to your favorite music, podcast, or audiobook while decluttering. You can also set a timer and try to beat your own record.
18. Be Patient
Last but not least, be patient. Decluttering is a process. It takes time. Don’t be hard on yourself if you don’t see immediate results. Keep going and eventually, you will see a clutter-free space.