Do you find yourself surrounded by clutter and feeling overwhelmed?
Are you ready to take control of your home and create a space that is both functional and beautiful?
Many people find themselves drowning in possessions that they no longer use or need. But the good news is that decluttering can help to restore a sense of calm and organization to your living space.
As personal concierge and errand services experts, we’ve seen firsthand the impact that decluttering can have on our clients’ lives. That’s why we have compiled a list of the top 5 tips for decluttering your home.
Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been putting it off for a while, these tips will help you to make progress and achieve a more organized home.
Tip 1 - Take a Critical Look At Your Space
What Would You Think If You Were Seeing The Space For The First Time?
Imagine that you are seeing the room for the first time.
- What catches your eye? What stands out?
- Is there too much furniture in the room, making it feel cluttered and cramped?
- Are there piles of papers and magazines on the floor or on the desk in your home office?
It’s essential to take a step back and assess the situation before you begin to declutter.
Tip 2 - Ask Yourself Where The Logical Traffic Flow Runs
Is There Space To Move Around Furniture And Between Rooms?
The next step is to evaluate the flow of your home.
- Can you move around comfortably without bumping into furniture or tripping over clutter?
- Are there clear pathways from one room to the next?
- You should also consider the placement of furniture and how it impacts the flow of your space.
Sometimes, a small adjustment to the placement of furniture can make a huge difference in the functionality of the space.
Tip 3 - What's In The Way?
What’s Standing Out? What Needs to Be Cleared Away?
Now that you’ve assessed the situation and evaluated the flow of your space, it’s time to identify what’s in the way.
- What is taking up valuable real estate in your home?
- What items are standing out, making it hard to focus on the beauty of your home decor?
It’s time to tackle the clutter and start clearing away the excess items that you no longer need or use. This will free up valuable space and make it easier to organize what’s left.
Tip 4 - Time To Organize
Find A Home For Everything You Want To Keep And Put It There
Once you’ve cleared away the excess, it’s time to find a home for everything you want to keep. This is where the organization comes in.
Choose storage spaces for your belongings that are easily accessible and make sense for your lifestyle. Use shelves, drawers, baskets, and organizers to keep items together.
If you’re struggling to decide where something belongs, consider the frequency of use and choose a location that makes it easy to access.
Tip 5 - Deal With The Rest
Either Donate, Discard, or Sell – and Do It Now
The final step in decluttering your home is dealing with the items you no longer need or want. It’s time to take action and get rid of these items.
You have three options: donate, discard, or sell.
- For items that are still in good condition, consider donating them to a local charity.
- For items that you don’t need anymore, discard them in the trash or recycling bin. Think about items that don’t work, aren’t complete anymore or items that don’t have value to anyone else.
- Finally, for items that have value, consider selling them to make a little extra cash.
But whatever you do, don’t let these items linger around your space. Take action and do it now.
Bonus Tips For Decluttering Your Home
Here are a few bonus tips to make the decluttering process even easier –
- Make a list of the areas you want to tackle and prioritize them.
- Use storage boxes to keep items together, label them clearly, and make them easier to find.
- Set aside sentimental items that you’re not sure about and come back to them later.
- Get rid of electronics and appliances you haven’t used in the past year.
- Use the “one in, one out” rule for clothes and toys – when you bring in a new item, get rid of an old one.
Let's Get Started With The Decluttering Process
Decluttering your home can be a lot of work, but it’s worth it in the end. With these five tips, you’ll be well on your way to a more manageable and clutter-free life.
By following these simple steps – starting small, setting a schedule, separating items into categories, getting rid of duplicates, and seeking help when needed – you’ll be able to create a tidy and stress-free living space.
As personal concierge and errand services experts, we’re passionate about helping our clients to achieve their goals, and decluttering is one of the most impactful ways to do that.
So, take a deep breath, start small, and trust the process. You’ll be amazed at the difference it can make in your life.
FAQs - Decluttering Tips
1. What is the 12-12-12 rule for decluttering?
The 12-12-12 rule is a simple technique that can help you declutter your home quickly.
The rule involves finding 12 items to throw away, 12 items to donate, and 12 items to return to their proper place.
This technique can be used in any room of your house, and it’s a great way to get started with decluttering.
2. What should you not do when decluttering?
When decluttering your home, it’s important to avoid certain mistakes that could hinder your progress.
Some things to avoid include starting with sentimental items, buying storage containers before decluttering your space, and trying to tackle everything at once.
Instead, start small, work systematically, and be realistic about what you can accomplish.
3. What clothes to keep or throw away?
When decluttering your closet, a good rule of thumb is to keep only the clothes you wear regularly and that fit well.
You can also consider donating items that are still in good condition but no longer serve you. If you haven’t worn something in over a year, it may be time to toss, donate it or sell it at your local consignment store.
4. Which room to declutter first?
It’s often best to start decluttering in a room that will make the most significant impact on your daily life, such as the bedroom, kitchen, or living room.
Choose the room that will have the most significant impact on your day-to-day routine once it’s decluttered and organized.
5. What time of year is best to declutter?
There’s no “right” time of year to declutter, but it can be helpful to tackle the task during a transitional period, such as the start of a new season or the beginning of the year.
Decluttering during these times can help you establish momentum and make it easier to maintain a clutter-free home.
6. How do you start decluttering when overwhelmed?
Starting the decluttering process can be overwhelming, but the key is to start small and focus on one area at a time.
You can also break down large tasks into smaller, manageable steps, and set realistic goals. One cupboard, one drawer, one shelf at a time. It can also be helpful to enlist the help of an organizer or friend.
7. What to do with sentimental knick-knacks?
Sentimental items can be challenging to declutter, but it’s important to remember that memories are not tied to physical objects.
Consider taking photos of sentimental items and creating a digital memory book, or choose one or two items to keep and display in a designated space in your home.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, decluttering your space might seem like a daunting task at first, but it is easier than expected with the right mindset and approach. By breaking the process down into smaller steps you can gradually build up momentum and achieve a clutter-free living environment. Moreover, professional organizing services like TimeSquared can be a valuable resource for anyone seeking extra guidance and support during the decluttering process. With their help, you can develop personalized strategies for organizing your items and maintaining a clutter-free space in the long term. So don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance, and take the first step towards a happier, more organized life today.
Contact us to learn more about the services provided by our professionals.
