An organised and clutter-free environment can help promote a sense of calm, improve focus, enhance creativity, reduce stress, and contribute to better overall well-being. But where to start if you decide to declutter your home? Here are some steps to guide you through the process.
1) Set a goal
Decide on a specific goal for your project. Do you want to declutter your entire house, a particular room, or just a specific area? Having a clear objective will save time and keep you focused.
2) Prepare your decluttering kit
Gather the necessary supplies such as bin bags, storage containers, labels and cleaning products. Having these items on hand will help streamline the process.
3) Start small
If your house is overwhelmingly cluttered, begin with a small area or one room. This will make the task more manageable and less daunting.
4) Clear flat surfaces first
Countertops, tables and other flat surfaces often collect a lot of clutter. Keep them as clear as possible, as this not only creates a sense of spaciousness but is also a quick win in the decluttering process.
5) Tackle one category at a time
When decluttering a specific area, focus on one category of items at a time (e.g. clothes, books or kitchen utensils). This helps maintain focus and prevents feeling overwhelmed.
6) Ask critical questions
When deciding whether to keep or discard an item, ask yourself:
- Have I used this in the past year?
- Does it hold sentimental value?
- Is it in good condition?
- Does it serve a practical purpose?
- Can I replace it easily if needed?
Be honest and ruthless in your decision-making.
7) Sort and categorise
As you go through your items, divide them into categories like ‘keep’, ‘donate’, ‘sell’, ‘recycle’, ‘throw away’, and ‘unsure’. This will help you make decisions more efficiently.
8) Organise and store
Find appropriate storage solutions for all the items you’ve decided to keep. Use bins, shelves, drawers and cabinets to keep things organised. Label the storage containers for easy access.
9) Introduce a ‘one in, one out’ rule
To prevent future clutter, adopt a ‘one in, one out’ rule. For every new item that comes into your home, consider donating or discarding an old item.
10) Maintain regularly
Make decluttering a regular part of your routine. Set aside time each week or month to assess and tidy your living space.
Remember that decluttering is an ongoing process, and it’s okay to start small. The key is to make consistent progress over time to create a more organised and peaceful living environment.
Need a skip to declutter your home? The Hamptons Group can help with that – book your skip now.