Guide to Decluttering Your Home
Decluttering your home and getting rid of stuff you don’t need can actually help you out in lots of ways—practically, emotionally, and even financially. It really helps you make space for what’s important.
Do we really have too much clutter?
According to the link below, the average person owns around 118 items of clothing in their wardrobe. (I know several people who have more!!!!)
https://eboots.co.uk/wiki/how-many-items-of-clothing-does-the-average-person-own-uk
The average 10-year-old has 238 toys and plays with 12 every day.
https://www.becomingminimalist.com/clutter-stats/
Why you should think about reducing the items you own.
Reduces stress and anxiety – A cluttered space can feel overwhelming and distracting. Decluttering helps create a calmer, more peaceful environment.
Saves time and energy – When you have fewer items, it’s much easier to find what you’re looking for and keep your place organised. You will end up spending less time cleaning and searching for things you misplaced.
Improves focus and productivity – A tidy space helps clear your mind, making it easier to concentrate and think creatively.
Frees up physical space – When you remove things you don’t use, you open up room to move around and make your home more comfortable, and create new possibilities in your home.
Encourages mindful consumption – Decluttering makes you think more about what you buy. It shows you what you really use and appreciate, which can help you be more careful with your future purchases and might even save you money down the line.
Can benefit others – Donating items you no longer need helps people in your community and gives your belongings a second life.
How to start decluttering your home.
Start small.
- Begin with one area—like a drawer, desk, or wardrobe. If you focus on small areas, it will help you see progress quickly and can keep you motivated.
Sort your items into 3 or 4 categories.
- Keep – Items you use often or love.
- Donate – Things in good condition that others could use.
- Sell – If you have the time and energy, you can try to sell them.
- Bin – Broken items or expired food and medicines.
Ask the right questions.
When deciding what to keep, ask:
- Have I used this over the past year?
- Do I have another item that does the same thing?
- Is it a duplicate?
- Does it serve a purpose or make me happy?
- Would I buy this item today if I saw it in a shop?
Tackle one category at a time.
- Instead of organising by room, try organising by type— such as clothes, books and kitchenware. This helps you see how much you own of each type.
Create a system for what remains.
- Make sure everything has a home. Use storage bins, shelves, or labels to keep things organised and easy to find.
- Declutter your items first, then organise them.
Digitise when possible.
- Scan your papers, photos and receipts to reduce clutter. Then shred and recycle the waste.
Let go of guilt.
- It’s normal to feel attached to certain items, but keeping things out of guilt or obligation only adds clutter. This can be really tough, especially when those items have memories with loved ones or if you spent a good amount of money on something that didn’t work out.
Maintain the habit.
- Take the time every couple of months to reassess what you own. If you keep up with regular decluttering, it will prevent clutter from building up again. You will be amazed at how much stuff you get rid of and still have packed drawers!
Maybe decluttering room by room could work better for you?
Entryway/Hall
- Remove any old shoes and coats that have not been worn in the past year.
- Clear out any expired mail, leaflets and papers.
- Organise your keys, bags and umbrellas.
Living room
- Sort through your magazines and newspapers.
- Clear your tables and find homes for the items.
- Donate or sell unused décor or knick-knacks.
- Donate or sell DVDs, Videos, CDs, and books that you don’t want anymore.
Kitchen
- Check the dates on your food and condiments, and bin any that have expired or that you don’t use/like.
- Bin anything that is broken and write it on a shopping list to replace when you have the money.
- Limit the number of cups, water bottles and glasses to a reasonable number per person. (Guilty of this one. I love a new mug!)
- Donate duplicate utensils or appliances.
- Clear your countertops of unnecessary items.
- Organise your pantry, cabinets and drawers.
Bedroom
- Discard any make-up you don’t use.
- Bin any old, uncomfortable underwear/socks or anything that doesn’t fit.
- Remove any clothes that are uncomfortable, no longer fit or do not suit your current style.
- Clear your nightstand and dresser tops of unnecessary items.
- Organise your jewellery, accessories and shoes.
- Sort out your children’s toys and keep only what they play with.
Bathroom
- Check the dates of toiletries and medications, and bin any that are expired or any that you no longer use.
- Group similar items together (haircare, skincare, etc.) so you can see how much you have.
Home office
- Shred your old documents and junk mail.
- Sort through your stationery and office supplies.
Garage
- Sort through any tools, sports gear, and seasonal décor.
- Group similar items together in labelled bins or boxes.
Decluttering doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a clear plan and steady pace, you can create a more organised and calm space. Decluttering is a gradual process, but each step brings you closer to a cleaner, more relaxing home.
Found this useful? Share this post with your friends and family! Let me know if you have any decluttering tips in the comments section.
