Decluttering your home can feel like a massive undertaking. The job will be easier if you create a plan, organize, and tackle one section of the house at a time. You’ll find it’s not as difficult as you think to declutter your home and create relaxing and healthy living spaces.
Create a Plan for Decluttering Your Home
Set aside time on your calendar to tackle decluttering tasks. Then, create a plan for removing the clutter from your home. Decide which rooms and which area in each room is the most cluttered. Work on these places first, one at a time.
Sorting Your Belongings
Create a system for sorting your belongings. An easy way is to keep several boxes on hand throughout the process. You’ll have a “keep” box for things that are still useful to your household. The second box will be a donation box for items that you no longer use but are still in good shape. Use another box to collect things that belong elsewhere in the house. Finally, have a trash can nearby to throw away the garbage as you work.
The Bathroom
To get started decluttering your bathroom, remove everything from the medicine cabinet and from beneath the sink. Working through one area at a time helps you focus and progress faster. After removing everything from the space, clean the area. Wipe down the inside of the cabinets and clear off shelves. Throw away expired medicine or health care products. If you have items you no longer use, toss them out or add them to the donation box. Finally, organize the bathroom and return the things you’ll keep to their proper location.
Bedrooms
In the bedrooms, the bedside table is an easy place to start. Move on to the chest of drawers and closets. Refold clothing neatly and donate or throw away pieces that you don’t wear. If there is a desk or vanity in the bedroom, organize that. Use desk trays and drawer organizers to create a space for each item. Arrange things so the ones used most frequently are the easiest to access.
Decluttering the Closets in Your Home
When cleaning your closets, use the boxes to sort your belongings. Pull all the clothes out of the space and sort them by type: shoes, boots, dress shirts, shorts, pants, etc. Being able to see all of your garments together will help you decide which pieces to toss out. Return the clothes you will be keeping to the closet. Carry dirty clothing to the laundry room and put the box of donation items in the car so you can drop them off next time you run errands.
Kitchen
In the kitchen, go through each cabinet and drawer one by one. Empty each space, clean the area thoroughly, and throw out food, utensils, and appliances that you don’t use. After sorting your belongings, put each back in its proper location. Appliances that are used daily should be stored in an easy-to-reach area of the kitchen. Throw away any old or broken utensils, cookware, and dishes.
Decluttering Your Home: Living Room Clutter
Items that are kept in the living room, like books, magazines, and remote controls, need permanent storage spaces. Remove clutter from coffee tables, bookcases, and the entertainment center. Throw blankets and decorative pillows can be neatly placed on the couch or stored inside a storage ottoman. If you have small children, add a toy bin to keep your child’s playthings contained when they aren’t being used.
Decluttering your home is a great way to reorganize and reduce stress. You will create more space and can feel good about donating things that you don’t need to charity.
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