Whether you’ve got way too much stuff or just a bit more than you have room for, decluttering can seem overwhelming. Sometimes just looking at all those piles of excess belongings can make you want to run in the other direction.
If you’re dreaming of a clutter-free home but aren’t sure where to start, you’re definitely not alone. Approximately 25% of us have so much stuff that we can’t even fit a car in the garage! These six tips will help you find the motivation to start decluttering and give you the organized home you’ve been dreaming of.
Focus on the End Result
When you’re sorting through things, it can be easy to lose sight of why you started decluttering in the first place. But if you can visualize how your space will look and feel without all the clutter, it will help you stay focused.
Maybe your goal is finally having clean counters so you can cook at home more often. Or being able to fit all your clothes in your closet to make your bedroom a more soothing space. There are so many benefits to decluttering, you might even have more than one reason. If you start to lose momentum, remind yourself of what you’ll get out of it to keep yourself on track.
Declutter One Thing
Every journey starts with a single step. And decluttering is definitely a journey. A clutter-free home doesn’t happen all in one day. So, don’t worry about how much there is to do, and instead, start by just doing one thing. Take out the recycling, wash the dishes or put one item in a donation box. Even that small action will bring you one step closer to your goal.
Start with the Easy Stuff
Decluttering is a lot like any other exercise; it can take some practice to get your “decluttering muscles” in shape, but the more you do it, the easier it gets. To ease your way into it, start with areas that don’t hold many personal or meaningful items. As you clear out the easy spaces and begin enjoying the benefits, it’ll make you want to tackle the more challenging areas.
The medicine cabinet is a great place to start. Dispose of expired and no longer needed medications, discard old cosmetics and donate duplicate items to get back a lot of free space. The fridge is another area that you can quickly declutter by disposing of past-due items. Once you clear out all the food you won’t eat, you’ll enjoy being able to find the things you do like.
Break It Down
Is the thought of decluttering the kitchen too much? Then start with one drawer. If you can’t imagine how you’ll sort through your whole closet, start with one category of clothes instead. When that drawer or category is complete, reward yourself and make a plan to tackle the next one. By breaking it down into smaller manageable chunks, you’ll find the job much less overwhelming.
Big Things Make A Big Impact
Decluttering isn’t just about getting rid of all the little things that clutter up your home. If you really want to change how your home feels and functions, try removing larger items too. By getting rid of bigger things, you’ll see the results more quickly, helping you find the motivation to do more.
You’d be surprised at what a huge difference getting rid of even one piece of furniture can make. Maybe you have a chair no one sits in or a side table that isn’t really used. Taking these unnecessary items out of the room will create more space and improve flow. You might even find your home is bigger than you think it is.
Declutter in Bursts
Does the thought of spending hours sorting through your stuff sound awful? Then give yourself a more manageable time frame. Rather than dedicating a whole weekend to decluttering, try spending 15 minutes a day instead. When you work in little bursts, you’ll see progress without being overwhelmed.
Pick one small area or category and tackle it as quickly as possible. These small steps will add up, and you’ll find the results well worth the short amount of time it takes.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by excess belongings, try these six easy ways to help you start decluttering and take back your space.
