If you’re thinking about moving house, then it’s a great time to think about decluttering too. Getting your home in order can relieve stress, ensure that it looks great, and give you less to think about when it’s time to pack. If you don’t know where to start, or the task seems overwhelming, then you’re not alone! Relax though, because we’re here to help. Take a look at these top ten ways to declutter…
Dedicate a little bit of time each day
Many people delay getting started with decluttering because they think they don’t have the time. Instead of trying to do everything in one go, commit to doing 5 to 10 minutes every day.
Create a decluttering checklist
Having a plan is always a good idea, and decluttering is no different. There are plenty of decluttering plans out there to choose from, so have a browse and find something that appeals to you.
Develop a sorting system
The Three-Box Method is a popular way to ensure you’re actually making progress and getting stuff done. According to @BudgetDumpster, ‘This method forces you to make a decision item by item, so you don’t end up with a bigger mess than the one you started with.’
Get the family involved
It’s likely that the clutter in your home doesn’t solely belong to you. Encourage family members to take responsibility for their own areas. You’ll get much more done, and you won’t be forced to make decisions about things that aren’t yours.
Focus on keeping surfaces clear
Clear and clean surfaces are so satisfying, and can make your home appear much more organised and peaceful. Pinpoint the areas that are common dumping grounds for clutter, and commit to getting them sorted.
Don’t be scared to be ruthless
It’s easy to get sentimental about items that hold memories. No one is forcing you to throw away things that you really love, but there’s a middle ground. Ask yourself if you’re making excuses, and if you really need to be a little more ruthless.
Seek inspiration from the experts
Decluttering is massively on trend right now! There are many documentaries, podcasts and other resources you can get stuck into. A great place to start is with Marie Kondo.
Consider turning your clutter into cash
They say that one person’s trash is another person’s treasure, and this is so true. It’s likely that you’ll have items that could be sold for a nice profit on sites such as eBay.
Take away lessons for the future
Decluttering can be a learning exercise. Consider the areas of your home that are the most problematic, and work out how you can make sustainable changes for the future.
Make a plan for regular decluttering activity
You’ll probably wish at some point that you’d kept on top of things a little better. You can’t change the past, but you can change your approach moving forward. You might decide to dedicate half an hour per week to regular decluttering.