Decluttering your living space can be a daunting task, but it is also a rewarding experience that can bring you a sense of peace and clarity.
If you're feeling overwhelmed with clutter, here are some steps you can take to get started:
CREATE A PLAN of attack
Before you begin, take some time to think about what you want to achieve.
What is your goal for decluttering?
Are you trying to create more space in your home?
Do you want to simplify your life and reduce stress?
Having a clear goal in mind can help you stay motivated and focused.
Write down a rough action plan - anything too detailed might stop you from even wanting to start!
choose a decluttering method
Option One - The area that bothers you the most
Take a look around your home and identify the area that bothers you the most. What causes you the greatest stress?
Is it your wardrobe overflowing with clothes? Or is it your kitchen surfaces covered in clutter?
What would make the most difference to your home or life to get sorted?
What area in your home causes you the most stress? Or negatively impacts your day?
Starting with the area that is causing you the most stress can give you a sense of accomplishment to continue decluttering.
Option Two - High Traffic Areas
Another good place to start is high-traffic areas such as entryways, living rooms and kitchens. These areas tend to accumulate clutter quickly and impact your mood and productivity.
Option Three - Follow a specific plan or method
There are many decluttering methods out there, such as the KonMari method or the four-box method. Choose a method that resonates with you and follow it step-by-step.
There are also loads of amazing social media accounts that run regular challenges. Choose your favourite and follow along.
Option Four - Room by Room
Use the declutter checklist below (available to download from the resources page or click on the image below). Pick a place to start and work through the list in whatever order you like! It's a great way to see your progress.
Move systematically throughout your home, completely finishing one area before beginning another.
When I first started to declutter our home, I worked my way around room by room, starting with the bathroom and main bedroom first, as these are the spaces that I start and end my day in, so it made the most positive impact in the flow and mood of my day. They were also the least cluttered, so that I could ease myself into the process. This also works well with many of the clients I work with - but the order is entirely down to you.
Everyone and their homes are different and so the decluttering needs and style of each person will be different too. Find the decluttering and organising pace that suits you.
BEGIN WITH A SMALL AREA
If you're feeling overwhelmed, start with a small area. For example, start with a drawer, shelf or small corner of the room, or one category.
Decluttering a small area can help you build momentum and make it easier to tackle larger areas later on.
SORT YOUR ITEMS INTO PILES
As you go through your belongings, sort them into piles: keep, donate, sell and rubbish/recycle. Be honest with yourself about what you really need and use. If you haven't used something in over a year, consider getting rid of it.
TAKE ACTION ON THE PILES
Once you have sorted your items, take action on each pile. Put away the things you want to keep, donate or sell the items you no longer need, and dispose of anything that is no longer useful.
DEVELOP A ROUTINE
Make decluttering part of your regular routine.
Schedule your decluttering sessions. Set aside time each week to go through a small area of your home and stick to it. Whether it's a little each day, a couple of hours at the weekend, or a day a month -having a dedicated decluttering session can help you make progress and stay motivated. Even a few minutes regularly can make a difference.
By making it a habit, you'll be able to maintain a clutter-free space.
Remember, decluttering is a process and it takes time, but it's worth it.
Don't be too hard on yourself, and celebrate small victories along the way.
To be honest, it doesn't really matter where you start. The most important thing is just to start somewhere.
If you need some hand's on help and support to get started, please get in touch.
