Strategies for a Clutter-Free Home, as Suggested by Professional Organizers
decluttering your space doesn't have to be a daunting task. Here's a no-nonsense guide to help you conquer your clutter and maintain a tidy home.
First, determine your motivation—it'll help keep you focused. Maybe you want more room for yoga practice or to decrease stress levels. Whatever your goal, make it clear and set a deadline.
Resist the urge to buy organizers at the beginning. Declutter first, then figure out what you truly need. measure your shelves and drawers, and bring these dimensions when shopping for organizers.
Start with easy tasks, such as discarding old electronic manuals, expired beauty products, and unused takeout cutlery. Set a timer for 15 minutes each day to make consistent progress. If you don't have much clutter, try removing one item daily.
Give items an expiration date. If you struggle to part with a sentimental item, set it aside in a labeled box for a future date. If you don't use it by then, it's time to let go.
Identify trigger items—items that bring up strong emotions—and delay dealing with them until later. Focus on smaller areas and gradually move on to larger ones.
Remember, if everything is a treasure, nothing truly is. Don't hoard sentimental items; focus on keeping memories, not the objects themselves. Take photos of special memories and consider breaking up sets of inherited items.
Make decluttering fun by pairing it with something enjoyable, such as music or coffee. Place your donation bag in an annoying spot to encourage prompt donations.
Implement the "one in, one out" rule. Each time you buy something new, get rid of something old. This helps you declutter, be a more conscious consumer, and make room for new items.
Finally, remember that maintaining a clutter-free home is an ongoing process. Keep these tips in mind and enjoy your fresh, clutter-free space. Now, get started!
Sources:- Caldwell, Carolyn, certified professional organizer based in Toronto who specializes in chronic disorganization.- Ferrari, Joseph, PhD, Professor of Psychology at DePaul College.- Tokos, Amy, certified professional organizer based in Kansas City, Missouri.- Yakota, Anita, a Southern California-based therapist turned interior designer.
- Realsimple's decluttering guide shows that you can specialize in organizing your home and reduce stress levels by setting a clear goal and a deadline.
- If you're finding it difficult to let go of sentimental items, consider breaking up sets of inherited items or taking photos of special memories instead of hoarding them.
- To make the decluttering process more enjoyable, you can play music or enjoy a coffee while working, and place your donation bag in an annoying spot to encourage prompt donations.
- To maintain a clutter-free home, implement the "one in, one out" rule, be ready to let go of items occasionally, and remember that maintaining a tidy space is an ongoing process.
