Are you craving a decluttered life? Whether you’re planning a move in the near future, or you’re just craving a little less chaos in your life, implementing some organizational systems can be the first step towards a clutter-free life. Here are some tips you can use to develop decluttering habits in your home.
- Start with a Clear Vision: Envision the kind of space you want to live in. Having a clear idea of your ideal living environment will help motivate you to declutter and organize effectively.
- Designate a Hidden Donation Box: This practice will prevent clutter from accumulating in your space and save you from the hassle of prolonged decluttering sessions later on. Keep the bin out of sight to avoid it becoming an eyesore, and periodically take its contents to a local donation center every few months or when the bin reaches capacity.
- One in, One out Rule: Implement a rule where for every new item brought into your home, one similar item must be donated, sold, or discarded. This helps prevent the accumulation of unnecessary belongings.
- Two-Minute Rule: The two-minute rule is straightforward: if a task can be completed or put away within two minutes, do it immediately. This applies to chores like washing and putting away dishes, hanging up clothes, and taking out the trash. By adopting this approach, you’ll notice how many small tasks can be swiftly tackled, reducing your daily stress levels. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how much more organized your home appears by the day’s end.
- Declutter Regularly: Set aside time each week or month for decluttering sessions. Regular maintenance is key to preventing clutter from piling up again.
- Designate Storage Areas: Assign specific places for different categories of items in your home. Labeling shelves, bins, and drawers can help everyone in the household know where things belong, making it easier to put items back in their proper place.
- Utilize Vertical Space: Maximize storage by utilizing vertical space with shelves, hooks, and organizers. This can free up floor space and make your home feel more spacious and organized.
- Invest in Multi-functional Furniture: Choose furniture pieces that offer storage solutions, such as ottomans with hidden compartments or beds with built-in drawers. This helps reduce clutter while maximizing functionality.
- Create a Paper Management System: Paper clutter can quickly accumulate. Implement a system for dealing with incoming mail and paperwork, such as sorting, filing, and shredding documents regularly.
- Digital Decluttering: Apply the same principles of decluttering to your digital life. Organize your digital files, emails, and apps to streamline your digital space and reduce digital overwhelm.
- Practice the 10-Minute Tidy: Set a timer for 10 minutes each day to quickly tidy up common areas of your home. This small daily habit can help maintain order and prevent clutter from getting out of control.
- Be Mindful of Purchases: Before making a purchase, consider whether the item is truly necessary and where it will fit in your home. Avoid impulse buys and focus on acquiring items that serve a purpose and bring value to your life.
By incorporating these organizing tips into your daily routine, you can create a clutter-free living environment that promotes peace of mind and enhances overall well-being.
Looking for more tips for creating an organized home?
Check out these resources
- 6 simple steps to make your home feel lighter and spacious
- How to declutter your home and maintain your system
- What to do before you make a move | Getting ready to sell your home
- Creating and maintaining an organized pantry
- Spring cleaning and home maintenance tips
Thinking of making a move?
If you’re starting your decluttering journey with moving in mind, we can help. We’re here to offer you professional real estate advice. If you’re thinking about selling your home now or even in a year or two, we’d be happy to connect with you about your goals and what you can do to get your home ready to sell.