Imagine the satisfaction of opening your closet and knowing exactly where everything is.
No pushing aside piles of questionably dirty clothes, shoveling through the laundry to see if that shirt you wanted to wear accidentally dropped in it, or stepping on piles upon piles of who-knows-what that topples out of your closet every time you open it.
But there’s one problem: traditional decluttering methods, while well-intentioned, can sometimes leave us feeling more overwhelmed than when we started and don’t quite fix the root of the problem like a good “Declutter Your Home” checklist can.
The Problem with Most Decluttering Methods
So, what exactly is the problem with traditional methods when you want to declutter your home?
- Feeling overwhelmed: One of the biggest challenges most people face when decluttering is the initial feeling of being completely overwhelmed. We look at our cluttered spaces and wonder, "Where do I even begin?" It's as if our stuff has multiplied overnight, making the task seem insurmountable.
- Not having a strategy: Another issue we encounter is that many decluttering methods fail to provide a comprehensive solution. The result? We find ourselves re-cluttering over time because we never addressed the root of the problem. In instances where we want to try to see the solution get better, we try to declutter fast in quick situations, but it only puts a Band-Aid on the problem instead of creating a lasting solution.
- We need a simple approach. All these issues bring us to a crucial realization: We need a decluttering method that is both simple and effective. One that doesn't leave us feeling overwhelmed, that covers every nook and cranny of our home, and that we can easily implement into our busy lives.
Let’s get right into our “Declutter Your Home” checklist so you can feel a little less overwhelmed when figuring out where to start.
Your “Declutter Your Home” Checklist
Ultimately, everything should start with elimination. The KonMari method has proven to be successful for thousands of people, having you keep only things that “spark joy.”
Assuming you’ve done a big overhaul beforehand, this is a great way to do simple once-overs when your home is feeling a little bit worse for the wear.
Living Room
Start with visible clutter on surfaces like coffee tables and shelves. Put away stray magazines, remote controls, and any other items that don't belong there. A clean, clear surface sets a tidy tone for the entire room.
Dining Room
Clearing your dining table of any items that aren't related to dining, and if you have a dining buffet or sideboard, keep it organized with only essential items.
Store tableware, linens, and decorations neatly. An organized dining area sets the stage for delightful gatherings.
Kitchen
When decluttering your kitchen, clear your countertops of unnecessary appliances and clutter, leaving only the items you use regularly to create a more functional workspace. Your cooking and meal prep will become a breeze.
Bedroom
Declutter your bedroom by clearing your nightstands of unnecessary items and keep only what you need within arm's reach. Then, consider storage bins or drawers for a tidy solution to fix all those random things under your bed.
Decluttering your closet can simplify your daily routine by making it easier to choose outfits, and declutter your clothes by first donating or discarding clothes and accessories you no longer wear.
Bathroom
Dispose of expired medications and toiletries, and neatly organize what's left. You'll have everything at your fingertips when you need it. Then, take a little audit of your current personal care products and cosmetics, as these little things tend to stay around for longer than they need to.
Keep only what you use regularly, and discard items that are old or unused. A clutter-free bathroom is a refreshing space to begin your day.
Home Office
Sort through paperwork, file important documents, and recycle or shred what's no longer needed. An organized workspace fosters clear thinking.
Then, clear your desk of unnecessary items, only keeping what's essential for your work or study sessions. A clutter-free desk enhances productivity and focus.
Ultimately, an organized home office will make it more effortless to focus on your work!
Hallways and Entryways
Use baskets or shelves to keep shoes neat and accessible– no more tripping over shoes when you enter or exit your home!
Arrange coats and accessories neatly from darkest to lightest and from longest to shortest to be easy on the eyes.
Basement and Attic
Basements and attics often serve as storage areas, but they can become cluttered quickly. Keep them organized by sorting through items in storage areas, and resist the urge to stash away things you no longer need. And the things you do need? Label and categorize items to simplify retrieval.
Regularly revisit your basement and attic to ensure items are still needed so you’ll never let them become dumping grounds for unused items. Keep them organized, and you'll always know where to find what you're looking for.
Tips for Decluttering Any Room
While our previous sections have provided room-specific decluttering strategies, some general principles apply to decluttering any room in your home beyond a simple “Declutter Your Home” checklist. Let's explore these essential tips:
- Set clear goals. Begin your decluttering journey with a clear goal in mind. What do you want to achieve in this room? Do you want to get rid of things, do a little audit, or just take 20 minutes to put some things away? Setting specific objectives will help you stay focused and motivated throughout the process.
- Create a decluttering schedule. Establish a decluttering schedule that works for you. It can be a room on a weekend, 15 minutes a day, or any timeframe that suits your lifestyle. Consistency is key to maintaining a clutter-free space over time. It will make it much less intimidating than having to declutter all at once.
- Sort items into categories: When decluttering, categorize items into three groups: Keep, Donate, and Discard. The items you keep should serve a purpose or bring you joy. Items in the donate category can find new homes with others in need, while those in the discard category are no longer useful or safe to use.
- Involve family members. Decluttering should be a team effort! Involve your family members in the process. When everyone is on board, the results are more sustainable, and it becomes a shared responsibility.
Remember, declutter your home; it's about creating a more peaceful, organized, and functional living space. By following these general tips along with the room-specific strategies we've shared in this series, you're well on your way to achieving a clutter-free and harmonious home.
We hope this “Declutter Your Home” checklist gave you a manageable way to get rid of clutter for good. If you know that you know that custom storage solutions might be the best option for you, reach out to us today!
