Decluttering can be challenging to prioritise in our busy lives nowadays. The mere thought of tackling a large-scale organising project can often be very overwhelming, leaving us feeling like there’s never enough time to get this important task done. The key to getting started is taking a few small steps as a way to kickstart the more extensive decluttering process, benefiting not only the physical state of your home but also your mental well-being.
Clearing clutter often becomes a lengthy decision-making ordeal. Questions pop up like, “Is this sentimental family history, or an ugly dinner plate never to be used?” and these can be difficult questions to answer. Using a same day rubbish removal service while you declutter can be very useful ensuring that once you decide that a particular item is no longer needed, you can immediately get rid of it. Without a service like this, you will be looking at the same pile again tomorrow and end up second-guessing your decisions, stalling your progress and keeping you in the same never-ending loop.
Let’s take a look at some useful tips to help you declutter your home with ease so you can gain back space, ensure your home looks its best and gain that all-important mental clarity.
Choose One Small Area
When it comes to decluttering, focus on starting small and then just keep going. The key is getting a small win early in the process so you feel positive and motivated. Then continue the process until you’ve achieved interior nirvana.
For example, you might start with the kitchen breakfast nook. This is a popular dropping-off point in most households as its where many people unload the car after shopping or running other errands. Inevitably, things end up on the window sill or kitchen table which don’t even belong in the kitchen. This is a logical starting point and success here will motivate you to continue through the rest of your home.
Sorting Process
To declutter your home successfully, you need to have a system in place. Prepare two bags or boxes; one for rubbish and one for donations. If an item doesn’t clearly belong in either of these categories, assume that you’ll be keeping it for the time being. Your task for each item to keep is to find a place for them.
That new flashlight, for example, probably belongs in a tools drawer or perhaps on your nightstand in the bedroom. Or maybe out in the garage. Group items that are similar in nature for storage near one another. Small tools like screwdrivers or handy things like bottle openers and masking tape can maybe go in one designated drawer. Repeat this sorting process until the first small area chosen for decluttering looks neat and orderly.
Donate or Sell Items
Now that you have distinct piles of stuff classified, it’s time to decide how to dispose of them. Useful items like dinnerware, older but still functioning appliances, clothes, books, or electronic devices you no longer use may have some value to family members. Take some photos and send out an email to friends and family inquiring if they’d like to have any of them. You may be able to earn a few dollars in return for some of the more valuable items like tools and tablets or perhaps work out a trade for something you need and will use regularly.
An alternative is to donate these items to a local charity or opp shops. Recycling what you no longer need is another socially and environmentally-conscious way to declutter. Old magazines, boxes, and newspapers are perfect candidates for recycling, as well as things like old batteries, mattresses, glass and plastic bottles, and scrap metals.
Time For a Yard Sale?
Before visiting the recycling centres or opp shops, you may decide to sell the larger and perhaps more useful or valuable items as part of the decluttering process in a yard or garage sale.
Families with young children always need affordable baby and toddler clothes. If your children can no longer wear these, sell or donate them. Music lovers are always looking for old vinyl records and CDs and DVDs are still a thing with collectors. Home decorators love the old glass soda and beer bottles from years past as they make great knick knacks for kitchen shelf decorations. Old baskets are another item that people will willingly buy if the design fits their interior. Always remember, just because it no longer fits your lifestyle or design taste doesn’t mean an item is worthless to everybody. What’s more, you might be surprised what some people are willing to pay and depending on what you have to get rid of, you could turn a decent profit from your efforts.
Make Time To Declutter Your Home
Simplifying and organising your home is always a smart use of your time. While this can feel like a very overwhelming task in the beginning, remember that you don’t have to tackle everything at once. Break it down into smaller, manageable tasks, group items logically, and take advantage of family assistance as well as nearby recycling centres to dispose of items you no longer need in your home. Before you know it your home will look neat and organised, ensuring you can always find what you need, when you need it, moving forward.
