You’ve heard it time and time again — chucking out clutter is pertinent to a clearer, peaceful state of mind. But did you know that getting rid of clutter is good for our physical health, too?
Not only can clutter cause dust and toxins to accumulate in the home. It can also cause unnecessary stress and anxiety – and who really needs more of that?
2019 is well underway, and getting rid of stuff you no longer need is a good way to kick off the new year. Here are 6 tips to help you declutter your home!
1. Create a Sorting System
Before getting down to business, you’re going to need to gather an army of bins and baskets for the job.
Have bins and baskets set aside for garbage and throwaway items. Then, there should be bins set aside for recyclables. Designate bins for items to sell and donate, as well.
Create a sorting system by color-coding your baskets and bins. For example, you can use green tape for recycling and blue tape for items you plan to repair. Using red for important items will prevent accidental throwaways.
Designate a room or an area of the home for items and furniture you plan to keep. Still, you should use storage bins and baskets to consolidate smaller items. The last thing you want to do is create a cluttered room in disarray.
If you know ahead of time that you’ll be throwing away a lot of clutter, rent a dumpster. Keeping one in the driveway will make it easy to throw items away from the second story or attic.
2. Start Small
Before going after the heavily-cluttered areas, start small. First, skim through your home with a basket and pick up items that need to go back to their designated areas. These are items you’ve recently used but have left out of their usual place.
Before deciding which rooms to tackle next, go through junk drawers, desks, and closets. The more space you can clear up in these areas, the better.
Then, determine which rooms are a higher priority than others.
For example, if your kitchen is among the most cluttered, you may want to tackle it as soon as possible. That way, you can start to use it again as soon as the clutter is gone. If a room doesn’t get much use or doesn’t have too much clutter, save it for a later date.
3. Tackle Cluttered Areas
Once you’ve decided which rooms to clear out first, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get down to it.
So long as your schedule allows for the time, you can declutter and clean any day – rain or shine. If you’ll be clearing out areas with a lot of dust and garbage, open up a few windows.
Keep an extra basket handy for items you’re still not sure whether to sell, give away, or keep. You don’t have to decide right away, but you should still clear them out of the way.
Set up your bins and baskets in the adjacent hallways and in temporary storage rooms. Keep yourself motivated by playing music – and remember to stay hydrated! You can also invite a friend to come over and help you.
4. Take Your Time
Decluttering feels great as you open up your space and free yourself of old ties. But it’s easy to overwhelm yourself with all that’s left to do and sort through.
Remember — you don’t need to declutter your home in a day’s work. Depending on how cluttered your home is, the process can take a few days – even weeks.
It’s actually better to spread projects out instead of trying to do them in one go. When your mind and body are well-rested, you’ll make better decisions on what to do with each item.
So, if you feel yourself getting tired or irritable, leave it and take a break. Get out of the house, go out for lunch, or call someone up to chat.
5. Evaluate Old Furniture
Do you have a wobbly kitchen stool or a torn up couch taking up space in your home?
Stop putting off the inevitable! Now is an opportune time to decide which furniture pieces should stay or go.
Depending on how worn a piece of furniture is, you may be able to sell it or have it upholstered. If it’s ruined beyond repair or is too old for what it’s worth, curb it.
Getting rid of old furniture means you can make room to redecorate areas in your home. If your couch is old, replacing it is a good opportunity to makeover your living room entirely. Or, if you need a new mattress, take this as an opportunity to get new sheets or add a fresh coat of paint to the walls.
6. Donate, Sell, & Throw Away Clutter
You don’t have to necessarily part ways with furniture you no longer need. There may be sentimental items and furniture you want to keep within the family.
That’s where storage units come in. You can read more now about how to choose the right storage unit for your things. While getting rid of stuff, you should also ask yourself if you’ll have a future need for these items.
For example, if you have something your child could use when they move out, you can store it. Or, there may be something you plan to re-incorporate into your home at a later time.
Selling valuables on Facebook, Craigslist, or during a yard sale is a great way to make a little extra money. Donate clothes, toys, books, and furniture to Goodwill and Salvation Army. Check with your local churches and see if they’re accepting any donations.
Getting Rid of Stuff & Making More Room for 2019
The thought of decluttering can make most people shudder in dread. But the peace of mind you’ll feel afterward is so worth the time and effort you’ll put in.
Getting rid of stuff throughout your home is a great way to start the new year right. By following these 6 tips, you’ll be well on your way to the best year yet.
Looking for other ways to improve your living space? If so, learn more home improvement ideas before you declutter your home!
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