- Regular Declutter Sessions:
Organizing is not a one-time task, and your living space won’t remain clean forever without regular maintenance. Make it a habit to declutter your home every few months or less. Regular decluttering makes the job much more manageable and less overwhelming.
Consider setting reminders in your phone or calendar, so you don’t miss out on the decluttering sessions. These routine interactions with your belongings will keep you aware of what you own and prevent the accumulation of unwanted stuff.
- Use Storage Systems:
A well-organized storage system not only improves the aesthetic of your living space but also boosts productivity. These storage systems can be as simple as bins, baskets, or shelves. With everything put in its designated space, items are easier to locate, reducing the chances of clutter. For instance, designate a specific drawer or cabinet for mails and bills to prevent them from piling up on the kitchen table or countertop.
- Use the One-in, One-out Rule:
According to professional organizers, this rule is one of the best ways to prevent clutter. For every new item you bring home, you must dispose of or donate an old one. This rule helps you to be mindful of what you’re bringing into your home and keeps the number of belongings in check. It even makes decision-making easier when shopping.
- Revisit Your Closet Seasonally:
Clothing tends to pile up quicker than most things. At the change of each season, go through your wardrobe and remove any clothes that you haven’t worn in the previous season. Consider donating them if they’re in good condition or recycle them if not. This approach ensures that you have enough space for new purchases and prevents clutter build-up in your closet.
- Effectively Use Digital Tools:
Take advantage of the digital world by offloading some of the physical clutter. For example, you can go paperless by signing up for e-bills and online bank statements. Also, records, photos, and other documents can be scanned and stored digitally, saving physical storage space.
- Set limits:
Confine your collections or hobby materials to a certain amount of space. For instance, if you collect books, limit your collection to a specific bookshelf or room. Once that gets filled, you have to let go of some older books to make room for new ones. This approach helps keep your collections in check.
- Store Things Off the Floor:
Items left on the floor can make an area look cluttered. Make better use of vertical space using hooks, shelves, or wall-mounted baskets to store your belongings. Not only does this reduce clutter, but it also makes cleaning easier.
- Use Items That Serve Multiple Purposes:
Items with multiple uses can save a considerable amount of space. For example, an ottoman with a storage compartment can be used as a seat, a coffee table, and a storage unit. Similarly, a sleeper sofa can serve as a sofa during the day and a bed at night, reducing the need for two separate pieces.
- Learn to Say No:
Refrain from accepting freebies that you do not need. Whether it’s a free magazine subscription or promotional items from a conference, they tend to add unnecessary clutter. So the next time you’re offered something you don’t need, politely decline. Remember, less is more when it comes to a decluttered home.
- Use A Junk Drawer:
While the ultimate goal is to reduce clutter, having one ‘junk drawer’ can help keep things in their place. The key here is to keep it manageable and revisit the drawer every once in a while to remove any unnecessary items.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed with clutter, remember that its elimination is not an instant process. Incorporating these routine hacks into your everyday life can gradually help get rid of the clutter and maintain a well-organized home.
Everybody’s lifestyle is unique, so you might need to modify these strategies to fit your needs. However, they’re a great place to start on your journey to a clutter-free life. Your living space should be a sanctuary, and maintaining it clutter-free can significantly enhance your quality of life.
