Household clutter can be a problem for many people, clutter can build up and up to a stage where you just don’t know where to start.
Clutter can cause people stress which can potentially lead to weight gain, anxiety and depression. Which can then head towards to hoarding. Hoarding a house can create a fire hazard and lead to other health problems with the build up of dust and dirt.
Learning to cut clutter in your home is a process you have to be intentional about until it becomes a set habit. For some of us it may never come 100% naturally but the good news is that by creating a routine you can keep control over the clutter in your house without a huge time investment.
If you tidy up on a regular basis you will find that you clutter is very minimal and can be dealt with quickly but if you have let it get quite bad over a long period of time then you need to follow these simple steps.
Recognise the Problem: Acknowledge that clutter can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression, which may even progress to hoarding if left unaddressed.
Motivation to Declutter: Understand the benefits of decluttering, such as creating an open and clean space, which can contribute to a more organised and focused mind.
Establish a Routine: Make decluttering a habitual part of your life. Regular tidying up can prevent clutter from becoming overwhelming.
Start with a Plan: Begin by setting realistic goals and identifying areas in your home that need decluttering. Create a roadmap for tackling each space.
Step-by-Step Approach: Take it one room or space at a time. Don’t feel pressured to do everything in one day; consistency is key.
Work from Top to Bottom: Start with the smallest room or space, and declutter from top to bottom. This approach prevents clutter from accumulating downward.
Set End Goals: Define what you want to achieve in each space so you have a clear target to work toward.
Dispose of Unwanted Items: Arrange for proper disposal of clutter, whether it’s hiring a skip, donating to charity, or visiting a local dump.
Sorting System: Use a system to categorise items into boxes (keep, throw away, donate, sell, or store) to facilitate decision-making.
Categorise and Organise: Organise the items you’re keeping by category and create dedicated spaces for them. Use storage solutions like boxes, shelves, or drawer dividers.
Purge Unused Items: Be honest with yourself about the necessity of items you haven’t used in a year. Donate or discard them.
Digitise Documents: Scan important documents and receipts to create digital copies, reducing physical clutter while maintaining records.
Drawer and Cupboard Cleaning: Empty drawers and cupboards completely before reorganising. Remove unused or unnecessary items and if you have limited time just do one a day or when you have a spare 15 minutes.
Minimal Surfaces: Keep surfaces clear by only leaving out items that are frequently used or necessary for the specific area.
Check Expiry Dates: Regularly review and discard expired items, such as cosmetics, medications, and pantry items.
By following these tips and maintaining a decluttering routine, you can create a more organised and stress-free living environment. Remember that decluttering is an ongoing process, and it’s essential to make it a part of your lifestyle to reap the long-term benefits.
- Check expiring dates on cosmetics, shampoos, medication etc and if out of date throw away
