How to Declutter Your Home Like a Pro (When You’re Not One)

Wellness Society
Apr 18, 2020
3 min read

When moving into a new home, we have the best intentions to find everything a place and keep the house tidy. Over time, the “stuff” takes on a life of its own, as it multiplies and is arranged with no rhyme or reason. If the amount of tangible items in your house overwhelms you, then it’s time to take some action and conquer your clutter.

You don’t have to be an expert to have an organized, tidy home. Jackie from Hyper-Tidy is sharing simple steps you can take to declutter and enjoy yourself while doing so. Here are some things you can do to make the task easier and lasting.

The Sorting Process

You can start with whatever method works best for you, whether that’s going room by room, grouping items, or working through small areas (e.g., one drawer or cupboard at a time). Whatever process you choose, you should sort items into three categories: keep, toss, or donate.

Within the “keep” pile, you will have items that are not expired, that serve a purpose, that you use frequently, that you have an attachment to, and/or that you can repurpose. Within the “toss” pile, you will want to further divide the items into trash and recyclables. You may need to hire the services of a junk hauler to remove large items or bulk trash. A junk hauling service can take away items like mattresses, appliances, carpeting, and furniture. Finally, within the “donate” pile will be items that you no longer love or use and that are not in such disrepair that they don’t serve a purpose.

Make a Central Spot

As you start to get things out of your home, you will notice that more space opens up. Take the opportunity to establish a home office. It will give you a place to keep track of medical bills, finances, and important papers. The home office space doesn’t have to be large, but rather can be as simple as a closet converted into an office, a nook in the kitchen, a corner space, or a stylish secretary desk.

By using the vertical space above the desk and by installing shelves, pegboards, or magnetic boards, you will be able to organize everything from calendars to pens to paper. Everything will be in one convenient spot, and you’ll have a central hub for all things important.

Invite a Friend

To make the decluttering process more enjoyable, invite a friend to join you. Make it a virtual party or even a daily challenge. Show your friends any clothes you’re donating or tossing to see if there’s anything they would like. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. They may love what no longer fits or what you no longer need.

Clean as You Go

As you declutter and sort through your belongings, clean as you go. Take the opportunity to invest in each and every space by doing a deep clean. This is not a task that can be completed in a day or two, so give yourself time and mark your calendar for six months so you remember to clean again.

While treating your home to its deep clean, use earth-friendly, animal-friendly, and people-friendly cleaners. For instance, you can use vinegar and water to make an effective all-purpose cleaner and avoid harsh chemicals like bleach altogether. Instead of using disposable cleaning products for floors and counters, use reusable products like microfiber cloths and bamboo towels.

Decluttering isn’t only for the experts. Conquering your clutter and getting organized will leave you feeling refreshed and reenergized. Creating spaces within your home for important items, having fun while you do it, giving away some items, properly disposing of others, all while cleaning with natural products will give you a sense of productivity and achievement.

For more inspo and info from Jackie, check out her blog, Hyper-Tidy.