We get it: with such a busy life taking care of your family, cleaning can escape your to-do list at times. And the next thing you know, you’ve got piles of clothing, magazines, books, etc. lying around all over the place.
The thing is, if you don’t take care of clutter, it can have negative consequences. Not only does it look bad, but it can also affect your mental health.
When it comes to cleaning a cluttered house, it’s better late than never to tidy up.
If you want to learn about how to get rid of clutter, then read on. Here are 6 effective tips you should follow!
1. Make a Plan First
Tackling decluttering without a plan can end up overwhelming. It’s best to first assess what needs to be done and in what timeframe.
For example, determine which areas need work and rate the level of clutter. This can help you prioritize and declutter more efficiently.
You should also plan out approximately how much time is needed to clean up each area. Breaking down the big task of decluttering a whole house can feel more manageable when you focus on one room at a time.
2. Have a Sorting System Ready
It’s guaranteed that you’ll come across things that are long forgotten and will never be used again. And you’ll also have items that you’ll need on a daily basis, and everything in between.
Be ready for any scenario by having a sorting system ready before decluttering. The 3 categories should be:
- Keep
- Put in storage
- Get rid of
Have these 3 boxes ready when you’re decluttering each area. Make sure you empty these boxes before you start on the next area to avoid creating more clutter. For the 3rd box, you can trash/recycle, donate, or sell these things. No matter what you choose,
3. Pretend You’re Moving
When relocating, you can’t bring every single thing with you. So when you pretend you’re moving, it’ll be easier to determine what’s worth keeping and what’s not.
One of the biggest problem areas is your closet. Shockingly, we only wear 20% of our clothes, so up to 80% of our wardrobes are junk and clutter!
Go through your belongings and quickly determine whether you want to keep each thing or not. If you hesitate or have a tough time deciding, put these items in the “maybe” pile and move on.
Sleep on the “maybe” pile then go through it again in the morning. Toss anything you hesitate on, as that’s a clear sign you don’t need it.
The key is keeping only the things that benefit you in the present, not in the past or future. Keeping too many “just in case” belongings around is only asking for more clutter.
4. Pretend You’re Having People Over
Another great way to get rid of home clutter is to pretend you’re having guests over soon. Take a look at each room and see what you’d feel embarrassed or upset about if guests were hanging out in there. You should also think about what’d be in the way if you had professionals over for a deep clean.
For instance, maybe you’re guilty of stacking piles of magazines and books in your living room. You’d definitely want to clean that up before people come, so that’s an item to put on your decluttering list.
Also, take a closer look at everything and determine whether or not it’s sitting in the right place. If not, then you either need to get rid of it or find a proper home for it. For example, if your sunglasses sit on your dining table, then you need to hang them somewhere out of the way.
5. Clear Off Your Surfaces
Having just a few items on your surfaces can already make a space feel cluttered. So the best way to refreshen and rejuvenate your home is to keep your surfaces as clear as possible.
If those items really need to be on the surfaces, then make use of drawers, as well as small boxes and bins. These will keep everything neatly together and out of the way so your surfaces are still spic and span.
6. Keep Similar Items Together
How many times have you needed something but you couldn’t find it in the mess of your living room or bedroom? Having random things strewn throughout the house makes it very inefficient for finding specific things when you need them. Plus, you might not even know you have those items in the house since they’re stuffed away in a place you’d never expect them to be.
As you’re decluttering your house, make sure you keep similar items together. For instance, as you find scissors, tape, pens, paperclips, etc., put these things in 1 box or drawer.
That way, when you need a stationery item, you can easily find it in this container. You’ll also have a better idea of when you need to restock so you never run out.
Know How to Get Rid of Clutter Effectively
Now that you know how to get rid of clutter, do yourself a favor and get started on clutter removal. Have your family members pitch in so you don’t have to go it alone!
Not only will your house look a lot better, but it’ll also be easier to clean in the future. Not to mention, it’ll be safer as well. So don’t delay in getting rid of clutter, as it’ll make a huge difference in your quality of life!
To get your house looking its best, request a cleaning quote from us today. Proper decluttering and cleaning will make it feel like you’re living in a brand-new home!
