Tired of living with mess and clutter, but don't know where to begin? Here are eight simple decluttering tips to help you reclaim your space without losing your mind:
Don’t dawdle
For many homeowners, the hardest part is getting started – and, in most cases, procrastination is the root cause of clutter in the first place. After one delayed decision after the next, it begins to pile up and overwhelm sets in. Rather than avoiding that stack of old bills, overflowing closet or overstuffed junk drawer, set a realistic goal for yourself and get to work. You’ll thank yourself later!
Start small
If you are overwhelmed by the amount of clutter in your home, start small and stay focused. Begin with one closet or a single drawer. As you go through, ask yourself: “Does this item belong here?” If the answer is yes, then great! If not, find a suitable home for that item or choose to donate or discard it.
Be realistic
If the urge to declutter has you wanting to turn your home on its head – just stop. You don’t want to bite off more than you can chew or burn out mid-project. Rather, be realistic about your time and energy – you’ll be much more successful by targeting the areas in your home that need the most attention.
Ask hard questions
Sometimes we hold on to belongings for the wrong reasons, causing our clutter to multiply. As you go, ask yourself the hard questions to understand why you are keeping so many things. If you feel guilty about spending money on a wardrobe that you don’t wear or have stacks of novels that you don’t read, then it’s time to let go so you can make room for new hobbies and passions.
Take stock
Speaking of clothes, as you wear items, put them back in your closet with the hanger facing backwards. In time, you’ll be able to see what pieces you wear and what you don’t. For unworn items collecting dust, consider consigning them at a local boutique. Your trash is someone’s treasure.
One in, one out
The “one in, one out” rule is a great way to keep clutter at bay and can apply to all items in your home. If you purchase new bedding, consider discarding an older set, or if you buy a new jacket, consider donating it to someone in need.
Goodbye guilt
If you have well-meaning loved ones who buy you gifts or pass down family treasures, don’t feel obligated to keep them, especially if they no longer serve their purpose or hold special value to you. After all, holding on to items out of guilt weighs you down and eats up valuable space in your home. Rather, learn to say no or donate any items that you no longer want. It’s healthy to have these sorts of boundaries.
Have fun
Decluttering doesn’t have to be all blood, sweat and tears. It can be fun too. Call a friend over to help, play some tunes and focus on how much more organized your home will be once the hard work is done. If you are decluttering to sell your home, potential buyers will also notice your hard work and will be able to envision themselves living there – a recipe for a quick sale!
For more great tips like these, as well as up-to-the-minute real estate news in Mississauga and the Greater Toronto Area, be sure to follow along on Facebook and this blog. If you are thinking of selling soon, contact me today to schedule a free home evaluation.
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