No one likes to live in clutter, but sometimes, it just happens. You let things go for a while, and before long, it seems like the entire home is filled with clutter. When this happens, the very thought of organizing can seem like a very daunting task, and if there is too much clutter, it can be downright overwhelming. This is why experts recommend that you take it step by step, and don’t try to do everything at once. When you break it down to smaller tasks, you will feel a sense of accomplishment each time you finish a task, and be motivated to keep going. Let’s take a look at some of the things you can start doing right now to declutter your home.
Declutter Your Living Room
One of the most difficult rooms to keep clean is the living room, because it is pretty much always in use by someone. Cleaning it up is usually relatively easy, but keeping it that way is a different story. So, consider buying furniture that doubles as storage. For instance, there are coffee tables, end tables, and entertainment centers that offer built-in storage for DVD’s, CD’s, books, and more, and they also have surface area for displaying photos, knickknacks, etc. Also, make sure that everyone helps to keep the room decluttered by asking them to clean up any messes that they make.
Clean Out Your Garage
If you have a messy garage or shed, it is time to get to work at getting rid of the clutter and creating a usable space. Some people stash so much junk in their garages that they have no room to park their cars. Don’t be one of those people. If the garage is super-messy, tackle it in stages. There are lots of ways that you can declutter the garage. Look into overhead ceiling storage for seasonal items, and take advantage of wall space by hanging hooks, pegboards, etc. for tools.
Sell Your Stuff
During the decluttering process, you are going to find a lot of things that you no longer want or need. Instead of throwing these items away, sell them to make extra money. Have a yard sale, and let others take away the things you want to get rid of. Remember, one person’s junk is another person’s treasure. While you are at it, maybe it is time to get rid of your old tech and upgrade. You can make money for that upgrade when you sell laptop, iPhone, tablet, etc.
Enlist Your Family
Everyone in the household has their own areas that they use, and there is no reason why they can’t keep those areas tidy and uncluttered. Each member of the household needs to start being responsible for their own messes, in order to keep the entire home from becoming a cluttered mess. Even young children can get in on this. Obviously, they can’t do big cleaning jobs, but even toddlers can be taught to pick up their toys and put them into a bin or a toy box when they are finished playing with them.
Don’t be a Perfectionist
Keeping your home decluttered doesn’t mean that you have to become a perfectionist neat freak. In fact, most people do not have homes that look like they are right out of the pages of “Better Homes and Gardens”. If your decluttering is good enough for you, then it is good enough, period. The more you try to be a perfectionist, the more likely you will be to not achieve your decluttering goals, and you may even end up giving up on the whole thing all together.