Declutter Your Home

What is better than having a nice, organized space to call home? A vacation to the Maldives with Bradley Cooper, maybe. But, let’s be real- that isn’t as realistic as coming home to a clean space. Decluttering and cleanliness are proven to have positive effects on your mental health. Taking the time to go through both old and new items, set up storage systems, and donate things you no longer need can help you get back in control of your home. Here are a few tips on how to give yourself the most organized space possible!

How To:

1. Give yourself some time.

   Simply allotting one day to go through your entire home may not be the best strategy. Taking one room at a time will allow you to focus on the task at hand and not get distracted. If you aren’t ready to tackle an entire room, start with a junk drawer (we all have one!).

2. Call in the backup!

   Sometimes decluttering can be difficult. Asking a loved one to help may be the best strategy. If you find it hard to separate from items you want around rather than need around, a neutral party will be able to help you.

3. Crank that funky music!

   Pumping your favorite music not only provides you with ~good vibes~, but it will also motivate you. Put on some Queen and let the time fly.

4. Create a sorting system.

   Start with three separate boxes labeled keep, donate, and trash. This can help you fly through sorting. Once you have sorted through your items, you can begin the process of organizing.

Organize, organize, organize:

1. This was from my bridal shower 30 years ago.

   Do you really need that tea set from your twice removed aunt, Trudy? Probably not if you haven’t used it in years. Don’t toss it, though! Items that are still in nice condition can be donated to places like Goodwill.

2. I don’t remember the last time I had chips.

   Crumbs, dust, and useless papers are a workspace’s kryptonite. Going through documents that are no longer important, dusting your desk, and even throwing away old pens/pencils that no longer work can easily help your space feel fresh.

3. Just in case…

   If you think you should hold onto an item “just in case,” ask yourself if you have used the item within the past year. If the answer is no, you probably will not need it in the future. Of course this doesn’t apply to family heirlooms or belongings with high sentimental value. The last thing you want to do is accidentally donate your grandmother’s jewelry box because you haven’t used it recently. Instead, put these items in a safe, secure place.

4. I’ll just take a smattering of everything.

   When it comes to bath products, it’s easy to buy a new soap because it smells good or the trendy lip gloss because all the teens are wearing it. Believe it or not, hygiene and beauty products have expiration dates, too. It may be hard to depart from the eye shadow palette you’ve had since high school, but trust us, your eyes will thank you.

5. Where did all these towels come from?

   Take a look at your towels. Keep towels that don’t have holes in them, are in good shape, and are free from stains. Ways to repurpose towels are cutting them up for rags or donating them to animal shelters.

6. No need to slam your storage container cabinet anymore.

   No ifs, ands, or buts about this one. If you do not have a matching lid and container, get rid of it. Just because it is stereotypically considered useful, does not mean it actually is. We’re all a little guilty of this one…

7. A nighttime oasis… under a mountain of clothes.

   Putting away clothes, donating items you no longer wear, and decluttering your nightstand drawers are a few things to help your bedroom feel a little cozier in the evenings.

With these simple tips, you can take back your space and make it feel more like home!