Hello World! Welcome Friends! Spring is just around the corner, and that means many people are starting to think about major cleaning projects around the home. In fact, 91% of Americans partake in some type of spring cleaning around the house each year.
This year, though, you might want to consider a different approach to your cleaning by adding some decluttering to the mix.
Minimalism has become increasingly popular in recent years. It’s the practice of getting rid of things you don’t absolutely want or need. Many people swear by it when it comes to reducing stress, feeling more at peace at home, and creating a more positive, relaxing environment.
While you don’t need to jump onto the minimalism trend completely, decluttering your home does have benefits, and it can absolutely reduce your stress levels.
But, if you tend to have a lot of clutter or just a lot of “stuff”, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out where to start.
So, what are some easy ways you can declutter your home this spring and create a better, more relaxing environment for you and your family?
1. Start Small
If the idea of decluttering seems overwhelming, don’t force yourself to take on big projects all at once. Decluttering isn’t necessarily about deep cleaning a room and making sure you get everything done at the same time.
So, if you’re feeling too stressed by the idea of getting rid of things and organizing, dedicate five minutes of your time each day to decluttering. That might mean looking through a closet and getting rid of a few things. Or, it might mean going through one section of your child’s room to find toys that can be donated.
Starting small can help you build momentum and feel more confident in your decluttering abilities.
2. Give Away an Item a Day
One of the best ways to declutter and do something good at the same time is to donate your items. Again, if decluttering seems overwhelming or if you’re not sure what you should donate, pick one thing a day.
Start a donation box or bag somewhere in your house. Every day, decide on one thing that can go in it. It could be a shirt you never wear, a toy your child never plays with, or an electronic device that someone could really use.
By adding just one item each day, you’ll have hundreds of items to donate in a year. Drop them off periodically at your local thrift store or even a homeless shelter where people might need them the most. It’s easier to donate your belongings than you might think if you’re willing to take it one step at a time.
3. Create a Checklist
Even if you’re not usually a list-maker, having a decluttering checklist can make a big difference in how effectively and efficiently you get things done. The best part? You can give a list to every member of your family, so everyone has their own responsibilities when it comes to getting rid of things and organizing.
Giving your children lists is a great way to teach them the importance of everything from recycling to donating to those in need. They can even have fun knowing some of their toys and clothes are going to children who might not have those things.
Your checklist will obviously be based on the areas of your home that need the most organization. But, don’t be afraid to get detailed. The smaller your “tasks”, the sooner you can check them off. Doing so will help to keep you motivated.
4. Get Help if You Need It
In some instances, your decluttering project might turn into something larger than you can handle on your own. While starting small is a good thing, it’s also not a bad idea to jump headfirst into home organization.
That might mean getting rid of things you don’t have any use for anymore or throwing away things that are old or no longer work. If you’re throwing things away, it’s important to know what you can and cannot safely put in a dumpster. If you’re unsure about what is safe to throw away, click here for more information.
If your decluttering project is big, call on the help of a friend, neighbor, or family member. More often than not, they’ll be thrilled to help you out, and more people working on the same project will make it go by faster.
5. Label Boxes for Your Family
One of the best ways to stay motivated when you’re decluttering is to turn it into a fun game for your whole family. Plus, it’s easier than you might think.
Set up a “station” somewhere in your home with three boxes, and label them as follows:
- Donate
- Keep
- Trash
You could also add a fourth box if there are any items you want to re-locate within your home. But, it’s often easier just to move the item immediately, rather than having to worry about it later.
As your whole family goes through the decluttering process, whether it’s all at once or a few minutes each day, they’ll start filling up the boxes. It makes getting rid of things easy and turns it into an interesting activity for your kids. You can even turn it into a household competition to see who can donate the most, or declutter a specific room the fastest.
Decluttering System
In addition to these tips, develop a room-by-room decluttering system. Start with the bedroom, to the closet, and move to the living room. Proceed to the home office, kitchen, and bathroom in that order. Then tackle the laundry room and basement or attic. Finish with the garage.
In each of these spaces, you’ll follow different procedures based on the items in the space. For example, in the bedroom, you start by freeing up the drawers. In the closet, you declutter bottom up. Room-by-room decluttering is the most efficient and organized way to free up space in your house. If you need more decluttering your house tips, visit Bintheredumpthatusa.
As you can see, decluttering your home this spring (or whenever you decide to take the plunge) doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming. Go at your own pace, be confident in your decisions, and make it a fun way for your family to get involved with the organization and cleaning process.
You might be surprised by how much you’re willing to get rid of, and how much better you feel when you do! So, don’t be afraid to purge some things, especially if you’ve never done it before. It can be an incredibly uplifting and even a rewarding experience, especially when you choose to donate as much as possible.
Click the links below for any posts you have missed:
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Toodles,
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