Now that spring is nearly here, it’s time to clean the house and declutter to condition ourselves for the months ahead. If you think your stuff is piling up, don’t feel hopeless. We have a few tips that can help you.
For some serious cleaning needs, call the Clean My Space CT Team, and just focus on organizing your valuables.
Sort Out the Clutter Â
If you want to successfully declutter your home, you’ll need separate containers to sort your belongings into.
- Garbage: Non-recyclable items heading for the trash can.
- Recycling bin: Items that can be reused or recycled.
- For repairs: Things in need of maintenance or repair like bags or shoes
- Donation: Objects you no longer want or need but someone else might find useful
- Seasonal: Your belongings that might need to be kept away for the time being, including Christmas ornaments or winter accessories
Create More Storage in Your Kitchen
You can make better use of the space within your cupboards by installing items like spice racks on the inside of the cabinet. You may also put your trash cans under the sink.
If you want to get serious about clearing out your kitchen, remove equipment you haven’t used in over a year. You may also donate your extra plates and silverware.
Take Advantage of the Wall SpaceÂ
Do you have any unused wall space? Put it to good use. Here are a few good ideas:
- Put up a rack for dishes in the kitchen
- Install a cabinet for toiletries in the bathroom
- Add hooks for jackets and bags in the corridor
However, keep in mind that if you hang too much stuff on the walls, it can give the impression that your home is much more cluttered than it already is.
Keep Track of Your ClothesÂ
Keep track of what you wear and see which garments you reach for most often over a few months. Take out the untouched items and assess if you would need those in the near future. If you’re being honest with yourself, you’ll find that there are probably things you no longer wear that you could donate.
Look Under Your Stairs Â
Don’t underestimate the space under your stairs. Your shoes, sports equipment, hats, jackets, gloves, umbrellas, or cleaning tools can be stored in drawers or shelves fitted in the actual steps of your stairs.
Keep Your Bathroom Clutter FreeÂ
Bathroom maintenance only requires a bare minimum of effort on your part: about 20 minutes every couple of weeks. Remove items from your bathroom that you haven’t used in years. Check your medicine cabinet, shower, and window ledge. Also, stop buying unnecessary toiletries. Read this article on how you can make a flexible cleaning routine, perfect for busy people.
Keep Your Home Office PaperlessÂ
Read through the stacks of papers, notes, and printouts that are littering your home office. Bank statements older than six months should be shredded because they cannot be used as proof of address, and the rest of the paperwork should be filed in a drawer for easy access.
What Are The Benefits of Decluttering Your Home?
Still couldn’t find the motivation to clean and declutter your stuff? These things might change your mind.
Reduces Stress and AnxietyÂ
Our already overworked brains can’t handle the additional stimulation that comes from living in a cluttered environment. Having guests over will only highlight the mess and make you feel even worse about yourself and your home.
A cluttered home can also lead to a chaotic mind. Taking on one room at a time can be a great way to test the waters of decluttering and see how it affects your mood and the way you use the space.
Improves Your Sleep HealthÂ
You are not suddenly immune to distractions simply because you have closed your eyes. Clutter disrupts sleep because your mind must process all the stimulation it receives from the environment. Get rid of the clutter in your bedroom and see how much easier it is to fall asleep.
Common Questions About Decluttering the Home
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Is Decluttering Different from Cleaning?
Decluttering your home is very different from cleaning it. The former deals with organizing your possessions. You’ll have to decide what to keep, throw away, or donate when decluttering. People declutter to have more space and to make it easier to find things. The process is also good for your mental health.
Cleaning is a more physical and practical activity. It entails sweeping, vacuuming, and dusting the home. The end goal is to get rid of dust and dirt.
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What Room Should I Declutter First?
There’s no hard and fast rule when it comes to what room to declutter first. Experts say it’s best if you start in either a high-traffic room or the area that causes you the most irritation. You’ll be able to see immediate results. This will then make you feel better and will keep you motivated. The kitchen or living room are popular choices.
It’s also best practice to avoid clearing documents, photographs, or other knick-knacks. They’re the hardest to sort. The memories and sentimental value we attach to them will slow down the process. It’s best to declutter them when you have cleared most of your home.
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Can I Hire a Housekeeper to Declutter for Me?
An organizing service company is different from a professional cleaning firm. It’s best to hire the service of a professional organizer if you feel your home is overrun with clutter. They can clear and organize the area before cleaners for hire arrive.
There are cleaning companies that also declutter though. You should discuss this first with the company or with your housekeeper. It’s not the latter’s job to organize your space.
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What is the 20/20 Decluttering Rule?
The 20/20 rule is a strategy used to make decluttering easier. The premise is that many people don’t want to throw anything away in case they’ll use it later. You have to ask yourself two questions with the 20/20 rule. One is whether you can replace the item or buy a new one for $20. The second is whether you can find a replacement for it in 20 minutes. If you answer yes to these questions, then you can throw away or donate the item.
Ask Clean My Space CT For Help With Your Cleaning NeedsÂ
Clean My Space is here to help whenever you need it. Simply get in touch to arrange a cleaning plan. You can trust that our staff of experienced cleaners will clean your home as if it were brand new. We will provide you with the tranquil environment you’ve been craving.