9 Straightforward Ways to Start Decluttering Your Home
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De-cluttering our homes makes a huge difference in how a space feels and functions. There’s a fine line between letting clutter accumulate and becoming a hoarder, so it’s important to go through accumulated items every three months to decide what’s worth keeping or what needs to go.
Studies show that the average home contains over 300,000 individual items, many of which are rarely used and simply take up space.
As you start de-cluttering, these supporting tips will help you make thoughtful decisions to give you confidence you are making good decisions.
Pantry
Expired goods and unused spices can take over kitchen storage. At the time of writing, I just determined I had 5 different salt containers, which were all able to be combined into one container. The average household has at least one food item in their pantry that’s over three years past their expiration date. Annually clearing out your pantry ensures you’re not letting things sit around unnecessarily.
Selling or Donating?
I have a general rule when it comes to getting rid of things around the house- “sell what you can, donate the rest.” If you just have a few items, platforms like eBay, Craigslist, and local Facebook Marketplace or groups make it easy to find buyers for your unused items. Sometimes it’s shocking how many people want your old stuff.
Charitable donations are a thoughtful way to declutter items and clothes. Plus you could take a charitable deduction against your donation value, so you actually do get a financial benefit.
Start With a Junk Drawer
Begin in the most manageable space—your junk drawer. Everyone has ‘the junk drawer’ which often contains the most eclectic assortment. Taking on this small area first can offer a quick win, boosting your motivation.
Garage Focus Area
Garages often become the default dump for items undecided upon. Tools and sports equipment should be kept accessible, but broken or duplicate items can be trashed, donated, or sold. Keeping this area tidy can transform a chaotic garage into a functional space.
If you feel like there are items around the garage that need to be tossed- you’re probably right.
Sentimental Items
Tackling emotional clutter requires sensitivity and patience. Each item likely has a memory attached, making it tough to decide its fate. It’s crucial to acknowledge your feelings but also to consider the practicality and frequency of use.
Digital De-clutter
Obsolete technology can quickly fill drawers, shelves, and storage bins. By recycling old electronics through certified e-waste programs, you can free up space and ensure environmentally responsible disposal.
Make sure to digitally scrub any items full of personal information and disconnect your payment or credit card information which could be stored in a hard drive.
One In, One Out
To maintain order in your home, adopt the “one in, one out” rule. Whenever a new item is brought home, an old one should be let go. This helps keep clutter under control and ensures everything has its place.
Closet Clean-out
Clothes represent a significant chunk of domestic clutter, occupying more space than they deserve. A good rule is to remove items that haven’t been worn in over two years. Also, expensive dresses and coats could sometimes be sold on consignment, offering an option to dispose of expensive items besides donation.
Bathroom Items
The bathroom is a breeding grounds for old cosmetics, toiletries and medications which linger in bathroom cabinets and drawers. Since many products have a shelf life of just 6 to 12 months, it’s important to dispose of outdated items. Many of these items have a variety or ingredients that lose efficacy over time, so even those expensive creams you don’t want to toss are probably separating and not functioning quite right anyway.
Theresa is the founder and owner of Simple Is More from Beavercreek, Ohio. She is a nationally syndicated writer whose work has been featured on the Associated Press Wire, Blox Digital, and more. With a passion for words and a love for simplicity, Theresa has built a reputation as a trusted source on minimalism, home organization, budgeting, travel, and wellness. When she's not writing or tidying up, Theresa loves to explore new places, read a good book, and spend quality time with her family.