How to Start Decluttering: 5 Useful Tips

If you haven’t started decluttering and organising your home yet because you simply don’t know where begin, we hear you! Decluttering is just one of those things we all put off, but here are some tips to that will take away the overwhelm so you can enjoy the results of a clutter free space.

Start Small

You don’t have to go into a decluttering frenzy and instantly create a space that would earn a five-star rating from Marie Kondo. You can start small and set realistic goals. Remember: it took you years to accumulate all the stuff in your home, so it won’t take you two hours to declutter and organise everything.

Start with one corner, one shelf, or one drawer of a room and focus your attention on it. If you start small, it’s more likely that you will finish that space which also means you get to enjoy the results!

Think About Your Ideal Use For That Space

Decluttering is all about creating more pleasant and breathable spaces. Shift your attention from getting rid of stuff to making decisions that truly improve your lifestyle.

Start with your wardrobe, for example. Before deciding which clothing items stay and which ones go, ask yourself:

  • Is this piece of clothing actually useful?
  • Do I wear it? If yes, how often?
  • Do I love it?
  • If the answer to these questions is “no,” perhaps it’s time to donate the item and allow it to spark joy into someone else’s life.

Declutter Before You Organise

Trying to do both things at the same time will probably leave you feeling overwhelmed, stressed out, and in a bigger mess than you started with. Decluttering and organising are two different processes, and you should always start with the first one – because, after all, organised clutter is still clutter. Also, don’t buy organisational items before the decluttering journey comes to an end; otherwise, you’ll feel encouraged to keep more than you intended.

Quality Over Quantity

Giving up on old habits takes time, so don’t expect this one to happen overnight. Consider treating yourself with fewer products of higher quality that you’re going to use. This is especially valid for hygiene and cosmetic products: instead of purchasing three cheap lotions that smell good, buy just one from a brand you trust and use it up completely before getting a new one.

Visualise The End Results And How Good It Will Feel

Imagine how clean and cozy your house will look after you’re done with it. Think how happy, relaxed, and energized you’ll feel in a streamlined space where everything makes sense. This mental image should keep you motivated to keep going towards your goal at your own pace.

If you feel like all of this is too much for you, our team at The Happy Organiser is always ready to help out. From decluttering and implementing systems to simplify your life to unpacking and setting up your new home, you can always count on us to create a space that’s easy to live in.

Happy Organising!

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BLOG POST BY:

Edel Beattie

Hi, I’m Edel, founder of The Happy Organiser. I love sharing realistic + practical ways to simplify your home so that you can make room in your life for the stuff that really matters. I believe when all the unnecessary layers of stuff are peeled away, clarity reveals itself and everything becomes easier.

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