Wouldn’t it be nice if our home always looked like no one lived there? (Read: no clutter!) Unfortunately, that level of tidiness is impossible to achieve, try as we might. Luckily, there are ways to manage the chaos without feeling overwhelmed or overworked. Here are a few simple things you can do to declutter your home.
Identify the Clutter
Look around your home to determine where the majority of clutter is – where you kick off your shoes, toss your keys, drop your mail, etc.? Once you know which areas need a little TLC, you can brainstorm ways to nix the clutter.
Designate a Spot for Everything
We know it sounds cliché, but there should be a place for everything. If something doesn’t have a designated place, it results in clutter. This is where plastic bins, baskets, filing cabinets, and drawer organizers are handy.
Still don’t have somewhere to put your clutter? Helpful tip – it’s time clean out your drawers; you really aren’t using the things you stored years ago. Now you have space! Voilà.
Allow Yourself a Junk Drawer
Having one junk drawer is totally understandable. This is where you can store all those random items you don’t want sitting on the counter.
Daily Duties
Maintenance is extremely important when it comes to a clutter-free home, so take time each day to make your bed, open and sort mail, do the dishes, and keep clothes in the closet, dresser, or hamper (never on the floor).
Put It Back
Once you’re done with something, put it away. We know this is a lot to ask, but eventually, you’ll get used to it. Your home will look so tidy that you’ll want to keep it that way.
Go Green
Paper files can take up a lot of space, so if you have a lot of important documents, it may be a good idea to scan these files to your computer so you can keep them without the clutter.
Stop Comparing
No home is perfect, so if the clutter starts slowly creeping back in, forgive yourself and move on. And don’t even think about comparing your home to those on social media. Remember, you’re getting the highlight reel, not the day-to-day real-life stuff. Would they let a camera in their messy house? Nope! They’re cleaning it the day of, too!
Benefits of a Clutter-Free Home
Aside from creating more space and that it’s easier to find things, here are a few more benefits of decluttering your home:
- Less stress
- More peace now that you’ve eliminated visual distractions
- Improved sleep now that your home isn’t so visually stimulating
- Showcase your style better
- Always ready for visitors