If you’re like most people, you probably have a hard time getting rid of things in your house. Combine that with the seemingly random amount of extra junk that enters your house every day, and you have a recipe for a crowded and uncomfortable living space. There’s a reason minimalism is becoming so popular; it’s better for your mental health. We’ve compiled a few decluttering tips for when you have too much stuff, so you can start feeling better about your home.
Video Overview
Start Small
When your whole house is the problem, it can be overwhelming to think about getting everything done in one go. That’s why you should set guidelines to begin. There are a few steps to follow so the project doesn’t become too much to handle:
- Find a small area of one room to clean completely
- Don’t put anything new in this area
- Keep it clean for one week
- The next week, slightly expand the size of this area
- Repeat steps 2 through 4 until the area encompasses a whole room or your entire house
Have a Plan for the Clutter
You’re going to need to decide what you want to do with each item you’re discarding. The best way to start this is to separate things into boxes. Use one box for “keep,” one for “sell/donate,” and one for “trash.” This way, you know exactly what to throw away without hesitation and what you need to relocate. Consider calling a place like the Purple Heart Pickup to grab your donations, so you don’t even have to leave your house and interrupt the process.
Declutter Little by Little
Decluttering can be a long process, especially if you live in a big and crowded home. Don’t rush the process, or you might burn yourself out and give up. When you’re starting, try to schedule a few minutes each day to clean up a few things. This small amount of time will help you normalize cleaning up, making it easier to continue doing it each day.
Be Brutal With What You Keep
One of the hardest tips for decluttering when you have too much stuff is being hard on yourself when you’re considering keeping something. Not everything needs to be thrown away, but you must be honest with how much it means to you. If it doesn’t immediately make you feel good, it’s probably time to let it go. Holding on to random bits and bobs won’t make you happier, but a tidy and clean home will.
