The idea behind living a simple, un cluttered life sounds so simple.. right? Then why do so many people struggle with throwing out those old items, or those clothes we haven’t worn in 5 years? “Spring Cleaning” doesn’t just have to happen in the spring, check out these 10 creative decluttering tips below.
Just 5 minutes:
We can all make 5 minutes a day for something right? If you are new to the whole idea of decluttering, set aside just five minutes a day to start.
Give an item away every day:
Could you imagine? One item each day would rid your home of 365 items in a year! Haven’t used something in the last year? Studies show you probably won’t, now would be a great time to donate!
Fill a Garbage Bag:
Head into the kids playroom, the shed, or the garage and watch how quickly you can fill a garbage bag full of items to donate. Maybe contact Willard Power Vac in The Dalles for a faster and more professional cleaning result.
Donate those old clothes:
The 90’s called, they want their fashion back. No, seriously.. we all have items in our closet that we never wear. Take all of your hangers and turn them around. As you wear an item, turn it back forward. At the end of the year any left that are still turned around, donate!
Create a “declutter checklist”:
It is always easier to stay focused an on task when you a visual aid. Run over to Pinterest to check out a few sample checklists.
Take the 12-12-12 Challenge:
12 items to donate, 12 items to throw away, and 12 to return to their proper home. You will be amazed at how quickly 12 items add up!
Be a ‘first time visitor’:
Try to change your perspective. If you were visiting your home for the first time, write down your first impression and things you would change.
Take before & after photos:
This goes back to having a visual aid, this really puts into perspective all of the hard work you’ve done. Take a before photo, and once you take that after photo you will feel so accomplished!
Grab a friend:
Have a friend or family member go through your home and suggest a handful of big items to throw away or donate. If you defend the item and want to keep it, your friend has to agree with your reason. If they don’t agree, it’s time to get rid of it.
Four boxes method:
Grab four boxes, and label them trash, keep, giveaway and re locate. Enter any room in your home and place each item in that room in one of the boxes. This may be timeous and time consuming, but is one of the best methods when it comes to decluttering.
No matter which method you choose, the fact that you have chosen to start the process is wonderful. You are taking the first step in decluttering your life, as well as your home.
What are some of the benefits of decluttering your home?
Less to clean:
Cleaning is already such a chore, but the clean added items around the house makes the process much more stressful. Eliminate the extra items and you Have less to worry about cleaning.
Less to organize:
With less to worry about, finding things should no longer be an issue.
Less Stress:
Looking around at clutter in a home can become an overwhelming experience, with less clutter wouldn’t it be nice to look around and check out a home you love?Less Debt:
Spending less money on material things means that your bank accounts are the ones that remain fuller and your home does not get filled with costly items that you do not really need.
