I once read that if you haven’t used an item in a year, then get rid of it. I have an intense dislike for clutter! No matter how much I vow to go on a decluttering spree, I end up with a house brimming with clutter. So, I have developed 7 simple tips to a clutter-free life.
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The amount of clutter in our home is shameful since there are only two people living in this house. Did I tell you I hated clutter? You can combat the clutter by following these 7 simple tips to a clutter-free life.
A bit of important advice I can give is, do not go on a cleaning spree, because you will end up becoming overwhelmed and quitting.
I suggest that you declutter on a daily basis. Make it a part of your daily cleaning routine. Spend an extra 20-30 minutes a day on just decluttering.
Tip #1
I’m a list maker and I organize very easily with a list. So, making a list works for me.
I start out by making a list of everything that I need to do. Then, I make columns and title them by keep, toss, or donate. However, I do suggest you declutter by room and again, a little every day.
Initially, I begin by going into each room and decide what I want to keep, toss, or donate and jot it down on my list. This will take me a few days to do. Once it’s done, I can begin by making it part of my cleaning routine.
Room by Room
I do suggest to declutter by room and a little every day. I take the time to do this in every room and that doesn’t mean I’m going to declutter my entire house in a week. It only means that its an ongoing process.
Once you have decluttered to a point that makes you comfortable, you can maintain it. You can read about maintaining and living a clutter-free life here.
If you are not a list maker than skip this tip and move on to Tip #2.
Tip #2
Get rid of all the things in your storage/attic areas that you haven’t used in years. I have boxes that my camera came in, that I saved. Why? My logic was that I may need to use the box if I ever sent the camera back to Canon for repair, but this never happened.
Christmas
This year I organized my attic storage with all my Christmas decor in such a manner that I know exactly where everything is. All containers are labeled and easy to reach for someone that is slightly over 5 feet.
I also tossed old and broken Christmas decor. I bought storage bags for my artificial trees and wreaths. You can buy those here. I have always stored my trees in the boxes they came in and through the years, ended up breaking most of the tree lights. Also, the boxes took up so much space that I couldn’t get everything stored without piling them on top of each other.
Below is a picture of my now organized attic area for my Christmas decor. This area is not pretty and in the interest of time and money, I used my old bins. But I do love my storage tree and wreath bags.
Furniture
Dispose of or donate old furniture, baby toys, and mementos that you do not want.
Tip #3
Dispose of all electronic items that do not work, or you do not have a clue to what its for, along with cords, old chargers, batteries, anything that has been stored in drawers, baskets or boxes, just toss them.
Tip #4
This is another area that was the bain of my existence. I had tons of mismatched luggage. Get rid of all luggage that is old, outdated and doesn’t roll, donate it.
Tips #5
Keep your pantry functional. Keep everything in labeled containers, and do daily checks for expired food and spices.
Here is a picture of my pantry completely organized and clutter-free.
Tip #6
Your linen closet is another source of collecting items that are no longer functional. Check for worn/torn dish towels, sheets, bath towels, and blankets and toss these.
Tips #7
In our home, the medicine cabinet is one of the most neglected areas. We can accumulate more expired medications than most people. Be mindful of how to dispose of medication.
This is a great information website on how to discard and store medications.
Following these 7 simple tips will be a great start on living a clutter-free life. The key is to do this daily until you have decluttered every room in the house. I start with one and force myself not to move on to the other rooms until I’m satisfied with the decluttering and organization of that room.
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XOXO
Connie
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