7 Strategies To Make Decluttering Your Home Easy

Hello friends and hello August! 

Have you thought about giving your home a makeover? Maybe you're thinking of moving soon but don't know where to start because you're overwhelmed and surrounded by so much stuff. Spring may be long gone but it is never too late for some spring cleaning. In truth, decluttering may be hard and overwhelming. You may be holding on to some sentimental pieces or telling yourself "I might need that one day". But when you look around your home you can't help but see clutter and your head spins in circles. It's true decluttering may be tough and overwhelming...and may seem like it'll take up a whole lot of time... but can make such a difference in transforming your home and having a clean, clear space for your mind to rest in. Here are 7 strategies to make decluttering your home quicker and easier without having to overthink it.

Tip #1: Don't Confuse Decluttering For Organizing

Buying things like storage bins and cute basket organizers from IKEA might seem like a great way to contain the clutter but really only adds to it by having more stuff. An organized mess is still a mess and will still take up space and make a place feel smaller. 

Tip #2: Donate or Sell Online

Donate your items to local shelters, charities, thrift store or someone who needs them most. Or make an extra buck by selling some things online on shops like Facebook marketplace, Kijiji, Etsy, etc. Not only does this help reduce litter, but it also breathes new life into things you no longer use. 

Tip #3: Keep Your Eyes On The Prize

A big reason decluttering can become so overwhelming is that it can also become easily distracting. Imagine, you walk into the kitchen intending to declutter when you realize the dishes haven't been done, the trash needs to get taken out and the utensils drawer looks unorganized...etc etc. By the time you're done, you're burnt out and still surrounded by stuff! When it comes to decluttering, remove distractions, don't clean, don't organize and stick to the goal! Remember...things look a lot less messy when there's less stuff to clean. 

Tip #4: Target High Traffic Areas Of Your Home First

Areas like the front doorway/hallway, bedroom and kitchen often get the most foot traffic in a home and therefore tend to collect the most clutter the fastest. By targeting those spots first, you'll be surprised by how much you can get done and how much space you've created. It can relieve your mind and give your eye a chance to rest once you see the progress and a chunk of the workload is already gone. 

Tip #5: If You Have To Question It...Its A No

When getting rid of clutter, a tough challenge may be letting go of stuff that holds sentimental value or "might become useful in the future!". A strategy you should keep in mind is to be ruthless, realistic and relentless. Decluttering should be quick...if it is not a clear yes... it's a NO! If you're questioning keeping the cute top you bought 20 years ago and haven't worn in 7 years...it might be time to let go. Think of all the closet space you'll have for things you'll actually enjoy in the present! And trust me... it might be time to let go of that old arts and crafts stuff...because if you haven't taken up scrapbooking by now, you'll probably never do it. 

Tip #6: Get A Crap Basket!

Having a designated spot for all your clutter (aka a "crap basket") can really minimize the pileup of stuff around the room. A good idea is to place this "crap basket" in the high-traffic areas of your home. For example, having a bowl in the front doorway where you can dump out your pockets will reduce the look of the mess on top of your counter. Make it part of your cleaning routine to dump out the "crap basket" and throw out the trash or rehome all the items as a quicker way to organize your life while cleaning. 

Tip #7: Make It Fun!

Turn decluttering into a time where you get to listen to your favourite podcast or watch your favourite show at the same time. Don't view decluttering as a negative thing. If you are positive, you'll see opportunities instead of obstacles. You'll be doing something you love while also being productive. Things will get done and you won't be so frustrated doing them. Just don't get distracted by your favourite show...haha.