Decluttering Your Home: Step-by-Step Guide to Efficient Storage
Achieving the state of neatness and order may seem like an impossible mission. Clutter is usually the cause of the mess that is brought in from day-to-day paperwork, kid's playthings, worn-out presents, etc. Decluttering can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. With an individual step-by-step guided process, you can arrange and put things into place that can create extra space in your home.
In this guide, we will go through a step-by-step system of decluttering room by room, and there will be a recommendation of what to do with that extra clutter so it doesn’t overwhelm you again. Decluttering your home is good for both your mental and physical health.
Step 1: Clear All Flat Surfaces
Start by emptying out all objects on top of flat surfaces such as tables, dressers, nightstands, cabinets, and countertops. Put all away so you have a clean canvas where you can start working on your creation.
As you sort through the piles, make quick decisions: keep, throw it away, or place in a box to be donated.
Documents need to be filed or shredded immediately or else they are going to just become clutter all over again.
Step 2: Sort Through Your Closets
Next, tackle your closets using the "one year" rule. If you haven't worn or used an item in the past year, you likely don't need it taking up precious closet space. While sorting, create boxes or piles for:
● Keep - items you wear regularly
● Donate - gently used items still in good shape
● Trash - worn-out or damaged pieces ready to be discarded
● Store - out-of-season clothing like heavy winter coats in summer
For the items you're keeping, invest in organizers to neatly store clothing and accessories. Use hanging shoe organizers, shelves, and bins to maximize vertical storage space.
Step 3: Designate Storage Solutions for Each Room
Each room in your home requires specialized storage to keep its contents neat. When everything has an assigned home, it's easier for the whole family to stay organized. Consider these storage solutions for key rooms:
Kitchen
Clear countertops by storing appliances in cabinets or mounted on the wall. Keep dishes organized through racks and dividers. Use a knife block rather than a loose knife drawer. Install pot racks and shelving for cookware storage. Utilize cabinets with turntables for food staples.
Kids' Rooms
Use toy boxes, shelves, bins and baskets to control toy clutter. Assign a special stuffed animal zone like nets, hammocks or covered baskets. Use wall-mounted shelves and hanging organizers in closets for clothes and accessories.
Home Office
Invest in a quality desk with drawers and shelves for paperwork and supplies. Use vertical file sorters for important documents. Store pens, notepads and small office supplies in caddies and trays. Utilize wall space with mounted shelves, racks and pegboards.
Garage
Use clear plastic bins to sort tools, sports equipment, auto accessories and seasonal decor. Install shelving units and cabinets for organized storage. Use utility hooks mounted to walls to hang bikes, hoses, etc. Place frequently used tools in an easily accessible tool chest.
Step 4: Purge Items You Don't Need
Once you've sorted through everything and set up organizational systems, it's time for a final purge. Recycle old magazines and catalogs immediately so they don't pile up again. Gather donation items to drop off at local charities and thrift stores. Schedule pickups for any large furniture items being discarded.
Holding onto too many unused items leads right back to clutter. Use the decluttering process to reduce your belongings to only items you actually need and use in your home.
Conclusion
Decluttering your whole home may seem intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. By following this efficient step-by-step guide, you can clear out excess items, organize your belongings, and create functional storage solutions in every room. Designate a manageable area to tackle each week over time. In a few months, you'll have a tidy and efficient home that brings peace of mind.
