A Step by Step Guide to Decluttering your House

Having a cluttered house and a dirty house are very different. Your house can be clean but untidy and cluttered with stuff that you may not need or even want any more. I’m not a fan or ornaments or trinkets, but having three kids, we have a lot of stuff! Decluttering your house on a regular basis is probably a must, especially when you have kids.

We’ve been running out of space for quite a while now so it’s time to do something about it. We’re hoping to make some spare cash from some of the things that we not longer need or want anymore so that’s the biggest incentive to do it at the moment.

I’m doing it over the course of the month so that it doesn’t turn into a nightmare job. You know, when you pull everything out and then instantly regret it. So here’s what I’m doing to make sure it doesn’t turn into a mammoth nightmare task.

Setting Clear Goals

Before you dive into decluttering, it’s essential to establish clear goals. What do you want to achieve? Do you want to make your home more functional, create a more visually appealing space, or simply get rid of the excess stuff that’s been weighing you down? Setting clear goals will help you stay focused and motivated throughout the process.

Gather Supplies

To get started, gather the necessary supplies. Make sure you have bin bags, boxes, labels, pens and cleaning stuff. Deciding what you want to do with stuff will make it easier. Having everything on hand will make the process smoother and more efficient. Cleaning each area as I go is something I’m going to do as well – might as well!

Choose a Room or area

Start with one room at a time. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed if you try to tackle your entire house in one go. Choose a room where the clutter is most bothersome, and start there. Common starting points are the living room, bedroom, or the kitchen.

Sort and Categorise

Once you’ve chosen a room, begin by sorting and categorising your belongings. Create three piles or areas: Keep, Donate/Sell, and Bin. Be ruthless in your decision-making. If you haven’t used or needed an item in the last year, it might be time to let it go.

Decluttering area by area

Within the room, declutter area by area. For example, start with one wardrobe, one drawer, or one shelf. Remove everything from that area, clean it thoroughly, and then decide what items belong in the “Keep,” “Donate/Sell,” or “Bin” piles. Continue this process until you’ve decluttered the entire room.

Storage Solutions

Invest in appropriate storage solutions to keep the items you want to keep organised. Storage bins, shelves, and drawers can help you maintain a clutter-free space. Be sure to label these containers for easy identification.

Deep Cleaning

Once you’ve decluttered and organised a room, give it a thorough cleaning. Dust, vacuum, and mop, paying attention to the areas that were previously obscured by clutter. A clean space is not only visually pleasing but also healthier. Giving a room a deep clean also prevents any nasty germs from lingering about, if you’ve ever been or seen a hoarder, you’ll know that leaving dirt around can attract all manner of horrible pests and bugs who enjoy the smell of dirty, untidy areas of your home. If when you’re cleaning you come across signs of unwanted visitors, it might be a good idea to contact the Aptive Environmental Group GA (or another similar elsewhere more relevant) in order to get pest control services to eradicate the problem and prevent it from reoccurring. This will also give you more reason to keep your home clean, so keep on top of it unless you want those critters to return!

Donate or Sell

Items in the “Donate/Sell” pile can be given to charity or sold online or through Facebook Marketplace. Make sure that you do this or you’re just creating more piles.

Dispose Properly

Dispose of items in the “Discard” pile in an environmentally responsible manner. Recycle or properly dispose of these through your local recycling centre.

Maintenance

Decluttering is an ongoing process. To maintain a clutter-free home, develop a habit of regular tidying up. Designate specific times each week to deal with incoming clutter and reevaluate your possessions.

I’m going to keep going with this, possibly every six months to keep on top of things so that we don’t accumulate stuff that we don’t need or use.