Does your home look like a storage locker or a pack rat's dream? If so, it's time to purge, declutter and refresh. It may sound daunting, but it doesn't have to be! Here are some quick, effective ways to declutter your home without feeling overwhelmed:
- Set time aside. If you don't plan for decluttering, you'll probably keep putting it off. So, make yourself do it, whether you spend the entire weekend, one evening a week or just a few minutes or a few hours a day. If you're not sure how or where to start, a home organizer can help you create a game plan.
- Make a list. A list will help you get organized, whether it's your entire living space that needs work or just one particular area. Creating a list of what needs decluttering will also help keep you motivated from start to finish.
- Start in one spot. Never attempt to declutter all areas at once. Start in one room - or a specific area of one room - and work your way out from there, understanding that it may take a few hours to get it done. Some areas commonly in need of a good declutter include:
- Counters: Get rid of any old appliances, decorative pieces and utensils you don't need or use.
- Shelving: Remove old books, trinkets and toys -- anything that's just sitting there gathering dust.
- Closets: Gather the clothes, shoes and accessories you never wear. Donate the items that are in good shape and toss or make rags out of the rest. Invest in closet organizers for what's left in your closet to ensure everything stays in its proper place.
- Cabinets: Go through your kitchen or bathroom cabinets and remove everything that's been "stuck in the back" or is otherwise cluttering the space. Old dishes, dishtowels and other items can go to secondhand stores or the trash.
- Drawers: If you have a junk drawer, dump it out on your bed. Then go through it and remove everything but the essentials. When you go to put the drawer back, organize what's left for easier access and retrieval.
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