From chaos to calm: decluttering tips that will change your life

Written by Stannah

Think of all the stuff you have accumulated around the house. Do you feel a little stressed just thinking about it? Join the club, because you’re not alone!

Keeping control of clutter can seem daunting, but decluttering is more than just getting rid of things. It’s about rethinking your relationship with all the stuff you accumulate and keeping only what truly matters.

To help you out, we’ve created a quick guide on everything you need to know to declutter your home effortlessly and create a space that you can truly enjoy.

Decluttering tips for beginners

Do you know the saying ‘Slowly but surely’? Well, you can make this saying your first rule for organising your home: start slow, one thing at a time. Don’t jump straight into decluttering your entire home. A step-by-step approach is much more useful, and less stressful, whether you’re planning to age in place, downsizing your home, or even retiring abroad.

Also, decluttering is not just about creating more physical space in your home – it’s about enhancing your mental well-being and productivity. A clutter-free environment can lead to decreased stress levels and a heightened sense of control.

This process of organising and clearing out unneeded items can also improve your mood, making your home a more restful and enjoyable space.

Here are some tips to get you started:

1. Make a plan and identify your clutter hotspots

Start by identifying the areas of your home that need the most attention, that is, the areas where most of the possessions you accumulate but don’t really need end up. The ‘usual culprits’ are:

• Cupboards
• Armchairs and coat hangers
• Garage

2. Make a checklist

Once you know your problem areas, create a list and prioritise them. You can even rank them on a scale of 1 (least cluttered) to 3 (most cluttered) to focus your efforts effectively.

3. Set achievable goals

Break down your decluttering journey into achievable goals. Start with a small, manageable area, like a drawer or shelf, and aim to complete it within a set timeframe.

Choosing your decluttering method

The most important aspect of decluttering is choosing a method that works for you. Once you find that, everything else will fall into place. Here are a few popular options to get you started:

The KonMari method

Marie Kondo is known all over the world for her decluttering method, and no wonder why. This method revolutionises decluttering by focusing on joy.

The core principle is simple: keep only the things that mean something to you and get rid of everything else that doesn’t mean a thing to you. At first glance it seems pretty straightforward, but given the emotional attachment we sometimes have to certain possessions, adopting this method can prove to be a roller coaster of feelings.

The KonMari method emphasises organising by category. It starts with clothes, moves on to books, papers and everything else, and ends with things you have an emotional attachment to. It promotes self-awareness and the goal is to have a well-organised living space.

The four-box method

Use the four-box method to sort items into categories: Keep, Donate, Sell, Trash, and Relocate boxes. This method helps streamline the decision-making process and ensures that every item has a designated place. Basically, it allows you to sort out your belongings by relevance and usefulness for an efficient, manageable decluttering process.

The one-in, one-out rule

Before bringing in something new, consider removing an existing item of similar size or function. This helps prevent clutter from accumulating. Think: is it necessary?

Whether it’s clothing, a gadget, or a decoration item, evaluate if you truly need it. If not, make room by letting it go. This approach encourages mindful consumption and intentional living, so you can make thoughtful decisions and focus on quality over quantity.

Maximise your home’s potential

To stay organised after decluttering, make full use of all the available space in your home. If you have the room, why not use it? And if there are certain areas you don’t use due to mobility challenges, like the upper floor or your garden, there’s good news! Modern mobility solutions like stairlifts can help you access your entire home with ease.

By combining decluttering with mobility solutions, you can reclaim your whole home. Think of it as giving your home the ultimate upgrade—independence and ease of movement! Stannah can be your partner in this mission. We’ll help you find the perfect mobility solution, so you can contact us and focus on the fun part, rediscovering the joy of your home, clutter-free.

Say hello to your new decluttered home!

Remember, progress over perfection. The most important thing is to find a method you enjoy. Take it one step at a time, and experiment until you discover an approach that works for you.

Happy decluttering!