It’s easy to accumulate things over time. Clutter doesn’t happen all at once or on purpose, it happens over time. We might purchase items out of impulse or because we think we might need it at some point (key word “might”). Nowadays we don’t just become cluttered in our homes but digitally too; just look at our email inboxes. Having a clean, de-cluttered home is hard work and doesn’t happen haphazardly. It is a conscious choice that we need to be mindful of each and every day.
There are a multitude of mistakes that we are all guilty of when deciding to finally de-clutter our homes. The word “de-cluttering” itself makes some people cringe but de-cluttering, or what I like to call it “cleansing your home,” can be a gratifying experience.
So, turn up your favorite jams and lets get the home cleansing journey started.
Design by FrillSpace Interior Decor & Staging Boutique | Photo by Ambient Light Studios
Throw the sentimental attachments out the door.
I have been guilty of this in the past, and it is a hard habit to break. We have those special mugs that we collected on our trips which are now taking over our cupboards, or a multitude of bed linen sets when we really only rotate our two favorite out.
So I challenge you to ask yourself, does this item add any value to my life? How many times have I actually used it?
Thinking of your future needs.
A nice trick is to be honest with yourself. Have you worn or used it in the last 2 months?
However, if you still have a twinge of hesitation, put the items in a box for 2 months and set a reminder on your calendar. If you haven’t used them, then there’s your answer. On the bright side, it’s already boxed up so the hard work is already done!
You “Put Things Away”
Cleaning up or “putting things away” are synonyms for de-cluttering, right? WRONG. Ladies and gents, if you are going to actually de-clutter (aka cleans your home), it means you are removing items from your property. Yes, your car counts.
So, next time set a goal in mind for what you want to accomplish for each space in your home.
Not Thinking Through What to Do After De-Cluttering
I am again, also guilty of this. I once had 8 jumbo IKEA bags full of clothes and shoes that I “de-cluttered” sitting outside of my closet for 4 months. I’m not proud of it but it’s a fact.
So, word to the wise, before you start de-cluttering decide where you are going to take what you compile. There are plenty of places like Goodwill, The Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity and more that will take your goods. Some of them will even pick them up for you!
Design by FrillSpace Interior Decor & Staging Boutique | Photo by Wise Owl Media Group
De-Clutter Exhaustion
It’s a thing, I swear! A proper de-cluttering of a home cannot be done in a day, fact. This is a sentiment I share with clients a lot too. Properly plan out which room or space you want to tackle each day, and stick to the plan. De-cluttering can be an overwhelming process so you want to make sure you give yourself time to dedicate to each space.
More Storage is Not Always the Solution
One of the top “wish list” items that my clients ask for is storage, storage, storage. Although there are countless options out there for furniture with cool hidden storage features, pause and ask yourself why you need more. Is it because your home doesn’t have enough room for the essential items, or is it because you’ve amassed a collection of 10 bed linen sets when you really only use two?
Storage solutions are not inexpensive so before you go shopping take a day to de-clutter the space you need the extra storage for. You might find that you have more space than you thought!
Deciding to Re-decorate on a Whim
We’ve all been there. We go to a home décor store for a pillow and walk out with two carts full of stuff. Re-decorating is serious business and there are a few steps you need to take before you get to the fun stuff; you don’t want to end up with a hodge-podge of clutter in your home.
For starters, identify a budget and the style you want to accomplish. Then decide whether you can tackle the project on your own or if you need some help from a professional like myself. With that out of the way, do some research and create a shopping list, but don’t buy anything yet! Last but not least, identify all of the items that you need to get rid of and decide whether you will donate them or try to sell them. Once all of the flagged items have been removed, you are free to purchase everything on your shopping list.
But it’s on Sale!
Unless you’ve been waiting to purchase something you need (not want) until it was discounted, do not fall victim to the shiny sales. It’s hard, I know (FOMO!). Buying items because they are on sale or because we “might” use it in the future is not a wise choice. It will only create clutter, and who wants that?! Instead, only shop during a sale if it is an item you absolutely need right now.
Buying in Bulk is the Way to Go
Bulk purchases are just that, bulky! Instead, opt for buying items that you will put to use now, not four months from now. This will clear up your home from unintentional clutter. Remember, a clean space results in a clearer mind.
Design Before Function
When designing a space for clients I always ask them to provide me with their wish list and pain points. I see this in many homes, people are distracted by beautiful designs but when it comes down to their daily routine, they realize they forgot that they needed a place to put their children’s toys!
So, when selecting furniture for you home, make sure you think about function not just design.
Having a de-cluttered home is not always easy but it is possible. Just be mindful of everything that you bring into your home and ask yourself these three questions: Do I need it? Do I want it? Does it add value to my life?
Happy de-cluttering!