How to Conquer Clutter.

How to Conquer Clutter and Keep it Under Control

Most of us just have too much clutter and junk in our homes. Clutter allows dust, dirt, grime, germs and allergens to accumulate in our homes, creating a potentially unhealthy environment. It is also visually unappealing, and gives off negative vibes.

Congratulations on your new commitment to living a clutter free lifestyle. You’ll feel better, more relaxed and can enjoy your free time once everything has been put into its proper place.

Here are some of the practical steps for decluttering and getting organized:

• Define specific and achievable goals for decluttering. Break down the task into smaller, more manageable steps.
• Allocate dedicated time for decluttering in your schedule. Treat it as you would any other important commitment. This helps establish a routine and makes it more likely that you’ll follow through.
• If a decluttering task takes less than two minutes, do it immediately. Tackling small tasks can create momentum and make the overall process feel less overwhelming.
• Envision the benefits of a clutter-free and organized space. Whether it’s increased productivity, reduced stress, or a more visually appealing environment, keeping the end goal in mind can be motivating.
• Begin with a small, manageable areas. Completing a smaller task can boost your confidence and provide a sense of accomplishment, making it easier to tackle larger areas later.
• When you declutter and organize a space have garbage bags and containers labeled and ready for the Keep Pile, Donate Pile, Trash Pile, and Relocate Pile. As you go through items, place each into one of these categories. This will help you streamline decisions and keeps you focused.

Let’s get on reading about our 10 commandments of cleaning clutter.

1. Stop Procrastinating and Clear the Clutter

You must start by building good habits. Stop putting off until tomorrow what you can do today, especially when you know you probably will not do it tomorrow.

There is simply not enough time in the day to effectively keep the clutter at bay with work and family requirements. If you add the habit of procrastinating when dealing with your clutter into the equation, you will just create a larger problem.

Make the hard to make decisions today. Set aside 15 minutes each day to deal with 1 new area of your home.

Overcoming procrastination and clearing clutter can be a challenging but rewarding process. It’s okay to take baby steps.

2. Stop Making Excuses for Not Decluttering

No more excuses.

It has to be done and you know it. The clutter is not going to go away by itself. 15 minutes a day is all it takes to make a significant impact on clutter control.

Pick just one small area of your home, it could be just one kitchen counter, and tackle the problem.

You can do this and permanently keep the clutter away, have the confidence in yourself.

3. Use It or Get Rid Of It

When you’re not likely going to put an item to use or if an item has never been useful to you or the family, get rid of it.

If you are really not sure if you are going to use some items, try boxing them up in a clearly labeled box, and store it. If six months go by, and you still haven’t had a need for the item, you can recycle it or give it to a charity.

If an item does not enhance your life in some way and you can’t remember why you bought it move it, recycle it or give it away.

4. Learn How to Let Go of the Clutter

As our lives change, our needs change. Learn how to let it go.

Somehow though, things that you’ve used accumulate. Nick-knacks, do-dads, mementos and plain old junk clutter our living space with no regard to the changes we’ve made in our lives.

Clutter which takes up valuable space and gives us nothing in return; except stress and anxiety, should be tossed out or given away.

I know it’s hard.

If it hasn’t been used or touched in years, ask yourself if someone else can benefit from it. It makes it easier to let something go.

5. Give Unwanted Things Away

Give your unwanted and unneeded items away when they are not being used.

Friends, relatives and charities can all benefit from your unwanted clutter and someone else will appreciate them.

6. Set Limits for Storing Things, If You’re Over Limit, Redo #5

Limit the amount of space you are willing to allocate to clutter.

Just because one space fills up does not mean that you should find or buy more space. It means that it is time to weed out the clutter and reclaim the space you already have.

7. First In/First out (FIFO)

Manufacturing companies do this to reduce clutter and waste and you can too. If something new comes in, something old goes out. It keeps things fresh, new and reduces waste and stops clutter from accumulating.

Use FIFO for everything from clothes and toys to books, magazines and other clutter. Remember the limits you have set and stick to them. The whole family will benefit.

8. Less is Really More

The less clutter you have means more time, money and energy for yourself and other family members. Remember not everything has to go, be realistic.

After you have organized and de-cluttered your home, reassess your space a couple times a year.

9. Everything Has A Proper Place, Find It

Once you have decided where things will go, keep everything in its place. Don’t bring new items into your home without having a very clear idea of where the item’s home will be.

If you don’t have a specific need, don’t bring it home at all. Find a place for the things you are keeping and that you use, and keep them there.

10. Stay on Top Of the Organization

Now that you have organized all your clutter and you’ve vowed to keep everything in its place, don’t compromise when it comes to keeping your home clutter free. Stay strong, and keep on top of it.

If you need help, don’t be afraid to ask.

Most family members or good friends are more than willing to pitch in if you need them to.

Conclusion

Remember that decluttering is an ongoing process. Consistency and perseverance are key to maintaining a clutter-free environment. Start with small steps, and over time, you’ll see significant improvements in your living space and overall well-being.