The Importance Of Decluttering And Where To Start
I love decluttering and tend to do a six monthly rotation where I’ll go through all the areas of my home and declutter. I’m going through this at full pace now as I’m in the nesting stage before our baby arrives in the summer.
Decluttering isn’t just a trend, it’s a neccessity and can help remove stress, and free up space, especially if you’re a maximalist like me!
Why decluttering matters
Clutter means different things to different people but here are some of the ways decluttering your home matters.
- It reduces stress and anxiety. Studies have shown that an untidy or overwhelming environment can contribute to higher cortisol levels which are linked to stress and anxiety. I know I feel calmer when a space feels less cluttered.
- It can boost productivity. A clean and organised space helps with concentration and efficiency. I know when my desk space is cluttered it distracts me from working, so decluttering can help focus.
- It frees up space in your home. Most of us could do with more space, so by decluttering items you don’t need/ want you create more space.
- Improves mental clarity. Physical clutter can translate to mental clutter.
- You can make a bit of money from it. When I declutter there with be some items I no longer want/ need that I sell on helping me make a few extra pounds.
Where to start with decluttering
Start small
Decluttering an entire home or space can be overwhelming. And part way through you will lose focus. Start with a small area and gradually work your way up. I make a list of all the areas in my home such as desk drawers, larder cupboard, TV unit etc. Then each day I’ll tackle one or two areas to make it feel more manageable.
Pull everything out of the space
The easiest way to see everything and put things back as you go is to pull everything out of the space you’re decluttering. This may feel overwhelming to begin with (esp with clothing), but it’s the easiest method.
You’ll probably be surprised at how many things fit into such a small looking space.
Follow the four-box method when decluttering
When decluttering use four boxes/ bags/ piles to separate out items. You’ll have a keep space, a donate/ sell space, a recycle space and a bin space.
Using this method will help you make decisions easier and you know where every item needs to do once you’re done.
Create organised spaces
Once you’re done decluttering, make sure everything has a designated place. Use storage solutions like baskets, shelves, and drawer dividers to keep order.
Digitise where possible
Paper clutter can become overwhelming, so only keep physical copies of the things you need to. Scan important documents and store them digitally so you can reduce the physical clutter.
Declutter regularly
Decluttering isn’t a one-time task, it’s an ongoing project. Choose a timeframe and re-do spaces regularly, this way it will become less overwhelming. I tend to do areas every six months. And the more often I do them the quicker it tends to be each time.
Decluttering will help
It may all feel overwhelming, but decluttering will help you feel better about your space. It’s not about getting rid of things, but about knowing what you have and having it in practical spaces to make it easy to locate and use.
Start small, stay consistent, and enjoy the benefits of a clutter-free living space.
32 responses to “The Importance Of Decluttering And Where To Start”
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Rhian Westbury
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This is one of the best advice I’ve every came across with regards to decluttering. I often get overwhelmed when I think that I need to declutter the entire house but you’re absolutely right, if I break it down into small tasks and small areas, I’ll get it done in no time…Thank you so much.
It does make it so much easier, and it means you can do little areas in an hour without having to dedicate a whole weekend x
I am a huge proponent of routinely organizing and getting rid of unused items. It’s such a zen feelign to have an organized space.
It really is, I always feel so satisfied when I’ve done some organising/ decluttering x
This is the best advice I’ve seen so far. Makes me want to start now!
Do it! You don’t need to start off big x
Decluttering always feels like a reset. It’s wild how clearing out a space can make everything feel lighter, both physically and mentally ♥
Getting rid of stuff you don’t need is so freeing. Even starting small makes everything feel a bit less chaotic.✿
Decluttering is an essential aspect for every home in my opinion. Thanks for these valuable and practical tips!
I couldn’t agree more, it’s 100% essential x
Useful tips on decluttering. I do feel good after my decluttering exercise. Everything looks neat in room.
These are a great idea. I need to start decluttering my stuff cause my cabinet is so full.
Decluttering is such a game-changer! I am so obsessed with it. I love how you’ve broken down the process into manageable steps—it makes it feel a lot less overwhelming.
Declutterng 100 percent helps me with anxiety. Now I need to get started and I’m going to take your advice and start small. I won’t feel as overwhelmed.
It helps with mine as well, there’s something quite peaceful about it x
I love decluttering, for me, its such a peaceful activity. Plus, it makes all that much more room in my closet! And its always good to donate clothes, we have a local place that takes them and helps others in need!
Yeah clothes always makes a difference, but I find I can make space almost anywhere around the house x
I love this approach to decluttering with starting small and being consistent it makes such a difference. Nesting mode sounds like the perfect time to get everything in order before the baby arrives.
It can be hard to know where to start especially when you have a lit to do. Starting small can help avoid it becoming to overwhelming. Decluttering regularly saves time and means you have more free space available and everything is tidier.
I have been good about decluttering, but I need to keep up with it and do some more. Love your tips! Will keep working on it.
I think it’s the being consistent that’s the hardest tbh, because once you’ve done it once you don’t want to think about doing it again in six months time x
These are helpful tips you shared. Recently I declutterred my old things. I made 2 boxes one I kept things to throw or donate and things to keep.
We follow the having a home for everything method, which means we don’t get a lot of new stuff unless it’s got a space inside the house. It’s so important to declutter.
Having a home for everything sounds like a great way to think about it x
I do love a good declutter! The thought of it at first can seem very overwhelming but once I start I realise that it doesn’t take as much time as I thought. I always feel so much better afterwards.
I love the feeling afterwards! x
I love to declutter and especially during Spring cleaning. I somehow always find a few blouses and shoes that I donate after every declutter. These are all great tips!
I totally agree with you about decluttering. I don’t like clutter at all and decluttering is usually a stress reliever for me. My goal this spring is to declutter hubby’s shed. Good luck to me!
Good luck, that sounds like it will be an interesting challenge! x
This is a great informative post with some good tips! A lot of people may not realize the negative affects a cluttered space can have until they declutter! It may be har to initiate, but once I get going it can be really satisfying too
You must of read my mind , or seen my current office situation! 🙂 these are some fab tips and I feel like I can tackle my work room now
Every time I feel like my decluttering/ organising is done something else pops up so I know how you feel x