9 Ways to Get Started Decluttering and Organizing

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De-cluttering our homes makes a huge difference in how a space feels and functions. There’s a fine line between letting clutter accumulate and becoming a hoarder, so it’s important to go through accumulated items every three months to decide what’s worth keeping or what needs to go.

Studies show that the average home contains over 300,000 individual items, many of which are rarely used and take up space.

As you start de-cluttering, these supporting tips will help you make thoughtful decisions and give you confidence you are making good decisions.

Just Start in the Pantry

Expired goods and unused spices can take over kitchen storage. At the time of writing, I just determined I had five different salt containers, which could all be combined into one container. Annually clearing out your pantry ensures you’re not letting things sit around unnecessarily.

Decide if you want to sell or donate?

I have a general rule when it comes to getting rid of things around the house- sell what you can, donate the rest.

If you just have a few items, platforms like eBay, Craigslist, and local Facebook Marketplace or groups make it easy to find buyers for your unused items. Sometimes it’s shocking how many people want your old stuff.

Charitable donations are a thoughtful way to declutter items and clothes. Plus, you could take a charitable deduction against your donation value, so you actually get a financial benefit.

Try Decluttering a Junk Drawer

Begin in the most manageable space—your junk drawer. Everyone has ‘the junk drawer’, which often contains the most eclectic assortment. Taking on this small area first can offer a quick win, boosting your motivation.

Focus on the Garage

Garages often become the default dump for items undecided upon. Up to 50% of people say the garage is the most disorganized spot in the house.

Tools and sports equipment should be kept accessible, but broken or duplicate items can be trashed, donated, or sold. Keeping this area tidy can transform a chaotic garage into a functional space.

If you feel like there are items around the garage that need to be tossed- you’re probably right.

Tackle a Few Sentimental Items

Tackling emotional clutter requires sensitivity and patience. Each item likely has a memory attached, making it tough to decide its fate. It's crucial to acknowledge your feelings but also to consider the practicality and frequency of use.

Try a Digital Declutter

Obsolete technology can quickly fill drawers, shelves, and storage bins. By recycling old electronics through certified e-waste programs, you can free up space and ensure environmentally responsible disposal. Make sure to digitally scrub any items full of personal information and disconnect your payment or credit card information which could be stored on a hard drive. And don't forget a digital declutter of electronic files, too.

Try the One In, One Out Rule

To maintain order in your home, adopt the "one in, one out" rule. Whenever a new item is brought home, an old one should be let go. This helps keep clutter under control and ensures everything has its place.

Clean-out a Closet

Clothes represent a significant chunk of domestic clutter, occupying more space than they deserve. A good rule is to remove items that haven't been worn in over two years. Also, expensive dresses and coats could sometimes be sold on consignment, offering an option to dispose of expensive items besides donations.

Declutter Some Bathroom Items

The bathroom is a breeding ground for old cosmetics, toiletries, and medications that linger in cabinets and drawers. Since many products have a shelf life of just 6 to 12 months, it’s important to declutter and dispose of outdated items. Many of these bathroom clutter items have a variety of ingredients that lose efficacy over time, so even those expensive creams you don’t want to toss are probably separating and not functioning quite right anyway.

This article was produced and syndicated by Simple Is More.