Clutter in the home can cause stress and anxiety, but it's often difficult to get the motivation and time to de-clutter. Having less stuff in your home can lead to a more peaceful place to rest and live. When you begin the process of cleaning out your home, it'e best to start small. Don't try any large projects unless you have plenty of time to get them done. Also, be sure that you have a place to put unwanted items and have a plan to get them out of the house as soon as possible so they don't find their way back into your living space. Most important of all, understand that to de-clutter an entire home is a process and it doesn't have to be done quickly. The following de-cluttering tips can help you on the path of creating a peaceful and beautiful living space.
Start Small
Begin your de-clutter project with a small area, but one that will make an impact. If you have an entryway that tends to collect random things, begin with it. Perhaps you have a junk drawer that never allows you to find what you need or it may be that your closet needs work? Allow yourself 10-15 minutes to work on the area. Begin with things that are obviously trash and keep a trash bag at hand to throw things away immediately. A box for items to donate should also be close by. Once your time is up, you can keep going if you feel like it or take a break if you've been overwhelmed. Even 10-15 minutes a day will allow for significant cleaning time for the week.
Have a Plan
It's important to have a plan on where you'll take the items you no longer need. If you have name brand clothing in good condition, there are several online platforms for selling them to get back a bit of money. Household items can be dropped off at the local charity shop and you'll feel great about giving something to someone who actually needs it. Most importantly, when you fill a bag or box for donation, take it to your car immediately and drop it off the next time you're running errands. If you do this each time, your stuff will be out of the house and out of your way in no time.
Don't Rush the Process
De-cluttering can take a significant amount of time. Many people find the process daunting at first, especially when you're dealing with items that carry an emotional attachment. Once you begin seeing progress in the way your home looks, it's likely that you'll want to continue. Carve out as much time as you can each day to work on a specific area and don't beat yourself up if there are days when you just don't have the motivation to de-clutter. If you stick with it and don't allow yourself to be overwhelmed, your home will be clean and free of junk and you can live peacefully in a space that actually brings you happiness.