Quick and Easy Decluttering Tips for Beginners
So, you’re drowning in clutter and ready to take the first step to tackle this mess finally. This probably seems like a very scary thing.
I know how it is; since I’m always the one who ends up collecting all the possible clutter, I don’t even know where it comes from. So you’re probably feeling overwhelmed and don’t even know where to start.
Well, I’ve got you covered. You need to start small, and in this post, I’ll share with you some quick and easy decluttering tips that will help you get started and keep on going.
There are a ton of benefits to decluttering, from reducing stress to improving productivity.
But let’s be real, getting started can be a challenge – I get it.
I’ve rounded up some top decluttering tips, perfect for beginners. Whether you’re ready to tackle your whole house or just one room at a time, I’ve got you covered with these tips.
7 Simple Decluttering Tips To Help You Get Started
I think starting something is probably the hardest part, especially if it’s about years of accumulated clutter.
These are some tips that I found useful when it was my turn to tackle all my possessions.
#1 Don’t bring more clutter
Before you start tossing things left and right, take a step back and think about your shopping habits.
Do you tend to buy things on a whim or hold onto items that you know you’ll never use again? Well, the first step in decluttering is to break that cycle. Stop buying things you don’t really need and don’t have a place for.
It might be tough at first, but trust me; it’ll make the decluttering process much smoother.
The least you can do is promise yourself not to buy anything new until you declutter the house and have a very clear idea of all the things you already have. Because chances are, you have enough!
#2 Get the right attitude
One of the first steps to decluttering your house is to get the right attitude.
We’ve all been there – holding onto something just because we spent a ton of money on it or because it was a gift from someone special.
But it’s time to get over it! Sunk costs are just that – sunk. Let’s move on and learn from our mistakes.
And as for the guilt? It’s time to say goodbye. When you let go of something, let go of the guilt too. It’s a weight lifted off your shoulders, and you’ll feel better for it.
And always remember, when you let go of things, you make space for newer and better things! Both physical things and just situations in your life.
#3 Start small
Decluttering can be an overwhelming task, but starting small is the way to go!
We all have that one space in our homes that seems like a never-ending abyss of stuff, but don’t let it scare you away from getting started. The key to success is breaking it down into smaller, more manageable parts.
Take a look around and find a small area to start with, like a single drawer or shelf. Once you’ve tackled that, move on to another small area. Just do small 15-minute decluttering projects every day.
Before you know it, you’ll have cleared out more than you ever thought possible! And if you’re feeling ambitious and want to tackle a bigger project, break it down into smaller sections. This way, you won’t feel defeated before you even begin.
Your brain doesn’t want you to do the work or to make any changes, so make an agreement with yourself that you’ll just do one more thing. Maybe it will get you in the mood, and you’ll tackle the whole room! But even if not, decluttering just one drawer is already a great start!
#4 Get some visual help
Let’s face it; decluttering can be daunting. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the mountains of stuff surrounding us on a daily basis.
But what if I told you there’s a simple trick to make it more manageable? All you need is your trusty camera phone!
Before you start tackling a decluttering task, snap a quick “before” picture. Then, once you’ve conquered that clutter, take another “after” shot. S
Seeing the difference can be incredibly satisfying and give you a boost of motivation to keep going. And trust me, if you’re tackling the whole house decluttering, you’ll need all the extra motivation you can get!
#5 Clean the mess you can see first
Starting with the areas you can actually see might just be the key to decluttering your life. Sure, those hidden nooks and crannies might be a disaster, but the immediate satisfaction of clearing off a table or picking up stray items from the floor can be a major motivator.
Plus, once you’ve conquered those visible spaces, you’ll be able to breathe a sigh of relief every time you enter your now tidier home.
#6 Think of storage solutions
When starting with decluttering, it’s kind of important to think through your storage as well. After all, you can’t just trash EVERYTHING. In fact, often, if you only see the choice of keeping clutter or throwing it away forever, you end up keeping more things that you need.
Try to come up with a few ways to store the items you want to keep before you even get started.
And don’t forget to think vertically! Floor space is precious real estate, so use wall space to hang items like bags or jackets, and stack up clear bins, especially if you have a smaller space you’re working with.
I know it’s not the easiest task to come up with storage solutions when you don’t even know what items you’re keeping, but you can always start with something basic, like creating a little doom box with all the items that don’t have space and organizing them later.
#7 Create a system for incoming items
I know we agreed we’re not buying any more things until the decluttering is done, but it’s inevitable.
Let’s be real – we’ve all been there. You come home after a long day and dump your bag, keys, and mail on the counter. Before you know it, that one spot becomes a magnet for any and all incoming items.
You don’t want to create this one more spot with extra clutter when you’re in the process of decluttering your house!
Consider designating a specific spot for incoming items, such as a tray or basket. And don’t forget to go through and declutter these items regularly – trust me, your future self will thank you.
#8 Create rules to help you with decision making
Decluttering can be a daunting task, physically and emotionally. And the fact that you have to make a decision about each item you look at doesn’t make it easier.
That’s when it can be very helpful to have some pre-made rules and guidelines on how you’ll deal with your clutter. By having set guidelines, decluttering becomes less overwhelming and more achievable.
For example, when I was going through my wardrobe, I made two rules. First – if I haven’t worn it in the last two years, I don’t need it. Second – if I were to move countries next month (which is something I’ve done several times), would I take it with me? If the answer is no – I don’t need it.
These types of rules and guidelines will help you not waste your mental energy on decision-making and move faster and easier with the decluttering process.
#9 Get help if you need it
Don’t be afraid to ask for help from friends or family! They can provide a fresh perspective and energy to the task at hand.
Even if all they do is pick up some trash or help organize, it can make a world of difference.
Plus, you’ll have some company to make the process a little more fun. So, don’t hesitate to reach out and get the support you need.
Decluttering can be a challenge, and it may take some time to start. But the end result will be worth it. Your home will become more spacious, organized, and enjoyable – think of it like getting a brand-new space without having to spend a dime!
Plus, you’ll probably have lots of items that can be donated to those in need, making your decluttering an act of kindness.
So don’t sell yourself short; take a deep breath and start the process – your home will thank you for it. Who knows, maybe you’ll even develop a passion for organizing afterward! The possibilities are endless for what decluttering can do for your home.