Home decluttering trends have gained popularity in recent years, from Marie Kondo’s KonMari method to Swedish Death Cleaning. There’s no doubting the appeal of living in a clutter-free environment; not only does it enhance the aesthetics of your home, but it also promotes a sense of calm – something all of us can appreciate.
However, the task of decluttering your home can be overwhelming, and a lot of us are tempted to put it off. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be a lengthy and difficult process. With these five tips, you can declutter your home fast, creating a more organized and serene living space.
- Set goals before you start. Before you dive into decluttering, take a moment to set clear goals for each room or area you plan to tackle. Ask yourself what you want to achieve; are you looking to create more storage space, improve the flow of a given room or simply reduce the amount of “stuff” around you? Setting specific goals will give you a sense of direction and motivation to complete the task.
- Break the process into chunks. Trying to declutter an entire house in one go is a surefire way to burn out quickly. Instead, start with a small, manageable area like a closet, a shelf or even a drawer. Completing these smaller tasks gives you a sense of accomplishment and can help build momentum for tackling larger spaces.
- Use the four-box and 90/90 methods. Label four boxes or bins as “Keep,” “Donate/Sell,” “Trash/Recycle” and “Relocate.” As you go through the items in a given space, place each item into one of these boxes. Don’t think too hard about the decision you make; try to go with your gut. After you’ve finished, you can do with each box what you’ve set out to do (put it back, sell or donate it, throw it away, move it to another space in the house and so on).
The 90/90 method involves determining how much use an object has gotten recently, and how much use it’s likely to get in the near future. Ask yourself, “Have I used this item in the last 90 days, and will I use it in the next 90 days?” If the answer is no, consider letting go of it. - Set a timer. The thought of spending all day decluttering can be daunting (and honestly a little boring). Commit to doing it for a short period of time, like 15 or 30 minutes – and set a timer so you’re on the clock. If you work diligently and without distractions, you’ll probably be surprised by how much you’ve accomplished once the timer goes off. A timed approach also makes the task feel more manageable and less like an all-day ordeal.
- Think long-term. To maintain a clutter-free home in the long run, consider adopting the “one in, one out” rule. This means that for every new item you bring into your home, you commit to getting rid of one similar item. This helps prevent the accumulation of unnecessary things; it also encourages mindful consumption.
While these tips can help you declutter your house quickly, remember that keeping your home tidy requires consistent effort over time. If you have a plan and break up the task into smaller increments, however, you can reap the benefits of a clutter-free house without overextending yourself.
