Declutter for a healthier home
A cluttered home can feel very draining. Not knowing where things are or where things should go can be extremely stressful and exhausting.
If you are thinking of refreshing a room or you are about to invest in an extension or conversion, have a think about reducing the amount of stuff you own before you proceed. Living with less can really help to free your mind and give you back some valuable time.
These are my top tips on how to…..declutter for a calmer healthier home.
WHAT IS THE BENEFIT OF DECLUTTERING?
A clearer space clears the mind, allowing better focus
Having designated areas for items you frequently use reduces stress
It will be easier to clean and dusting regularly will remove toxic particles
HOW DO I START?
Decluttering can be intimidating - choose just one area to focus on at a time
Set yourself a decluttering challenge for one week
Start with the hall and entrance way
Gradually work your way around your home
Don’t rush out and buy a load of storage boxes, work with each area first
Perhaps you have storage boxes or a unit in another room more suited to your focused area?
Play around and see what fits and works best for the area you are in. Work out what storage you need before you shop.
If you need something new, consider recycled or up-cycled options or sustainable and more natural materials: baskets, cotton clothing bags, wooden boxes
A place for everything…
Choose individual places for everyday items so you know where to find them - a pot for door keys, a box for boots, a letter tray for important letters and so on.
Cupboard tip
Take everything out of a cupboard at once. You then have a lovely empty space to gradually refill. If you are putting too much back, it’s time to start becoming a bit more ruthless.
WHAT PREP SHOULD I DO?
Motivational tunes help! Stick on your favourites
Create a space to store your decluttering boxes and bags so you can come back to them each day.
Set up two bags: recycling and rubbish
Set up four boxes labelled: friends, sell, donation, keep
Set up a concertina file for important paperwork
Set up a shredder for personal paper work
Have a damp duster, dustpan and brush to hand - so you can clean as you go
Remember - only choose one area at a time
Decide to finish that area before moving on
OK I AM READY, NOW WHAT?
Make sure you have a couple of spare hours to tackle the job
Set your intention and goal
Have an idea of which area you want to start with and what direction you will move in
Be realistic, Rome wasn’t built in a day
The first thing to ask yourself is - what do I actually need in this space?
Have the kids grown out of something? Is there duplication? Are there unopened toys/books that won’t be missed? Can you regift/donate/sell?
Can you be ruthless? The out-of-sight, out-of-mind rule is a good one. If you haven’t used it/looked at it in the last year (seasonal items such as camping equipment and Christmas decorations aside), do you truly need it?
Seasonal items
Just like your wardrobe, your home will have seasonal items. Storing heavier weight items for colder months will free up space in your home the rest of the year.
Clever Storage
Some furniture can provide extra storage. Use under-bed drawers and coffee table chests to store spare linen and extra blankets.
I HAVE CARRIED THIS AROUND WITH ME FOR YEARS….
There may be an emotional attachment to another time, place or person
Take a step back and allow yourself to think about the memory. Then look at the item. Is it holding you back? Release yourself and let it go
If you truly cannot be without it, can it be reduced in size? (like an article you once wrote for a magazine - tear out the page and place in a keepsake book, but recycle the mag…)
Understandably there are many items we want to cherish from loved ones
If the amount of cherished items is overwhelming, buy a special box for those memories and prioritise only the best items for that box
If it is something you wish to display decide upon a suitable place for it
Be sure ornaments don’t become clutter, reduce these too
A CLUTTER-FREE HOME IS WHERE…
you feel at ease when you enter
you know where everything goes
you can find something when you need it
storage looks organised and tidy
surfaces are free from clutter and easy to clean
A clearer home is a healthier home - for body and mind.
I hope this has given you some inspiration to leap into Spring with a fresh start!
HELP IS AT HAND
If the process still feels a little too daunting, book my de-cluttering service. I will bring the energy, motivation and solutions, so together we will create your very own beautiful healthy home.
Zoë x
Images © Unsplash: Kitchen - Ionut Vlad, Shelves - Jason Leung, Bedroom - Isaac Martin, Coffee table chest - Deborah Diem, Living room - Minh Pham
Feel at ease
Reducing the clutter in your life will have a positive effect on your mental wellbeing.