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Social media is clogged with messages saying that less clutter is the key to joy, happiness and success. (No pressure!) It doesn\u2019t help that home improvement TV shows (with their massive production teams) make it look so easy. But let\u2019s be honest: If decluttering was a simple process of color-coding our way to an inspired life, the never-ending quest for organizing hacks would cease to exist. <\/p>\n
Science tells us that clutter isn\u2019t just an inconvenience \u2014 it can increase stress, resulting in negative feelings that can lead to anxiety and depression. It\u2019s not surprising that women are affected more than men, as ancient gender roles are still at play and many women are the ones responsible for keeping a home clean and tidy. It\u2019s true, however, that when we start to clear a path toward intuitive organization, we feel calmer, lighter and more productive. <\/p>\n
\u201cOur brain is less tired from constantly trying to mentally organize or categorize spaces. We are not burning up energy digging through a drawer looking for that one shirt we saw the other day to match the pants we have on,\u201d said Tatiana Bernardi, owner of Alpine Organizers. \u201cThat feeling of manageability relieves both internal and external stressors, giving us more time and energy to focus on other aspects of our lives.\u201d Another bonus: You won\u2019t break into hives when a guest unexpectedly drops by.<\/p>\n
The real key to clearing out clutter is to sidestep additional stress. Yes, it\u2019s a chore, but can it be somewhat enjoyable? We\u2019ve highlighted five simple ways to declutter, and talk about the good kind of clutter you may want to hold on to. <\/p>\n
1. Start small<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n
The most challenging step in decluttering is figuring out where to begin. That\u2019s why experts suggest tackling one drawer, a makeup bag \u2014 any small space that can be easily accomplished without turning your house upside down. Bite-sized organizing requires minimal time but still makes a great impact \u2014 so much so that we organically begin to crave organization in another space.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
2. The right way to clean a single drawer<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n
It may seem easy to bring order to a single drawer, but without a system, we often transfer one mess to another location. Here\u2019s how Bernardi avoids this mistake: \u201cTake everything out of the drawer. Throw away all of the trash: empty baggies, twist ties, pen caps belonging to long-lost pens, loose staples, etc. Wipe the drawer clean so you’re starting with a clean canvas. Separate items into keep, donate, and question-mark piles. Don\u2019t allow yourself to end up with a cluttered section of donated items that have just moved from one drawer to another. Have a donation box in your home and make frequent drop-offs.\u201d Avoid the urge to peek inside the box to rescue those sweatpants you\u2019ve already decided to part with. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n
3. Set realistic goals<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n
Decluttering your home takes time. If you\u2019ve lived in the same place for a significant period of time, there may be years or decades of excess belongings to sort through. Make a list of the rooms in your house and rate them on a scale of 1 to 10 by asking yourself how important it feels to clear out each space. Start with the room that makes the top of the list. Before you begin, have supplies such as garbage bags, boxes, scissors and cleaning products at the ready. Decide how much time you can devote to organizing each week and add those blocks of time to your calendar. Whether it\u2019s 10 minutes a day or one-hour sessions on the weekends, consistency will help you stay on track.<\/p>\n
Consider asking a friend or family member to be an accountability partner. Check in with them before you begin a decluttering session and again when you finish. If you\u2019re working alone, having someone in your corner will motivate you when you\u2019re feeling distracted or overwhelmed. Envision what it will feel like to have gatherings in your home, getting dressed in the morning in your organized space, or how much time you\u2019ll save always knowing where your earbuds are stored. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n
4. You\u2019ve got (too much) mail<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n
With fast shipping and deliveries at an all-time high, it only takes a few days before cardboard boxes and shipping materials become a part of your home decor. Not the aesthetic you\u2019re going for? Brenda Scott, owner of Tidy My Space, suggested placing a container that you love in a place that makes sense for you to manage your physical mailbox. Add a recycling or garbage bin next to the container to get rid of junk mail and break down boxes immediately. \u201cAdhere a \u2018No Flyers’ sticker on your mailbox. Less coming in equals less to deal with,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
5. Know the difference between good and bad clutter<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n
Maximalists, rejoice! Having an organized space doesn\u2019t mean your house needs to look sterile. It simply means that your belongings have designated places that make sense in your life. \u201cI call it the \u2018happy chaos,\u2019 when clutter doesn\u2019t affect your creativity. In fact, it can enhance it,\u201d said Marie-H\u00e9l\u00e8ne Riverain, owner of Love and Order Organizing.<\/p>\n
Others call it cluttercore, a design trend and concept that filling your home with what makes you happy can provide a sense of comfort and warmth. If you\u2019re partial to color, bookshelves filled with books and plants, and displaying sentimental items, clearing out old items will make room to add more items to a collection and share those keepsakes with others. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n