Getting Rid Of The Clutter Once And For All

How did your home become so messy? Is your home too small? Was it the kids? What happened to your once pristine home?

So many questions, but one simple answer – you have too much stuff. After a few years, and a couple of kids, your home can soon become cluttered – something that might make it look and feel like a mess. When you’ve reached the point that you’re constantly standing on toys or you’re unable to shut the wardrobe door – it’s time to do something about it!

Say goodbye to your messy home and learn how to get rid of the clutter once and for all.

Set some time aside

Decluttering is one of those tasks that you will always put off, no matter how much it needs to be done. While you might start doing bits here and there, something will always distract you from finishing the job. Set aside some real time to get the job done – even if it means taking some time off work or cancelling your weekend plans. Once you get into the swing of it, you’ll start flying through the task.

Get to work in every room

Put three boxes in every room of your home and mark them with donate, recycle and throw. Go through all items in every room and be ruthless with the things you no longer need. If you haven’t used it in over a year, it’s broken or you no longer like the look of it – it’s time for it to go. Check what can be recycled to stop you from contributing to unnecessary waste. Even clothes can be recycled at stores like H&M!

Get the kids involved

Kids can be hoarders, particularly when it comes to clothes. The longer you let their stuff build up, the harder they will find it to part with things. Start them off young by donating unwanted toys and games to good causes or other children. This is a good thing to do after every birthday and Christmas, under the guise of making room for their new things. A regular clear out will help them learn not to hold onto things, which will save you a lot of grief and temper tantrums over the years!

One in, one out

The ‘one in, one out’ rule is a good one to have. For every item of clothing you bring into your home, something else has to go. This will help to keep your wardrobe manageable and encourage you to make more sensible decisions when buying clothes. Make this a rule for the kids too – especially as they grow out of their clothes.

Go digital with your media

As everything from books to film and TV go digital, do you really need those piles of books, CDs, and DVDs lying around the house? Why not try going digital with your media using subscription or on-demand services, instead of buying physical copies of everything all the time. You can have a huge clear out of your existing libraries, donating them to charity or selling them to free up storage space for you to keep other things instead.

Build a capsule wardrobe

Speaking of clothes, have you ever considered whether or not you need all of those items hanging up in your wardrobe? The majority are probably left unworn and gathering dust. The secret of many stylish women is to build a capsule wardrobe, focusing on timeless, high-quality pieces that can be mixed together to create some fantastic outfits. Instead of buying into the latest fashion trends season after season, put your money into buying high-quality investment pieces that will last instead.

Invest in storage furniture

Storage furniture is a saviour for a cluttered home. If you want everything to have its place (i.e. out of sight!), then storage furniture can really help. Sofas, coffee tables, benches, and stools are some of the most popular types of storage furniture, helping you to find a place for everything without drawing attention to it. Underbed storage is particularly useful for storing sheets and other items that you might not have room for elsewhere.

Get a storage unit

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you can’t actually get rid of everything that’s taking up space. So what can you do in that event? If you haven’t got a garage or an attic to put things in storage, then a storage unit could be your best option. There are many companies offering self storage in Auckland that can provide you with good deals on a space. Use your storage unit to keep out of season clothes, furniture you don’t currently have space for and baby items you might need again in the future. Remember to visit your unit regularly or keep an inventory, as you might forget about what’s there!

Make the most of small spaces

It can be difficult to make small spaces feel open and airy, but there are some surprising things you can do to maximise your storage potential and keep your room clutter-free. Try some creative storage solutions for small spaces so that you find a place for everything and keep your floors clear and tidy.

Keep on top of the chores

It’s easy to let your chores pile up – especially when you spend your days at work or running around after the kids. Start getting into the habit of clearing away clutter at the end of the day, that way, when the weekend comes – you can focus on the cleaning tasks instead. A tidy, clutter-free home is a good way clearing hazards for children and making your home safe. Get everyone to do their share before bed – many hands make light work after all!

If it’s a ‘tidy home, tidy mind’ you’re looking for, then decluttering is a good place to start. Living a more clutter-free life will encourage your family to be neater, while your home will look better than ever. Make a plan to clean up your home and enjoy a clutter-free home once and for all.