Which Order to Declutter Your Home?

Have you noticed the trend of people decluttering their homes? It involves getting rid of anything that isn’t essential, and it’s a great way to simplify your life and feel happier!

Clutter is a common problem, and many people find themselves holding onto items they no longer need or use. Some people might not even realise they’re living with many unused items because they’ve gotten used to a cluttered environment. The good news is that it’s possible to declutter and simplify your house. The first step may be difficult, but once you start, you’ll feel empowered to keep going!

Speaking from experience, I’ve been decluttering quite a bit over the past few years, and it’s been a great journey. It’s not always easy to maintain balance in all aspects of life, but I haven’t had any trouble with decluttering itself. Out of everything that I’ve gotten rid of, the only thing I ended up repurchasing was a garlic crusher. I’m just not a fan of chopping garlic.

If you’re interested in decluttering your home but don’t know where to start, this article is here to help! With this guide to decluttering your house, you’ll be on your way to a simpler, happier life!

One Room at a Time

Decluttering the entire house at once can be overwhelming and counterproductive. It is best to begin with one room and take it one step at a time. Start with the rooms that you use the most, as this will have the greatest impact on your daily life. Once you’ve decluttered the main living areas of your house, then move on to decluttering the less-used spaces. As you declutter, make sure to have a plan for where everything will go. You don’t want to simply move things from one place to another without making real progress. Finally, the garage or basement should be the last area to attend to, as these areas often become the catch-all for items we don’t need anymore.

If time does not allow break the room into areas. For example, if tackling the kids’ rooms first, focus on clothes one day, then toys another day, rather than trying to do all at once.

Break each room’s decluttering process into three steps: sorting, tidying, and organising. During the sorting stage, go through each item, deciding whether to throw it away, donate it, or keep it. When you’re done sorting, start tidying by placing items where they belong. Finally, organise the items you are keeping so they are easy to find and access.

1. The Living Room

The living room is an important and frequently used space in the house. To make the most of this space, there are several things you can do to improve its functionality and appearance.

First, sort through all the items in the room, including books, magazines, and DVDs. Decide which items are worth keeping and which should be discarded. This process will not only help you declutter the room, but also make it easier to find the things you need.

Next, assess the furniture in the room. If there are any worn-out or unused pieces, consider removing them. This will create more space for the items that are important to you and help to create a more spacious and inviting atmosphere.

After decluttering and removing unnecessary furniture, tidy the room by putting any items that do not belong back in their designated spaces. This will help create a more organised and efficient living space.

Finally, organise the items you wish to keep by placing them in easy-to-reach shelves and cabinets. This will make it easier to find what you need and keep your living room looking neat and tidy. Remember, a well-organised living room is not only more pleasant to spend time in, but can also help reduce stress and anxiety in your daily life.

2. The Kitchen

When it comes to decluttering, the kitchen can be a daunting task. Food items and appliances tend to accumulate quickly, making it challenging to keep everything organised. However, there are several ways to tackle the clutter and make the most of your kitchen space.

Firstly, it’s important to get rid of any old or expired food items. Not only will this free up space, but it will also ensure that you’re not consuming anything that could potentially make you ill. For any other food items that you won’t use, consider donating them to a local food bank or shelter to help those in need.

Next, when tidying your kitchen, start by clearing off your counters. This will give you a clean slate to work with and make it easier to see what you have. Then, arrange items like dishes, utensils, and cooking supplies into cupboards and drawers. This will not only make your kitchen look neater, but it will also help you find what you need more easily.

Finally, take the time to organise the items you’ve decided to keep. Think about how you use your kitchen and what items you need to access most frequently. For example, if you bake often, consider keeping your measuring cups and mixing bowls in a spot that’s easy to reach. By taking the time to organise your kitchen, you’ll be able to make the most of your space and make cooking and meal prep a breeze.

3. The Office

Organising an office or study can be an overwhelming task, but don’t worry. Let’s dive into some more details on how to achieve a perfectly organised workspace.

Before sorting through paperwork, take a good look at your space. Is there anything that you can do to improve it? Perhaps you need more storage, or maybe you need to rearrange your furniture to make better use of the space.

Paperwork

Once you’ve made any necessary changes, start sorting through your paperwork. You might have a lot of it, but that’s okay. Take it one step at a time and break it down into manageable chunks. As you sort through your paperwork, make sure to create a system for filing. This will help you to stay organised in the future. You might want to use color-coded folders, or you might prefer to organise your documents alphabetically. Whatever system you choose, make sure it makes sense to you.

Desk

Once you’ve sorted through all your paperwork, it’s time to tackle your desk. Clear off everything from the surface of your desk and give it a good wipe down. Then, go through each item and decide whether you need it or not. If you don’t use it regularly, it might be better to store it in a drawer or on a shelf. This will help to keep your workspace clutter-free.

Drawers & Shelves

Now that your desk is looking spick and span, it’s time to move on to your drawers and shelves. Go through each item and decide whether you need it or not. If you don’t, get rid of it. This will help to create more space and make it easier to find the items that you do need.

Finally, to really finish off your decluttering session, wipe down all surfaces with a damp cloth. This will help to remove any dust or dirt that may have accumulated. With your newly organised workspace, you’ll be able to work more efficiently and feel more productive.

4. The Bedroom

Decluttering your bedroom can be a challenging task, especially since it often holds sentimental items like old photos, clothing, or memorabilia. To declutter effectively, it is important to be selective and keep only those items that you will actually use or appreciate. However, the process of decluttering can be an opportunity to reflect on past experiences and memories. Taking the time to sort through sentimental items can be a cathartic experience where you can relive some of your most cherished moments.

In addition to decluttering, it is important to stay on top of the accumulation of clothing that can often happen in the bedroom. Consider creating a capsule wardrobe, which is a collection of versatile and timeless pieces that can be mixed and matched to create different outfits. This will help you to reduce the amount of clothing you have and make it easier to choose what to wear each day.

Once you’ve gone through everything, tidying up involves making the bed and organising items like shoes and accessories. However, it is also important to organise any furniture you have left and store items away neatly. This will not only make your bedroom look more organised but will also make it easier for you to find things when you need them. You can also consider adding some decorative elements to your bedroom, such as plants or artwork, to create a more inviting and personalised space.

4. The Bathroom

The bathroom, even though it is a small space, can be a source of frustration and stress if it is not properly managed. One way to manage it is to start by sorting through your items. Take out your toiletries, medicine, and old cosmetics, and get rid of anything that has expired or is no longer useful. This will help declutter the space and make it easier to manage. But don’t stop there! After decluttering, it is time to tidy up. Make sure to clean the counters, sink, and bath, so that they are free from clutter. This will help create a sense of order and calm in the space. Finally, organise your items. Group your towels together, and organise your toiletries by type or frequency of use. Make sure that everything has a designated spot, so that you can easily access it when you need it. By following these steps, you can turn your bathroom into a calm and organised space that is easy to manage and maintain.

5. The Garage

When it comes to decluttering, the garage can be a daunting task, as it is typically home to a wide variety of items. Sorting through such a large accumulation of items can feel overwhelming. However, you can take several steps to tackle this space and turn it into a functional and enjoyable area.

First and foremost, start by sorting everything into three piles: items to keep, items to donate, and items to discard. This process may take some time, but it’s important to be thorough and consider each item carefully. Only keep the items that you consistently use and that serve a purpose in your daily life.

As for items that are broken or no longer useful, discard them responsibly. This means disposing of them in an environmentally friendly and safe manner. Check with your local waste management facility to see if they have any special disposal requirements for items such as old paint cans or electronics.

Once you have a pile of items to keep, it’s important to organise them in a way that makes sense and allows for easy access. This can mean creating designated areas for different categories of items, such as sports equipment or gardening tools. By doing this, you’ll be able to quickly find what you need without having to dig through piles of clutter.

Additionally, consider investing in storage solutions such as shelves or cabinets to maximize space and keep items off the floor. This will not only help keep things organised, but it will also create a more visually appealing space. You could even install hooks or pegboards to hang tools and other items that require hanging. This will free up even more floor space and keep your garage looking neat and tidy.

By taking the time to properly declutter and organise your garage, you’ll be able to create a more functional and enjoyable space for all your needs. Not only will you be able to easily find what you need, but you’ll also be able to use the space for other activities, such as a home gym or workshop.

Decluttering your home can be an overwhelming task, but with the right plan and order, you can make the process a lot easier and faster. By following the steps outlined above, you can declutter and simplify your house, creating a more peaceful and organised home. Remember, the path may not be straight—it rarely is—but it’s important to focus on getting started. Decluttering is a process, not an event. While it may take some time to get your home exactly as you want it, the effort is worth it. Focus on making progress, not perfection, and you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve. Just keep going! As President Harry S Truman said, “Imperfect action is better than perfect inaction.” So take that first step today and start decluttering your home!

Tell me, in which order do you declutter your home? I would love to know 🤍