Lots of people ask, “What’s the best way to declutter?” Honestly, it’s a huge topic with plenty of approaches, and you’re best off choosing a method that fits you personally. Still, there are some essentials you need to get right to ensure success.
Start by picking a specific date and time and put it in your calendar. Trying to do bits and pieces for 15 minutes here and there just won’t cut it. You wouldn’t nip in and out of the gym for a quick quarter of an hour and expect results, would you? You need to set aside enough time to make a real difference, and decluttering is no exception. Scheduling it means you’re making a proper commitment.
Using a timer is a popular strategy, and I recommend it. It keeps you focused and prevents distractions, especially when you’re sorting through items that bring back memories.
Don’t forget to have a cuppa, some water, and whatever music suits your mood – sometimes it helps, sometimes it doesn’t, so do what works for you.
Sorting things into ‘piles’ is vital. Facing a sea of boxes with no organisation is enough to put anyone off. Whenever I tackle a decluttering project, I always arrange things into groups – paperwork with paperwork, batteries with batteries, clothes with clothes. It makes the job much easier as you can deal with one pile at a time. That’s my top tip whenever someone asks what the best way to declutter is.
Make sure you gather all your supplies ahead of time – pens, bags for charity, recycling, and general rubbish. Have a separate bag for things that need to go to another room. Don’t skimp on labels, tape, and marker pens either.
If you’re working on a room with a mix of items, group everything first. It might feel like you’re just moving things around, but seeing all the similar items together really helps you get a sense of what you’re dealing with. Sometimes you have to move things before you can declutter them – just remember, shifting stuff isn’t the same as decluttering!
The best way to declutter is to get help if you can – decluttering isn’t always a solo mission. Rope in family or friends but be aware that some people are reluctant to let go of things. If your household is full of sentimental savers, it might be worth bringing in a professional declutterer for an objective viewpoint.
Feeling overwhelmed by the sheer amount of stuff is perfectly normal. Just break the process down into categories and areas, tackling one bit at a time. Don’t pile pressure on yourself – there’s no need to work yourself into the ground. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day.
Download any handy apps before you start. World of Books is great for selling books, games, DVDs, and CDs – you won’t get much for each item, but it all adds up. For clothes, try Vinted, and for bigger pieces, Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree is ideal. eBay’s good if you’re up for a bit more effort, but don’t forget your time’s valuable. If you’ve got a lot that could be sold, enlisting an auctioneer might take the pressure off and speed things up.
If you’re selling items yourself – which is always satisfying, plus you keep all the profits – make sure you keep everything for sale together and labelled. Set aside dedicated time for selling and focus on just that during your slot.
If donating is your plan, lots of charities will collect from your home these days. If you’re dropping off at a shop, load your car up straight away so things don’t end up hanging around. It’s all about keeping the momentum going, and shifting things out of your house gives you an instant boost and motivation to carry on.
Giving things to friends? Label those bags and get items to them quickly – otherwise they’ll end up buried with the rest of your stuff again.
I always say keep decluttering sessions to a maximum of four hours. Any longer is just too much. If you find it hard to concentrate, try working in 15–minute bursts on different areas, and take breaks when you need to. You can always return to a zone once you’ve had a rest.
Anything you’re keeping, put in one spot with a clear KEEP sign. Labels are a lifesaver – mark every box and bag so you don’t get muddled up.
A golden rule and one that I encourage my clients to take on board, is that there is a place for everything and everything in its place. Like with like and in a logical place, means that, with careful management, your home will never become decluttered again, That is why, once the process has been finished, I encourage clients to always put back items where they found them. That way, clutter should, in an ideal world, be a thing of the past.
The best way to declutter is to remember, less is always more. We really do not need as much stuff as we think we do. Marketeers will tell you that you need everything, in fact, we need little to survive and having just what you need, no more, will create a calm, organised environment where everything just flows. That does not mean you cannot have items that make you happy and ‘add’ to your home but anything ‘extra’ can be donated, sold or given to a friend or family member who will appreciate your generosity.
Beth X
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