Effective tips to get rid of clutter

Sharing is caring!

A home, or office, filled with clutter can have tremendous effects on mental, physical, and emotional health. In addition to waging war on allergies, asthma, skin, and indoor air quality poor organisation can be overwhelming and make it difficult to effectively manage day to day responsibilities.

Once an area becomes cluttered, it takes work and determination to regain control. It starts with an honest assessment of the area and of an individuals frame of mind. While some areas may become disorganised due to time constraints, and lack of storage, others may become filled with objects due to underlying emotional concerns.

Often time, individuals become attached to objects making it difficult to let them go. They feel as if they are discarding precious items or memories. In this instance, it is beneficial for the person to consult a professional organiser and a counsellor to address the new emotions that may arise while the space is being cleared.

Top tips for clearing the clutter

Storage issues

Spaces that have become cluttered due to time and storage issues, itís helpful to set aside a weekend dedicated to specifically regaining control of the area. A common practice is putting items into a storage unit. This can be helpful temporarily, but should not be considered a long term solution to clutter. The general rule of thumb is, if it hasnít been used or looked at in six months, itís time to get rid of it. Many charity organisations are often looking for, and willing to pick up, donations that will benefit shelters, veterans associations, and other community members in need.

Boxes: Keep, Donate, Trash

Set up three boxes in each room that work is being done in. Label each box keep, donate, and trash. The purpose of having them in each room is to prevent objects simply being transferred from one room to another, and thus continuing to take up space. The three-box system requires the person to make a firm decision while cleaning. After the box is filled, tape it up and start another one, until the space is free of clutter.

Sorting out old clothes and working out whether they are able to be sold online or donated to charity will help free up space within your wardrobes.

A place for everything

Pictures should be put into a labelled box that will keep them safe from damage. Hang up clothing according to the season, and then organise by colour and length. Be sure to go through all drawers as well. Extra sets of dishes for special occasions should be stored properly, sets together, and put away in an easily accessible location.

Organising family paperwork

Miscellaneous papers should be organized by type and placed into a filing cabinet, or colour-coded folders that are labelled according to the subject. Each family member living in the home should have a binder that contains any paper materials pertaining to them. Once in a binder, papers can be organised even further by adding section dividers.

Deep clean

After all items have been stored, donated, displayed, or thrown away itís a good idea to properly clean the area to get rid of any dust, or germs, that may have accumulated. This is especially important in homes that have allergy sufferers. Be sure to wash bedding and curtains, and give carpets a deep cleaning as well. Following these tips can effectively breathe new life into any home or office space.

Photo Credit: Dan Gold Joyce McCown