Decluttering is the process of removing items from your home and organising the remaining things to create a more functional and peaceful space. If you’re prone to keeping lots of items, decluttering is a good way to ensure that your loved ones don’t have an enormous task ahead of them after your death!
How to start decluttering
Start by emptying everything from a drawer or cupboard onto a flat surface. Once it's all out, approach each item individually. Ask yourself:
Is this item useful to me right now?
Does it make me feel good, either because it's beautiful or sentimental?
Do I need to keep it for sentimental reasons? (Note: You don’t need to keep everything; sometimes, one item can represent a whole collection.)
What should you do with items you don’t want?
Once you've assessed an item, decide which category it belongs to:
donate to charity
give to friends or family
sell
recycle
throw away (if it’s no longer usable).
How to organise the piles of things you’re not keeping
Make sure you have clear space for each category. If some piles are too large, consider tackling smaller areas one at a time. Set up bags or boxes for the donations, items for sale, recycling, etc., and make sure you have a place to store them temporarily until you're ready to take them where they need to go.
If you're short on space, work in small, manageable sections. For example, declutter a single drawer or cupboard before moving on to larger areas. Organise your piles and, if possible, immediately move them to their designated location (e.g., car, charity shop).
Keeping items for family members
If you're setting aside items for family members, give them a clear deadline for pickup. This helps prevent clutter from lingering too long in your home and ensures your decluttering process moves forward.
How to avoid collecting more clutter
Once you've sorted through your belongings, take the items to their final destinations (charity shop, recycling, etc.) right away. Leaving items in your car or hallway can create new clutter. Consistency is key – keep going and set time aside in your schedule to finish the process.
Celebrate your decluttering success!
Celebrate when you’ve successfully cleared out an area, whether it’s a drawer, cupboard, or room. The sense of accomplishment comes from seeing the space free of unnecessary items. Don’t wait until everything is perfect – each small victory counts!
How to stay motivated
Decluttering can feel overwhelming, but breaking the process into manageable steps helps. Set aside time for each decluttering session and celebrate your progress along the way. If you’re feeling stuck, remind yourself of how much better the space will feel once it's done.
Tips for success
Small steps: Don’t try to declutter everything at once. Focus on one area at a time.
Get rid of duplicates: If you have multiple similar items, decide which one you truly need and get rid of the rest.
Stay consistent: Continue the process regularly to prevent clutter from building up again.