I’ll be honest: decluttering your home is hard. It’s full of things from loved ones, good sales, and “just in case I need it one day” thoughts. You can work through these barriers which is why I’m providing you tips to help you declutter your home for good and keep it that way.
You have to be a gatekeeper to your home. Your home is a container.
You pay monthly for the space you dwell so keeping your home below its clutter threshold is important. And how do you know what your clutter threshold is? When you start feeling stressed, overwhelmed or frustrated in your space, you have reached your clutter threshold.
If you can’t sit down and breathe without seeing something you need to do, you have reached your clutter threshold.
Over the years I have found that by incorporating these routines into your life you begin to form decluttering habits. These habits help you maintain an organized home without feeling like you’re adding more stuff to your space.
These tips have turned into decluttering habits that I have implemented to keep clutter from piling up in my home and I know they can help you too.
1. Implement the “One-in, One-out” technique
When you bring something new into your home, donate one of the same. For example, if you purchase a new sweater, donate an old one you no longer wear. If you purchase a new kitchen gadget, donate a kitchen gadget you don’t use. If you buy a new pair of shoes, donate or toss an old pair you no longer wear. Always keep the number of items in your home the same without adding more into your space.
2. Declutter your home with an online shopping “Holding Bin”
Online purchasing is dangerous. With just a click of a button you can spend $200 without ever leaving your sofa. If there is something you are wanting to purchase, leave it in your Amazon cart for a few days. Then, the next time you see it you can decide if you still need that item or not.
3. Stick to the shopping list
This requires self-discipline. Writing down the items you need from the store and sticking to the list helps you practice buying what you have space for. This also helps you save money. Another rule of thumb for grocery shopping is to check what you have BEFORE you go shopping. Then, you’re not buying things you already have and overstocking. In addition, do not, I repeat, do not go to the store hungry. This is setting a trap for buying items that look yummy in the moment but that you don’t actually need or have room for in your pantry. All in all, stick to the script.
4. Recycle junk mail immediately
When you get the mail for the day, sort it before you enter the house or it hits the counter. Recycle or shred junk mail immediately.
5. Declutter your home by placing a trash can near the garage door
When bringing your things in from the work day, be sure to throw away any trash from the car or what’s in your hands before you enter the home. If you don’t have a garage, make it a point to head over to the trash can before you set anything down. Having less trash is the easiest way to keep down piles of clutter.
6. Use what you have first
Before restocking cleaning supplies, food, makeup, toilet paper, etc., use what you have. Even when you are meal planning for the week, create a meal plan based off of what you bought last week but didn’t use yet. This will help limit the amount of food items you are storing as well as keep your grocery bill down.
7. Declutter your home by borrowing from a friend
Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Friends are there to support. Instead of buying a new dress for a wedding, borrow one from a friend’s closet. Lately, I have heard of people renting clothes. This is genius because then you are not collecting clothes and leaving them hanging in your closet for years on end. Regularly declutter and swap out your clothes. Remember, they do not define you. Keep what you feel good in and let the rest go to someone else who could use them.
8. Start practicing saying, “No thanks!”
Start practicing your no muscle. Just because it’s free or someone is offering it to you doesn’t mean you have to take it. So, the next time someone offers you something for free, you can simply reply, “No thanks!” And if they still push back, tell them you have to ask your professional organizer first. 😉
9. Recycle the “really good box”
Stop keeping boxes that are in really good condition. Instead, use them as donation boxes and fill them up! Having a cardboard box to drop donations is easier than using a nice bin because you’ll never want to give that up. But a box? You’ll get a new one next week. Remember, it’s okay and preferred to recycle your really good boxes.
10. Declutter your home by changing your mindset
Don’t keep something “in case” you need it one day. Similar to the first routine, don’t keep something that you are no longer using, wanting, or liking. Of course as soon as you donate that item you’ve been keeping “just in case” you will need it because you’ve seen it and you know you have it. Let. It. Go.
I have seen many people save things and collect items because they want to help. They know someone who might need this hoodie, sweater, or tool. The reality is it’s not helping anyone by staying collected in your home. You have to start thinking differently about the things in your home and why you have them.
Donating the items you have IS helping others.
11. Put the item away that you’re holding in your hand
This routine is not always able to be done in the moment, but try every time you have something you need to put away do not let it land on a flat surface. The kitchen counter is a clutter trap. When you come in from a long day and want to set things down, don’t stop there. Walk the item to its home and put it away while you’re thinking about it. It’s a hard habit to establish but well worth it when you see it saves you time later.
12. Declutter your home by donating gifts
I know this may ruffle some feathers, but if you get a gift from someone that you don’t like and won’t use OR do not know where to put, I give you permission to donate. I need you to separate the feeling of feeling guilty for getting rid of it and holding onto an item because someone gave it to you. It’s the thought that counts, right?
But, I don’t have time to declutter…
That’s exactly why you should hire a professional organizer.
I always say if something is important to you you’ll make time for it. Whether that’s making time to book your decluttering appointment or taking time to find the perfect organizing containers for your space, decluttering and organizing your home has to be a priority if you’re serious about it.
Lucky for you I provide all the organizing tips, decluttering strategies, and container recommendations to get started.
If you want to DIY your home organization, check out my guide to organizing your home. It’s packed with home organizing tips that have helped all of my clients create a sustainable system to organize their space.
If you’re ready to hire a professional organizer, book a free connection call with me to make a plan!
My mission is to help you feel unstuck, less overwhelmed, and more productive in all aspects of your life. And it starts with getting your home decluttered and organized.
It’s time to bin your space!
Bonnie Hintenach | Bin Your Space | Maryland Professional Organizer | Organizing Expert
