7 Life-Changing Decluttering Tips You Need to Try
It happens to the best of us: clutter seems to creep in from every corner, filling our homes with things we don’t use or need. Suddenly, you’re stepping over random stuff and wondering how it all got there in the first place.
The good news is that the right decluttering tips can change your space, and your daily life, for the better. Decluttering can reduce stress, create more space, and make each day feel a little lighter!
At Safestore Containers, we’ve helped countless customers reclaim their homes with smart storage and organisation strategies. With these seven life-changing decluttering tips we share in this article, you’ll be able to tackle the clutter with effective, practical strategies.
1. Start with Small, Manageable Areas
Decluttering can feel overwhelming if you think about tackling your entire house or even an entire room all at once. Instead, start small to build momentum without the stress. Pick one drawer or a single shelf, and set a timer for 10-15 minutes to focus on that specific area. Sorting just one drawer or shelf gives you a sense of accomplishment and gets the decluttering process rolling!
Use this as a stepping stone to move through more areas, eventually working up to larger spaces like a closet or the laundry room. To keep things efficient, set up storage bags or storage boxes for items to donate, toss, or keep handy.
2. Follow the “One In, One Out” Rule
A major culprit in household clutter is the habit of bringing in new items without getting rid of old ones. The “One In, One Out” rule is simple but powerful: every time you buy something new, remove one similar item from your home. It keeps things balanced and ensures that items don’t pile up over time.
For example, if you buy a new book, get rid of an old one you don’t plan to read again. New jacket? Donate an old one. This habit gradually reduces visual clutter and helps you stay organised long-term.
3. Declutter by Category, Not by Room
Instead of tackling clutter room by room, focus on one category at a time. Decluttering by category, such as clothes, books, or kitchen gadgets, helps you see everything you own, reducing duplication and making decisions easier.
For instance, gather all the books in your home into one spot to get a clear view of your collection. Keep only the ones that still spark interest or hold value, and set aside those you no longer need. For smaller items like utensils or kitchen gadgets, use drawer dividers to keep everything organised and easy to find.
4. Embrace the Power of Donation and Selling
For getting rid of unwanted items, donating and selling are two of the best ways to clear space and give your things a second life. Donating items in good condition to local charities is a fantastic way to free up functional space, while making a difference. If you have items that could fetch a bit of money, consider selling them online or hosting a garage sale.
Here are a few helpful tips: find nearby donation centres that accept household items or search online platforms for selling gently used things. It’s satisfying to know that your belongings, instead of collecting dust, are being put to good use by someone else.
5. Try a 30-Day Minimalism Challenge
If you’re ready to jump into a transformative approach to decluttering, the 30-Day Minimalism Challenge could be just what you need. Each day, you’ll commit to getting rid of a specific number of items. Start with one item on day one, two on day two, and keep going until you’re eliminating 30 items on the last day. This structure makes it easier to see results without feeling overwhelmed and encourages you to make mindful choices about what to keep.
For example, start with one room that feels particularly cluttered. Let go of items that don’t serve a purpose, including duplicates or things that hold little sentimental value. As the days progress, you’ll see a noticeable change in your home’s atmosphere and develop a more mindful approach to buying and keeping items.
6. Digitise and Organise Paper Clutter
Paper clutter builds up faster than you think, from bills to receipts, letters, and everything in between. Going paperless lets you keep important documents without the need for piles of paper that take up room.
Start by scanning important papers and saving them to a secure cloud or external hard drive. For things like receipts, monthly statements, or school papers, set a regular schedule – monthly or quarterly – to scan or discard them. This decluttering tip keeps your space tidy and makes it easier to find what you need.
7. Use a Secure Self Storage Unit for Seasonal or Infrequently Used Items
Some items, like holiday decorations and sports gear, take up valuable household storage space but aren’t needed all year. A secure self-storage unit offers a perfect solution for keeping these infrequently used belongings stored neatly and easily accessible whenever you need them.
By rotating items in and out of storage as the seasons change, you can maximise your living space and make room for what truly matters in your everyday life.
Ready to Start Decluttering Your Home?
Decluttering your home can feel life-changing. Whether you start small with just one drawer or dive into tackling your entire home, each step you take brings you closer to a clutter-free life.
Ready to reclaim your wall space, streamline your home, and make room for what truly counts? With flexible storage solutions, high-level security, and convenient locations, Safestore Containers offers the ideal storage spaces for keeping your home organised without giving up items that matter to you.
Contact us today to learn more about how our secure, self-storage units can support you in creating a clutter-free home!