Less Is More - Learn How to Declutter Your Home Like a Pro

When we live somewhere long enough, we tend to accumulate stuff – that’s why every home has some useless items lying around. If you are moving, downsizing, or just looking for a way to make your home cleaner and less messy, it is time to declutter.

Make a plan, choose a sorting system, and start with realistic goals. When you are done with decluttering, all you have to do is figure out how to have a successful garage sale or donate the rest of the stuff. Less mess means less stress, so don’t hesitate to get rid of the things you don’t need nor use.

Make a Plan and Set Goals

Every successful effort relies strongly on a good plan. To avoid getting frustrated or annoyed, create a system that will indicate every step of the decluttering process. An extensive checklist will help you track your progress, making the cleaning that much easier.

Go around your house, write down the things you have in doubles, or things you don’t use, nor need. Don’t skip any rooms. Yes, that means you should check the pantry, attic, and basement as well.

Grade each room based on the severity of the clutter. This way, you will know where to start and how to prioritize your time. When you are done with listing the rooms, set completion dates for each stage of the decluttering process. Pick realistic dates, because if you don’t, breaching the deadline might result in more frustration.

Choose a Sorting System

As soon as you book the movers, you need to start organizing your move – every part of it. When you start going through the rooms and other spaces in your home, you should have a system for sorting the stuff you stumble upon.

If you are not an organizing expert, use some of the most popular sorting techniques. When there are things you don’t want to keep but at the same time, you are reluctant to toss, you could benefit from the method of three boxes and sort through your belongings swiftly. This way, you have to make a decision for every individual object. Make three piles, one for the things you want to keep, other with things you want to sell or donate, and the third one with things you will recycle or toss.

Start Small and Complete Each Task

Don’t bite more than you can chew. While you are still getting the hang of the cleaning process, start with the room that has the least amount of clutter. Your closet can be an excellent place to start – you already know what clothes you will find in there, so it will be easy to decide what to keep and what to get rid of.

If you haven’t worn a shirt for more than five months, it is time to put it on a donate/sale pile. Additionally, you might be moving to a warmer climate where you don’t really need a large winter wardrobe, so giving away one or two jackets wouldn’t be a colossal loss.

When you commence the cleaning process, you might run into a few problems. Deciding what to keep and what to throw away can get exhausting – some items might have a sentimental value to them, making it hard to say goodbye.

However, don’t give up. You might get rid of the chipped cup that reminds you of your best friend, but that doesn’t mean you are getting rid of the person. Be persistent when you start cleaning up the room and don’t stop until it is done. If you leave it for later or procrastinate, it will only be harder to get back to finishing it up.

Donate or Recycle Your Belongings

When every item in your home is sorted into one of the piles, you can move on to the next step in decluttering. Things that are in good condition, like shoes, clothes, furniture, and working household appliances, can be donated to some of the many local charities.

You can rest easy knowing that somebody in need is going to use the things you no longer require. Also, if there are things you can’t donate no matter the reason, recycle them. Glass objects, plastic, and paper can all go in the recycling bin.

Additionally, if you have electronics that you would like to throw away, there are Eco ATM kiosks that can turn your broken appliances into money.

Have a Garage Sale And Earn Some Money

Earning some money while decluttering is possible; all you have to do is organize a garage sale. First, set the date. The best ones are Saturdays and Sundays at the end of the month because most people get their paychecks then and will be willing to spend some greens.

Put pricing stickers on your items and make sure they are visible. Arrange them on blankets, tables or boxes. Bundle stuff like DVDs, comic books, or toys, because they are easily sold together. Advertise your garage sale in the local newspaper, online, or with some balloons set in your front yard.

Don’t overthink it too much, just enjoy the fun experience and earn some cash along the way.

Relax and Enjoy the Final Result

When everything is done, sorted to its right pile, donated, sold, or recycled, decluttering is finished. Now you can continue on the next relocation step – boxing up the belongings you have left. If you don’t want to do all the grunt work, hire professionals to lend you a helping hand.

Due to the fact that you got rid of all the unnecessary belongings, your relocation costs will be lower because movers that are providing you with packing and moving services will have less work to do. While the team is doing all the heavy lifting, you can kick back, enjoy your free time, and prepare for a new life in a new home.