Decluttering your home can feel like a daunting and exhausting task. However, an organized home can reduce stress, save time and lead to a more peaceful, joyful and contented life. The clutter isn’t just in your home, it’s invaded your home, heart and soul. 

Decluttering questions to ask yourself:

• What would I like to accomplish in a certain space in my home?
• What currently works well and what needs to be improved?
• Are my needs or my family’s needs still the same or have they changed along with the items in it?
• During your decision process ask yourself, Is this item Needed or Cherished? 
• What is the best way to store these items that work for me or my family’s needs?

Once this is determined, the space may need to be completely repurposed or just a quick tidy. 

How to get started:

Start small with one room at a time, one closet at a time or even one drawer at a time. Heart-centered decluttering means working in small steps. A little progress everyday will have a larger impact over time rather than waiting to clean out every five years. This way the clutter doesn’t become too overwhelming.

Remove all the items in the space you’ve decided to declutter and separate items that you will keep from those you will not. Refresh your space. This may be a quick clean, adding baskets or containers to categorize or a fresh coat of paint, wallpaper, etc. Once your space looks nice it will be easier to let go of unnecessary items and you’ll want to keep it free of clutter.

The decision process:

Remember to only keep what you actually Need or Cherish. If it's used often, keep it in an accessible location; or if not, place it in either a higher or lower location.

For example, children’s sports equipment and apparel will need to be changed out seasonally or the mudroom, garage or closet may start to take over. Don’t keep out of guilt, such as an unwanted gift or hand me down. Sentimental items will be the most difficult to purge; you may not be able to let go right now and that’s ok. It may be helpful to come back to these items at a later date or purge two containers into only one.

Consider repurposing a special item; this can turn an unused piece from a burden into a joy. If you have young children, artwork and other items can quickly pile up. At the end of each school year, try choosing your favorite and letting go of the others. Remember that you are not removing the memory, only the stuff. To prevent items from ending up in landfills there are many options to donate or sell your gently used items.

How to keep clutter to a minimum: 

Systematically organizing your belongings can make a big difference. Every item in your home needs a place to live; otherwise, items will be lost, rebought and clutter will take control.

Decide if it is best for you or your family members to have belongings in sight or behind doors/drawers. For some it is out of sight, out of mind if hidden away and open shelving may be best. For others, the distraction of seeing too much would not work and prefer more closed off spaces.

Regardless of which you prefer, group like items together and label, especially in areas not easily seen and in shared spaces. This is so important for smaller items in your pantry or toiletries in your linen closet. It is helpful to place shelves just slightly above the highest items to use space more wisely. Use shallow shelves for less deep items such as spices, olive oil, vitamins, lotions, etc. If there’s only deeper shelves available, try categorizing small items in containers, baskets or drawers. Use deeper and higher shelves for large, light items such as extra paper towels or blankets that are used less often.

Don’t forget to include your children while decluttering your home. Small children need an area for their snacks that they can easily reach. They can also learn at an early age to place toys, books or shoes in their designated location. Another way to keep clutter to a minimum is when you buy an item to replace an item in your home, immediately remove the older item.

If you have difficulty letting go regarding your closet, try this technique. Turn your hangers backwards on all your hanging garments. As you wear each item of clothing, replace it back into your closet with the hanger forwards. After a year and all the seasons have passed it will be easy to see which garments are no longer worn. If your space is limited, clothing worn rarely or a wedding gown that will never be worn again should live elsewhere so you can easily access what you actually need for everyday.  

The More of Less 

We’ve all heard "Less is More." Cluttered corners, closets, or even too much on your walls can be very distracting and stressful. Decide what works best for you and your family when decluttering; take this time to simplify your home and life.

In a world of constant advertising, ask yourself if you love an item, are you going to use the item and do I genuinely need the item before making your next purchase. Decluttering your home can have health benefits that can help clear your mind. Try to keep a healthy balance to keep clutter from accumulating. Decluttering can create a more functional, organized and aesthetically pleasing environment that enhances your daily life. 

Minimalist Challenge 

Interested in participating in a daily practice to help you declutter your heart, mind, and soul which may help you declutter your attic, garage, and closet as well? Join in The Minimalist Challenge! The goal is greater spiritual, emotional, relational, physical, and financial health. Learn more at onthehill.life/less/#calendar.

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