Decluttering: Tips To Get You Started!

Decluttering. It is a tedious task but a very important one in order to keep your house tidy and organized. As humans, we tend to collect a lot of things and they add up fast resulting in a hoard. (*Ahem* Hoarders...) I have found that it is easier to go through your stuff and decide what you need and what you don't about every six months or so instead of waiting until spring every year and ending up overwhelmed. To help you guys out with getting some junk out of your life I have compiled a list of a few tips and tricks to get you headed in the right direction.

1. The Hanger Trick

When you go to do your organizing and decluttering, turn all of your hangers backwards. Then when you wear something put the hanger back in the closet the right way around. Next time you go to declutter, take everything that you haven't turned around out and get rid of it. If you haven't worn it in six months time chances are that you won't be needing it.

      2. Out of sight, out of mind.

Sometimes it is really easy to set things on a surface such as a counter, a dresser, or a shelf and decide that it goes there. This may be because it will be easier to access or because you think that is a good place for it but I like to follow this simple rule: If you don't use it every day it doesn't need to be on a surface!

     3. Get rewarded for decluttering!

A great way to get motivated to get rid of more things is to sell them. You can sell any old clothes that are in good condition on Poshmark, Ebay, or at a local consignment shop. Anything other than clothes you want to get rid of you can sell on Ebay or have a garage sale! Then you can use the money you earn to buy things that you will use. 

     4. Get rid of duplicates.

This may seem like a no-brainer but you would not believe how many people hang on to three of the same pink cardigans "Just in case." This is, of course, a bad idea because you can only wear one pink cardigan at a time. The same goes for makeup, shoes, etc. Getting rid of duplicates can significantly downsize what you own and give the clothes you keep a better chance of being well-loved!

     5. Don't add to the mess!

This one is again a no-brainer but it is definitely worth mentioning! While you are decluttering and before you declutter, try to avoid purchasing anything new. This will set you back and add to the plethora of items you will need to go through. All it will end up doing is discouraging yourself. Instead, try rewarding yourself with something when you have gotten rid of everything you don't need. This reward could be a new pair of shoes that you have nothing like, that new leather jacket you have been eyeing, or a new piece of home decor. Whatever makes you happy can be a great incentive to work harder to declutter your home.

Decluttering is the first and most important step in becoming more organized and efficient in your home. Yes, it can be frustrating and stressful. It is definitely a lot of work but I can promise you that after it is done you will be able to sit back, breathe a sigh of relief, and enjoy your nice, clean home.