Introduction to How to Declutter Your Home Fast
Are you tired of living in chaos? Are you fed up with wasting time looking for items that have been lost in the home clutter of day-to-day life? Are all the flat surfaces in your house covered with things? Read on to learn how to declutter your home fast so that you can enjoy an inviting and peaceful environment in which to relax.
The Importance of Decluttering and Its Benefits
Your clutter situation can be extremely overwhelming and often feels like an insurmountable problem. As moms, we know how quickly the “stuff” of life can pile up!
Very Well Mind says, “Clutter can actually have a negative impact on your mental health. Clutter can increase stress levels, make it difficult to focus, and take a toll on relationships”. It can ultimately contribute to the phenomenon known as “Mom Overwhelm.”
For more information on Mom Overwhelm, you can read my blog, Exhausted to Energized: Strategies for Overwhelmed Moms.
But did you know there are tremendous benefits to having less clutter? It will improve your mental health by reducing stress. It could help increase productivity, create more clarity in your life, establish a healthier environment, and free up time for fun activities.
In this blog post, I’ll discuss decluttering tips. Additionally, I’ll talk about why decluttering matters, and what positive results come from tidying up. So, let’s get started toward having your home clutter free!
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The Goal of Decluttering Quickly
As a mom of many children, I understand how easy it is to let clutter take over. With everything else on your plate, decluttering can often get pushed to the bottom of the priority list.
But don’t despair and don’t hire a professional organizer! Know that there are some easy ways that you can quickly achieve a clutter-free home. You can do this without sacrificing valuable time with family or taking away from other daily activities.
1) Set Clear Goals and Establish a Plan
Before you begin, in order to declutter fast, it is important to set realistic goals and establish a plan.
Take some time to think about what areas of your house need the most attention, what items you can get rid of, and how much time you have available. Setting clear goals will help keep you on track and focused.
The Importance of Setting Specific Goals in Order to Declutter Quickly
Among the many ways to tackle the messy environment is setting specific goals.
By establishing attainable objectives according to your preferred timeline, decluttering your home can become a more concentrated and controllable process, allowing you to proceed at your own pace.
Specific goals help to define what items should be kept and what should go, which areas of the house require the most attention, and what decluttering goals should be achieved in a specific timeframe.
These goals will help you set realistic expectations and create a plan enabling you to get rid of your clutter fast.
Need Help Decluttering? Check out my Decluttering Workbook!
Make a Timeline or Schedule to Stay Organized and Motivated
One way to stay on track and increase productivity in the decluttering process is by creating a timeline or schedule.
A timeline provides a visual representation of what needs to be done and when. It makes it easier to prioritize tasks and keep the end goal in mind.
By breaking down the decluttering process into manageable parts, you can avoid feeling overwhelmed, which is key to staying motivated.
Whether you decide to come up with a daily schedule or a weekly timeline, having a plan in place will help you to maintain focus and determination as you get rid of clutter.
Additionally, consider making yourself a decluttering checklist. This will help you decide what items to keep and how to store them in the most effective way.
2) Gather Your Decluttering Supplies
Before you start decluttering, make sure you have all the necessary supplies. Having all the necessary items on hand will make the process go more smoothly.
Essential Supplies to Declutter Your Home Quickly
Necessary supplies could include trash bags, boxes, cleaning supplies, and labels. Having the right supplies will help you to sort through your belongings more efficiently.
Tip: I use a big contractor trash bag when I declutter. They are black so that once something goes in, it’s impossible to see through it which discourages anyone from trying to rescue discarded items. They are big so it’s not easy for a child to drag it off and try to search through it.
In addition to trash bags, it’s important to have storage bins and boxes readily available for items that need to be stored away.
Storage bins are also essential for decluttering. Invest in some clear bins so you can easily see what’s inside and easily find what you’re looking for. Labels can be a lifesaver when it comes to organization, especially if you have children or roommates.
Importance of Having Everything Readily Available Before Starting
When it comes to starting a project, having everything readily available is of utmost importance.
Without proper preparation, time can quickly be wasted searching for necessary materials or tools. This can lead to frustration and a feeling of being overwhelmed.
So, take the time to gather everything you need before decluttering your home.
3) Start With a Small Area
The key to decluttering fast is to start small. Take one room or area of your house and begin tackling it in chunks.
This way you will start to see that you’re making progress and feel a sense of accomplishment right away.
Effectiveness of Tackling Small Areas First
When it comes to tidying up your home, it can be overwhelming to think about tackling such a big project at once. That’s why starting with a small area or room instead of your entire house can be incredibly effective.
Focusing on just one area in a decluttering session can help you break down the task into manageable steps, giving you a sense of control and momentum.
Plus, once you’ve successfully organized a small area, it makes it easier to tackle larger areas with confidence. It will also give you the motivation and energy to keep going until the entire house is decluttered.
So, start small and watch the transformation happen before your eyes.
Completing One Area Will Provide a Sense of Accomplishment
Once you make progress in one area, you suddenly feel motivated to keep going. This is the power of completing one area.
It provides a sense of accomplishment that can fuel your motivation for the entire project. So don’t underestimate the power of starting small and finishing strong.
4) Sort and Categorize Items
Once you’ve established your timeline and have all the necessary supplies, it’s time to start sorting and categorizing items.
This is the most labor-intensive step of the decluttering process, but it’s also the most important.
By sorting and categorizing items, you can determine what can be kept, donated, or discarded.
Sorting Items into Categories
Decluttering becomes much easier when you categorize your items into three groups: keep, donate/sell, and discard. This concept allows you to be more intentional with the things you own and frees up space in your home.
Go through each item one by one and decide if it is something you use regularly or if it has sentimental value. If not, consider donating or selling it to someone who may have a use for it. And if it’s damaged or unusable, it’s time to throw it away.
By sorting your items into these categories, you’ll be able to declutter your space quickly and create a more peaceful and organized environment.
Practical Tips for Decision-Making
Often, we hold onto things that we no longer need or use. If an item hasn’t been used or worn in over a year, it’s time to let go.
Other items to take into consideration are sentimental items. While it can be hard to part with items that hold emotional significance, it’s important to evaluate whether that significance outweighs the clutter and impact on daily life.
For instance, I saved tablecloths that were my mother’s. I never used them at all in 30 years. Since I now have limited space, I didn’t feel bad about letting them go to the donation box.
By bearing these suggestions in mind while decluttering, the process of making decluttering decisions can become more manageable and less burdensome.
5) Declutter Room-by-Room
Once you’ve sorted and categorized your items, it’s time to start decluttering! Start with one room at a time, and get rid of anything that you don’t use or need.
Break Down the Decluttering Process
Start with the room that feels the least overwhelming and work your way up to the more challenging spaces. Set aside a designated amount of time each day or week to declutter that room.
Set small goals for each session, such as decluttering one drawer or one shelf. Take out all the stuff and sort it into categories: keep, donate/sell, and discard.
Not only will breaking down the process help you stay motivated, but it will also give you a sense of accomplishment as you see each room transform. So, take a deep breath, pick a room, and get started decluttering!
Specific Strategies
Keeping our homes organized can be an intimidating task, especially when it comes to those pesky problem areas like cluttered closets, overflowing kitchen cabinets, and messy storage spaces.
With some strategic planning and a little elbow grease, you can transform these areas into organized havens.
Let’s start with the closet. Use slim hangers and hanging organizers to maximize space, and consider adding hooks and shelves for even more storage options. I actually had all the shelves removed from my closet and redone to maximize the storage area.
In the kitchen, toss out expired food or stuff you haven’t used in a long time. Use drawer dividers and lazy Susan turntables to keep spices and other commonly used items within reach. Use containers to organize cooking utensils.
In the bathroom, get rid of old cosmetics, expired medications, or other medical supplies.
In the laundry room, you can set up laundry baskets for stuff like socks or towels.
And for storage spaces, opt for clear containers and label everything to make finding things a breeze. With these simple strategies, you can say goodbye to clutter and hello to a stress-free home.
6) Make Quick Decisions
Finally, when it comes to decluttering your home quickly, it’s important to make fast decisions.
Make Swift Decisions During the Decluttering Process.
It’s important to keep up the momentum once you get going and make swift decisions about what to keep, donate, or toss. Procrastination is your enemy when it comes to decluttering, and it’s easy to get bogged down by indecision.
Give yourself a set amount of time to tackle each room or area, and stick to it. By making swift decisions, you’ll be able to clear out the clutter and achieve a more peaceful and organized living space in no time.
Don’t overthink it, just focus on your end goal and let go of anything that is not serving you. Trust me, your future self will thank you for it!
Letting Go of Items That Are Rarely Used
Releasing possessions may feel intimidating, yet it is an essential step toward decluttering your living space.
If you are struggling to part with items that are rarely used or hold little value, there are a few guidelines that you can follow to make the process easier.
Firstly, ask yourself if the item serves a practical purpose or if it brings sentimental value. If the answer is no to both questions, it may be time to consider letting go.
Secondly, consider if you have used the item in the past year or if you can see yourself using it in the foreseeable future. If the answer is no, it may be time to say goodbye.
Lastly, try to dispose of the item mindfully, whether that be donating it to a charity, selling it online, or recycling it. Remember, letting go of items does not mean you are letting go of the memories associated with them.
7) Use the Four-Box Method
The four-box method is an effective and easy way to declutter. It involves dividing your items into four categories: keep, donate/sell, relocate, and trash.
Note: I actually sometimes use an extra box, “decide last”. For those items that I just can’t decide on quickly, I’ll throw them into this box to make a final decision at the end. It helps me to declutter fast because I don’t spend too much time on particular items if I’m not instantly sure.
Method: Keep, Donate/Sell, Relocate, and Trash.
When it comes to decluttering your home or workspace, it can be overwhelming to figure out where to start. Using the four boxes (or five) is a simple and effective way to tackle the clutter and produce a more streamlined environment.
As you sort through your belongings, categorize each item into designated boxes. Determine whether you need to keep it, dispose of it, sell or donate it, or relocate it to other rooms.
This Method Helps Streamline the Decision-Making Process
Fortunately, the boxes method can be a game-changer when it comes to simplifying the decision-making decluttering process.
This method allows for quick and easy decision-making, reducing the amount of time spent pondering over whether or not to keep an item. It also provides a visual representation of the progress you’re making as the boxes start filling up, which can be incredibly motivating.
By implementing this method, you can declutter your home efficiently and effectively, leaving you with a serene and organized living space.
8) Organization and Storage
Organization and storage are the key ingredients for a successful decluttering process.
Importance of Organizing the Items You Choose to Keep
When it comes to our personal belongings, it can be tempting to hold onto items that we no longer need or use. However, taking the time to sort through and organize the things we choose to keep can have a significant impact on our daily lives.
A cluttered home can lead to stress, anxiety, and a feeling of being overwhelmed. By organizing our belongings, we can improve our mental and emotional well-being, as well as make it easier to find and access the items we need on a daily basis.
Whether it’s a closet, a desk, or an entire room, taking the time to declutter can be a transformative experience. So why not set aside some time to tackle that cluttered area and feel the benefits of an organized life?
Tips on Effective Storage Solutions
Having a well-organized storage system can make all the difference in your home. If you’re tired of digging through the clutter to find what you’re looking for, there are some easy tips to help you get started.
First, invest in some high-quality storage bins. These can be found in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit your needs. Not only will this keep your belongings contained and protected, but it will also make it easier to move things around if necessary.
Next, Labeling your bins makes it easy to identify what’s inside without having to dig through multiple containers.
Finally, don’t underestimate the importance of maximizing your space. Consider using wall-mounted shelving units or hanging storage organizers to keep things off the ground and out of the way.
With these decluttering tips, you can transform your cluttered home into a functional and tidy oasis in no time.
Try this declutter challenge: 30 Days to a New You: Declutter Challenge
Conclusion to How to Declutter Your Home Fast
By following a strategic plan and getting organized, you can learn how to declutter your home fast, swiftly clearing out the chaos, and reclaiming your space.
Implementing the four or five-box method and utilizing effective storage solutions can be an incredibly rewarding experience.
Not only can it help improve your mental and emotional well-being, but it will also give you a sense of accomplishment because you’ll have more space and your stuff will be organized.
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Key Points Discussed in the Blog Post
Taking the time to declutter gives you a clearer view of the items that matter in your life. Eliminating the visual clutter creates a more relaxed and tranquil atmosphere.
Setting clear goals and gathering the right supplies are necessary steps before beginning, as well as sorting items according to categories while decluttering each room.
To make quick decisions about what should be kept and disposed of, try using the four or five-box method: donate, sell, trash, keep, decide last.
After all rooms are decluttered and organized, make sure you have proper storage for remaining items so they stay organized and make your space feel less constricted. When you get new stuff, get rid of old stuff so that you don’t fall back into the same clutter trap.
With this guide in mind, take on your decluttering project to bring peace of mind into your life!
Benefits of Decluttering and Maintaining an Organized Home
Decluttering and maintaining an organized home is essential to creating a balanced environment for us to work, live, and play. Having a weekly cleaning schedule will help you maintain your decluttered home.
Not only can an organized living space help us stay organized and focused in other areas of our lives, but it has also been proven to improve happiness and mental clarity.
As we dedicate time to clearing out excess items from our homes, we’ll discover that it yields more time, focus, and success in other areas of life. This demonstrates that the effort invested in decluttering is truly worthwhile!
So go ahead: make room for life’s possibilities by letting go of the things that are holding you back. In no time at all, you’ll be more mindful of your belongings, less overwhelmed with unnecessary clutter, and more productive than ever before!
Encouragement to Start Your Decluttering Journey
My blog post has explored the numerous benefits you can gain by getting rid of clutter quickly from your life.
Not only will de-cluttering boost your mental and physical well-being, but it also gives you a sense of control over your home and environment.
You’d be surprised how much better it can make you feel even with just a few small changes! So don’t wait another minute – encourage yourself to start this journey today!
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I LOVE a decluttering day! Always feels so great once it is all done! Thanks so much for all the additional tips and tricks, much appreciated.
You’re welcome, Nicolle!
I swear this article was written for me! I like the idea of starting with a small area to declutter – finishing a small area should energize me. Perhaps start with the cabinet under my kitchen sink where the clutter is out of control. Thanks for all the tips to keep in mind.
Yes, sometimes even though I want to declutter my entire house (usually if I can’t find something), just cleaning one cabinet or drawer makes me happy. Yesterday, I decluttered one little cabinet that we kind of use as a “junk drawer” because I don’t have enough drawers in the kitchen for a junk drawer. Taking everything out and putting the little stuff in snap containers and the bigger stuff stacked neatly left a nice clean cabinet.
I have been planning to declutter for many months now. I start, do a little, then stop because of other priorities. The hardest part for me is making the decision to throw something. I always have this thought: “What if I need it in the future?” I love the idea of the four boxes. I should try this one, and learn to make quicker decisions.
You can also try my tip of using a fifth box: for those items you can’t make a quick decision on. Then at the end of the day or the end of a decluttering session, make the decisions of those things in that box. That way it doesn’t interfere with the fast process of decluttering. Hope this helps, Nelly! 🙂
I was born to be a minimalist! So every so often I go on a huge purge of the house. It feels so so good for my soul – absolutely love all the suggestions in this article! Thank you
Thanks, Belle! It does feel great, doesn’t it! I love how open and “freer” my place feels!
I’ve been trying to declutter and spring clean my home! I’m pregnant with a toddler, so I need all of the tips!! These were great! I like the 4 box method!
I sympathize with you, Sarah! I had 9 children. It was very challenging to declutter with babies and toddlers. When they get older it gets a little worse in the fact that they want to “rescue” stuff out of the trash bag.
This article helps me a lot I usually find or feel tired in looking for a certain item because I haven’t arranged my cabinets well
That’s the biggest motivator for me to declutter: when I can’t find something!
Great ways to prioritize decluttering. I have moved a lot in my adult life so I make sure to keep my space de-cluttered so the moving process isn’t too painful.
Yes, I could write a book on moving. I just had to move in December. Actually, we were evicted over a bad real estate deal. We’re still fighting this issue as the daughter of the deceased has stolen our furniture after she already took the house from us. It’s been so hard to live out of boxes and very little furniture. Decluttering has been different this time as I have no place to put stuff so I have really eliminated so many things.
As a person that lives in clutter I find this article very useful. Sometimes the overwhelm is too much so it is good that you have broken it down for people. I will be taking some of your ideas with me. Thank you for sharing.
I am ecstatic that you found my Decluttering post so useful, Maryanne!
I love the idea of the black plastic bag to not be able to see
Thanks! Yes, it worked perfectly, Emily.
Decluttering is so refreshing and such a mindset shift! Thank you for these great tips. I could definitely use some better storage solutions!
great tips!
Thanks, Carol!
Valuable tips! I really like the idea of donation which is the best substitute if reselling become challenge. Your methods are practical and worth doing.
Thank you so much!
It is a great article about decluttering houses. I plan to declutter three bedrooms this summer, and I will use your tips. Thank you.
You’re welcome, Olga!
These are great tips for decluttering your home. Your four-box method makes a lot of sense!
Awesome, Crysti!
Thank you for these great tips on how to declutter our homes fast. After several moves, I try to get rid of stuff much more quickly than before.
That helps, Debbie!