The ultimate declutter checklist

Author: Gabrielle D, Staff Writer

When times get chaotic, so can our homes. With the Cost-of-Living crisis and busy work schedules on our hands, there’s no wonder why we so rarely have time to deep clean or organise our homes. As a messy person myself, I’ve realised how cleaning and organising can be made so much easier when we just have less stuff! Who knew?

So, if like me your blood pressure increases by the sheer sight of your wardrobe, don’t worry.

I have the ultimate declutter checklist for you! Certified, by a fellow messy person.

Understand your WHY.

Motivation comes and goes, so it’s important to know exactly why you need to declutter in the first place. Is it to create more space? Let go of old memories? Embrace a new chapter of life? Or maybe you’re simply tired of trying on that old blouse of yours, only to squeeze it back into your wardrobe for another year unworn, unloved.

By understanding your WHY, you’ll be better prepared to stick through the lulls of decluttering. Even if the task at hand is only small, you will inevitably hit a lull in energy. Having a core purpose to your decluttering project will help you to keep going and see the bigger picture, your long-term goals.

Set an achievable goal.

Whilst it’s easy to watch an episode of Marie Kondo and dive straight into a major home over-haul, it’s important to plan and stay realistic. The whole point of a declutter is to create a calm mind, so there is little point in burning out because you scrubbed the entire garden shed on a Sunday morning

Separate the tasks into decluttering and cleaning, with organisation being your last step. Sort out what you don’t need, clean the area, and neatly place things back towards the end.

Realistically, one to two rooms per day is achievable. The aim is to do a steady and thorough clean. By attempting to tackle the entire house, it will be easy to burn out and miss spots!

If you need extra help removing some large items from your space, or storing large furniture, like bedroom furniture, sofas, or cupboards, then LOVESPACE can help. We can remove it all from your home, creating more space for your declutter. Find out more about our storage units with collection and delivery.

Start with one small area at a time.

Tackling a whole room can feel overwhelming, so I like to start one corner at a time! Create a calm system by starting in one area, making sure the space is as decluttered as possible before moving onto the next. The term ‘You have to break an egg to make an omelette’ could not be more relevant than when facing the dreaded bedroom wardrobe, head on. Organising clothes can be an entire overwhelm, which is why it is important to start one area at a time. Make sure to clean each area thoroughly and don’t move on until you are completely happy.

Create a sorting system (keep, donate, sell, recycle, bin)

Creating a sorting system can help you declutter and organise your belongings more effectively. Here are some steps you can follow to create a sorting system:

• Identify the categories: Begin by identifying the categories you want to sort your belongings into. These categories can vary depending on your needs, but common ones include clothes, books, electronics, paperwork, and sentimental items.
• Designate sorting areas: Designate a sorting area for each category of items. This can be a specific room or a corner of a room, depending on the number of items you have.
• Gather all items: Gather from each category and place them in their respective sorting area.
• Start sorting: Start sorting through each category of items and decide whether you want to keep, donate, sell, recycle, or throw away each item. You can create sub-categories within each category if needed to help you stay organised.
• Use labels: Use labels or signs to indicate which items belong in which category and place them in clearly marked bins or containers.
• Arrange items: Once you have sorted through all your items, arrange them neatly in their designated areas or containers. Make sure everything is easily accessible and visible.
• Maintain the system: Regularly maintain the sorting system by periodically going through each category and getting rid of items that no longer serve you. Be consistent with keeping items in their designated areas.

Remember that the key to a successful sorting system is to make it as simple as possible. Choose categories that work for you and your lifestyle, and make sure the system is easy to maintain. A well-organised system can help you save time, reduce stress, and make your home a more comfortable and functional space.

Be ruthless in deciding what to keep.

We get it, nostalgia is difficult to push through. We’ve all been there, kept our old hoody that makes us feel like the teenagers we once were, but let’s face it, those days are gone… long gone. Avoid the temptations of the ‘Maybe One-Day’s, ‘What If’s?’ and ‘I’ll keep just in case's’. Be brutally honest with yourself. Have you used / worn something in the past 2 years? If not, start donating! Holding onto items that you do not use will only gather dust and use up valuable space in the house. Here’s a useful phrase to remember when letting go of nostalgic items: 

“I have the memories of this item, so I do not need the item itself” The memory is more important.

 

Here are the steps you need to take to pass on sentimental items:

• Set clear criteria: Define your criteria for what items you'll keep and stick to it. For example, you might decide to keep only items that you use regularly, that have sentimental value, or that serve a specific purpose.
• Keep what brings you joy: Ask yourself if each item brings you joy or adds value to your life. If it doesn't, it's time to let it go.
• Challenge yourself: Challenge yourself to get rid of things that you've been holding onto for a long time, but that you haven't used or needed in months or years.
• Visualise your ideal space: Visualise your ideal living space and ask yourself if each item contributes to that vision. If it doesn't, it's time to let it go.
• Don't be afraid to let go: Don't let guilt or fear hold you back from letting go of things. Remember that you're creating space for new things and experiences to come into your life.
• Use the "one in, one out" rule: For every new item you bring into your home, get rid of one item. This can help you maintain a clutter-free space and prevent accumulation of unnecessary items.
• Get rid of duplicates: If you have multiple items that serve the same purpose, consider keeping only the one that you use the most or that brings you the most joy.

Remember that being ruthless in deciding what to keep can be liberating and can help you create a space that reflects your values and priorities. Keep in mind that the items you choose to keep should support the life you want to live and let go of the rest.

Get rid of duplicates.

As mentioned above, get rid of anything that you own more than one of! Donate these items to friends and family, or to a local charity shop. Perhaps sell extra items to earn some cash, and free up space in your sparkly clean home.

Use storage solutions to organise what you keep.

Do you have items that you really can’t let go of? We all have those childhood memory boxes, or decorations that are too valuable to lose, yet we may not necessarily want them taking up space in our homes. Maybe that vintage Art-Deco lamp your Auntie left you doesn’t quite fit the style of your country home. You can store these items with LOVESPACE, either by-the-box, or in a storage unit.

We’ll collect your items and deliver them back whenever you need. By using LOVESPACE, you can create more space in your home, without having to let go of those that are important and meaningful.

Regularly review and maintain your decluttered space.

Regularly reviewing and maintaining your decluttered space is just as important as the initial decluttering process. Here are some tips to help you keep your space clutter-free:

• Set a schedule: Set a regular schedule for reviewing and maintaining your decluttered space. This could be weekly, monthly, or quarterly depending on your needs.
• Use a checklist: Create a checklist of tasks to complete during each review. This could include dusting and cleaning, organising, and getting rid of any items that have accumulated since the last review.
• Take a step back: Take a step back and look at your space with fresh eyes. This can help you see any areas that need attention and make any necessary adjustments.
• Stay organised: Keep your space organised and tidy by putting items back in their designated places after use. This can help prevent clutter from building up.
• Donate or sell regularly: Make it a habit to regularly donate or sell items that you no longer need or use. This can help prevent clutter from accumulating and keep your space fresh.
• Be mindful of new items: Be mindful of the items you bring into your home, and make sure they fit your criteria for what you want in your space. This can help prevent unnecessary clutter.
• Celebrate your progress: Celebrate your progress and the hard work you've put into creating and maintaining a clutter-free space. This can help motivate you to continue with your decluttering efforts.

Remember that maintaining a decluttered space is an ongoing process, and it requires regular attention and effort. By creating a routine and being mindful of the items you bring into your home, you can enjoy a clutter-free and organised living space.

There we have it, the Ultimate Decluttering Guide! Remember, decluttering is a process that takes time and effort. Don't feel overwhelmed and tackle one area at a time. Start small and be proud of your progress along the way! At LOVESPACE, we are always here to help you on your declutter journey.