Decluttering Archives - Intentionally Domestic

Decluttering your home is an important step towards creating a calm and organized environment that supports your well-being. Whether you’re a collector, a hoarder, or just have a hard time letting go of possessions, these tips can help you simplify your space and transform your life.

As a stay-at-home mom, keeping your home organized and tidy can be a challenge. With kids, pets and a constant stream of daily tasks, it can be difficult to keep on top of clutter and mess. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to decluttering your home, filled with tips, tricks, and practical advice to help you reclaim your space and reduce stress.

What is Decluttering?

Decluttering is the process of removing unnecessary items from your home to create a more organized and manageable space. This can range from simply tidying up a cluttered room to getting rid of items that no longer serve a purpose in your life. The goal is to simplify your life, reduce stress and create a happier, more organized home environment.

Minimalist Decluttering Tips

Minimalism is a lifestyle that emphasizes simplicity and reduces clutter. Here are some tips for minimalist decluttering:

Take everything out of a room and only put back what you truly need and love.
Donate or sell items that you haven’t used in the last year.
Avoid buying things on impulse and only purchase items that you truly need or bring you joy.

Decluttering Tips for Those Who Struggle with Letting Go of Possessions

If you struggle with letting go of possessions, here are some tips that can help:

Start with small decluttering projects and work your way up to larger ones.
Set a goal for the number of items you want to get rid of, and stick to it.
Seek the help of a professional organizer or a therapist if you’re finding it difficult to let go of possessions.

KonMari Method Decluttering Tips

The KonMari method is a popular decluttering method that emphasizes keeping only items that “spark joy.” Here are some tips for KonMari decluttering:

Start by decluttering your clothes, and then move on to books, papers, miscellaneous items, and sentimental items.
Take each item in your hands and ask yourself whether it sparks joy. If it does, keep it. If it doesn’t, thank it for its service and let it go.
Organize the items you’ve decided to keep in a way that brings you joy and makes them easily accessible.

Clothing and Accessory Decluttering Tips

Here are some tips for decluttering your clothing and accessories:

Only keep items that fit you well and that you actually wear.
Donate or sell items that you haven’t worn in the last year.
Use storage solutions like boxes, hangers, and shelves to keep your clothing and accessories organized and easily accessible.

Book and Reading Material Decluttering Tips

If you’re a book lover, it can be difficult to let go of your reading material. Here are some tips to help you declutter your book collection:

Only keep books that you plan to read or that you refer to often.
Donate or sell books that you’ve already read and don’t plan to read again.
Consider donating books to your local library or a charity organization.

Seasonal Decluttering and Maintenance Tips

Decluttering isn’t a one-time task. Here are some tips for seasonal decluttering and maintenance:

Declutter your space at the beginning of each season to make room for new items.
Create a maintenance plan to keep your space organized and clutter-free.
Be mindful of new items that come into your home and avoid buying things on impulse.

Decluttering Tips for Specific Rooms

Each room in your home has its own decluttering challenges. Here are some tips for specific rooms:

Kitchen: Get rid of old and expired food, donate or sell appliances you no longer use, and organize your pantry and cabinets.
Bathroom: Toss old and expired beauty products, donate or sell extra towels, and use storage solutions to keep your bathroom organized.
Bedroom: Declutter your closet, donate or sell clothes and accessories you no longer use, and use storage solutions to keep your bedroom clutter-free.

Decluttering Tips for Specific Situations

Moving and seniors are two specific situations that require unique decluttering approaches. Here are some tips for each situation:

Moving can be a great opportunity to declutter and simplify your space. Here are some tips for decluttering before a move:

Sort your belongings into three piles: keep, donate, and discard.
Be mindful of the space you’ll be moving into and get rid of items that won’t fit or that you don’t need.
Use moving as an opportunity to start fresh and only bring the things that you truly need and love.

Seniors may also have specific decluttering challenges, such as downsizing for retirement or moving into assisted living. Here are some tips for seniors:

Start decluttering early and take it one room at a time.
Be mindful of sentimental items and consider giving them to family members or friends who will appreciate them.
Use storage solutions to keep items that you don’t use often, but that still bring you joy.

Decluttering your home can be a daunting task, but it’s worth the effort. By simplifying your space, you can create a calm and organized environment that supports your well-being. Whether you’re a minimalist, a hoarder, or just need some help letting go of possessions, these tips can help you transform your life and create a clutter-free home.