Clutter can be more than an eyesore — it can make you feel stressed and overwhelmed. According to science, too much clutter can lead to higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which affects your focus and productivity level.
Decluttering can take many forms, from simply ridding yourself of a few items or considering self storage units on Long Island for long-term storage.
But the good news is that you can do something to make you feel calmer and more in control. If your home is cluttered, it’s time to take some steps to declutter it. Here are a few basic strategies to get you started after you find your storage unit with this storage guide.
Set aside time each day to declutter.
Incorporating decluttering into your daily routine will make it feel less like a chore. Set aside ten to fifteen minutes each day to tidy up. You can use this time to focus on one specific area, such as your desk or closet.
Even if it’s just a short time, it’s better than not doing anything. And the more consistent you are, the easier it will become. If you want some motivation to take this task, try putting on some music or setting a timer as you start going through your things. This way, you can declutter in a fun and relaxed way.
Whatever you decide, make sure it works for you and that you can stick to it.
Start with small items.
When you’re feeling overwhelmed by the amount of clutter, it can be helpful to start with smaller items. It will help you see some quick progress, motivating you to keep going
.It would help if you could focus on one area at a time and go through everything, getting rid of anything you don’t need or use. If you have a lot of clothes, for example, go through your entire wardrobe and get rid of anything you no longer wear. You could put them in storage if you want to give them to someone but they can't take it yet, however, donating them is just as good.
You don’t have to do everything at once. Just focus on one thing and move on to the next when you’re ready. In doing so, you won’t get overwhelmed, and decluttering will feel more manageable. When you have a self-storage unit you can keep going back to it as many times as you want to put your items in. Chipping away bit by bit helps you focus on your next steps. If you haven't got a self-storage unit just yet, then all you need to do is some research to find secure storage facilities near you to see what is available and go from there. When you start on the bigger items, it'll be there for you to use.
Get rid of anything that doesn’t bring you joy.
The KonMari Method is a decluttering strategy that suggests eliminating anything that doesn’t “spark joy.” While it may seem like a subjective way to declutter, it can help you decide what to keep and what to let go.
If you’re having trouble deciding whether to keep something, ask yourself if it brings you happiness. If the answer is no, it’s time to let it go. This method can help you focus on the most important things, making it easier to declutter.
When the items you want to get rid of are too large to throw away, it would be best if you could coordinate with a collector for a junk removal service. This way, you can declutter your home quickly and efficiently.
You can also create a stockpile of the things you’ll get rid of that you can donate or sell later. This way, you won’t feel like you’re getting rid of everything without getting anything in return.
Create a system for your things.
Once you’ve gone through your things and gotten rid of anything you don’t need, it’s time to put what’s left in order. A system will help you stay organized and make finding things when you need them easier.
There are a few ways you can do this. For example, you can put all of your clothes in one area, your books in another, etc. You can also organize by function, such as putting all of your cleaning supplies in one place or your work-related items.
The key is to find a system that works for you and your day-to-day life. Once you have a plan in place, keep it by putting things back where they belong after you use them.
Set some rules for yourself.
If you want to keep your home decluttered, you’ll need to set some rules for yourself and your family. For example, you can have a practice that no one can bring new things into the house without getting rid of something else first.
You can also have a rule that everyone must put their things away before leaving the house. When doing so, be sure to put things in their proper place so you can easily find them later.
Enforcing these rules will take some effort, but it will eventually become second nature. If everyone in your household is on board, it will be easier to keep your home decluttered.
Decluttering your home can be a daunting task, but it’s doable with the right strategies. Start by setting a routine each day, decluttering small items, and working your way up to larger ones. Get rid of anything that doesn’t bring you joy, and create a system for the things you do want to keep. Finally, set some rules for yourself to help keep your home decluttered. With these tips, you can achieve a clutter-free home in no time.