Breaking up with clutter can feel overwhelming, but these steps make it easier to organize your home and part with items you no longer need.
1. Decide What Stays and What Goes
Ask yourself:
- Do you really need it? If it hasn’t been used in years or doesn’t hold sentimental value, it’s time to let it go.
- Can it be replaced? Use the $20/20-minute rule: If it costs less than $20 and can be replaced within 20 minutes, consider getting rid of it.
- Fewer things, more value: Decluttering enhances the appreciation for what remains.
2. Say Goodbye: Sell, Donate, or Dispose
- Sell it:
- Use platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or local apps to sell furniture, appliances, and more—even imperfect items might find a buyer.
- Avoid spending too much time on low-value items like books; donate them instead.
- Donate it:
- Ensure donations are clean, safe, and functional.
- Check out organizations like Freecycle Network or Buy Nothing Project for local giving.
- Dispose responsibly:
- Use Earth911 to locate recycling centers for hazardous waste.
- Programs like the EPA’s RAD can help recycle large appliances.
3. Organize for a Fresh Start
- Target problem areas: Focus on cluttered spots like entryways, closets, or overstuffed drawers.
- Practical storage solutions: If items pile up in specific areas (e.g., coats near the door), consider racks, bins, or shelving systems tailored to the space.
- Declutter first: Before buying storage bins or baskets, declutter to reduce the need for extra containers.
Tips from the Experts
- Decluttering isn’t just throwing things out—it’s creating a space that feels organized and functional.
- When in doubt, remember: "The less you have, the more valuable it becomes."
Fun Facts About Moving
- The average American moves 11.7 times in their lifetime, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
- Moving can reveal how much unnecessary stuff you have—use it as an opportunity to declutter!
By following these tips, you can reclaim your space and enjoy a clutter-free home. Happy organizing!
Next: Read 2500+ consumer guides to shopping, electronics, appliances, home services, cars, money and more.
