21 Simple Ways to Declutter Your Home This Weekend
A cluttered home can make life feel more chaotic, but decluttering doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With these 21 simple tips, you can clear out the clutter and make your space feel fresh and organized in just one weekend. Whether you start with one room or go all out, these ideas will help you create a more peaceful environment.
1. The Four-Box Method
Grab four boxes and label them: Keep, Donate, Sell, and Trash. As you go through each room, place items into one of these boxes. This method forces you to make decisions on the spot and prevents you from just moving clutter from one place to another. The “Keep” box is for items you use regularly or love dearly. The “Donate” box is for things that are still in good condition but no longer needed. The “Sell” box is for valuable items you could get some money for. Finally, the “Trash” box is for anything that’s broken or unusable. This systematic approach simplifies the decluttering process and helps you stay organized.
2. Declutter by Category
Instead of tackling an entire room, focus on specific categories like clothes, books, or kitchen gadgets. Gather all items from one category into a single area and sort through them. This method helps you see the sheer volume of what you own and makes it easier to decide what to keep. For example, pull all your clothes out and lay them on your bed. This way, you can see how many black t-shirts you have or how many pairs of jeans you actually wear. Decluttering by category can be eye-opening and more effective than going room by room.
3. The KonMari Method
Inspired by Marie Kondo, this method involves holding each item and asking yourself if it sparks joy. If it doesn’t, thank it for its service and let it go. This approach encourages mindfulness and appreciation for your belongings. It’s not just about getting rid of things but about cherishing what you keep. By focusing on joy, you surround yourself only with items that bring happiness and positivity to your life. This method can transform not just your home but your relationship with your possessions.
4. Create a Decluttering Checklist
Write down specific areas you want to tackle, such as the pantry, closet, or garage. Break each area into manageable tasks and check them off as you complete them. A checklist provides a clear plan and a sense of accomplishment as you progress. For instance, instead of just writing “declutter the kitchen,” break it down into “clean out the fridge,” “organize the pantry,” and “sort through pots and pans.” This detailed approach ensures you cover every nook and cranny without feeling overwhelmed.
Follow us for more of these articles.
5. One In, One Out Rule
For every new item you bring into your home, remove one item. This rule helps prevent clutter from accumulating and encourages you to evaluate your possessions regularly. It’s a simple yet effective way to keep your home from becoming overrun with things. When you buy a new book, donate an old one you’ve already read. When you get a new piece of clothing, let go of something you no longer wear. This rule promotes a balanced and manageable amount of stuff in your living space.
6. Digitize Documents
Scan important documents and store them digitally to reduce paper clutter. Use apps or cloud services to organize and access your files easily. Shred and recycle the physical copies you no longer need. This not only saves space but also makes it easier to find and share documents when needed. You can create folders on your computer or in a cloud service for different types of documents, such as tax records, medical records, and warranties. Digital organization ensures your important papers are safe from physical damage and easily accessible.
Follow us for more of these articles.
7. Use Storage Bins and Labels
Invest in clear storage bins and labels to organize items you need to keep but don’t use daily. Store similar items together and label the bins for easy identification. This system works well for seasonal items, craft supplies, and office materials. Clear bins allow you to see what’s inside without opening them, and labels make it quick to find what you need. For example, store all your holiday decorations in labeled bins by holiday, so you can easily pull out what you need when the season comes around.
8. Tackle One Room at a Time
Focus on decluttering one room completely before moving on to the next. This prevents you from feeling overwhelmed and allows you to see the results of your hard work more quickly. Start with a small room like the bathroom to gain momentum before tackling larger spaces like the kitchen or garage. Within each room, work on one area at a time, such as the medicine cabinet, then the shower, then under the sink. Completing one room at a time gives you a sense of accomplishment and motivates you to keep going.
Follow us for more of these articles.
9. Utilize Vertical Space
Maximize storage by using wall-mounted shelves, hooks, and pegboards. Vertical storage solutions free up floor space and keep frequently used items within easy reach. In the kitchen, install shelves for spices and hooks for pots and pans. In the garage, use pegboards to organize tools. In your closet, add extra shelves or hanging organizers for shoes and accessories. Vertical storage makes the most of your space and helps keep your home tidy and organized.
10. Implement a Junk Drawer Cleanup
Designate a time to empty your junk drawer and sort through its contents. Discard anything that’s broken or unnecessary, and organize the remaining items with small containers or dividers. A clean junk drawer makes it easier to find what you need and prevents clutter from spreading. Take everything out, clean the drawer, and only put back what you actually use and need. Use small containers to separate items like batteries, paper clips, and rubber bands, so they’re easy to find and use.
Follow us for more of these articles.
11. Create a Donation Station
Set up a dedicated area for items you plan to donate. As you come across things you no longer need, place them in this spot. Once the box is full, schedule a trip to your local donation center. This ongoing process makes it easy to declutter without having to do it all at once. Keep the donation station in a convenient spot like your garage or a closet, and make it a habit to regularly add to it. This way, you can continuously clear out items and help others at the same time.
12. Reevaluate Furniture Placement
Sometimes a room can feel cluttered simply because of its layout. Consider rearranging furniture to create a more open and functional space. Removing unnecessary furniture can also make a significant difference. Look for pieces that are blocking pathways or creating a cramped feeling. Try different arrangements to see what works best for the space and your needs. Sometimes just moving a couch or table can open up a room and make it feel more spacious and inviting.
Follow us for more of these articles.
13. Establish a Paper Filing System
Set up a filing system for important documents, bills, and receipts. Regularly sort and file new papers, and shred outdated or unnecessary ones. This habit prevents piles of paper from accumulating. Use labeled folders for different categories like bills, medical records, and warranties. Keep the system simple and consistent, and make it a routine to file papers weekly. A good filing system helps you stay organized and ensures you can easily find documents when you need them.
14. Adopt Minimalist Decor
Choose decor items that you truly love and that add value to your space. Avoid over-decorating surfaces and walls. A minimalist approach creates a clean, serene environment. Focus on quality over quantity and let your space breathe. Keep surfaces like countertops and shelves mostly clear, with just a few well-chosen items on display. This approach not only reduces visual clutter but also makes your home easier to clean and maintain.
Follow us for more of these articles.
15. Regularly Purge Your Closet
Seasonally review your wardrobe and remove items you haven’t worn in the past year. Donate or sell clothes that no longer fit or suit your style. Keeping only what you love and wear frequently simplifies getting dressed. Use the hanger trick: turn all your hangers one way, and as you wear and wash items, turn the hanger the other way. At the end of the season, you’ll see which clothes you haven’t worn. This method helps you make decisions about what to keep and what to let go.
16. Streamline Your Kitchen
Clear out expired food, duplicate utensils, and unused gadgets. Organize your pantry and cabinets with baskets and shelf organizers. Keep countertops clear by storing appliances you don’t use daily. A well-organized kitchen makes meal prep easier and more enjoyable. Group similar items together, like baking supplies or canned goods, and label shelves and containers. Regularly clean out the fridge and pantry to keep things fresh and manageable.
Follow us for more of these articles.
17. Set Up a Command Center
Create a central area for managing household tasks, mail, and schedules. Use a bulletin board, calendar, and baskets to keep everything organized. A command center helps streamline your daily routines and reduces clutter. Place it in a high-traffic area like the kitchen or entryway, where everyone can see it. Include slots for incoming and outgoing mail, a family calendar, and a place for keys and important notes. This setup keeps your household running smoothly and ensures nothing gets lost.
18. Create a Cleaning Schedule
Develop a routine for regular cleaning and decluttering. Assign specific tasks to different days of the week to maintain a tidy home consistently. Consistency prevents clutter from building up. For example, dedicate Mondays to cleaning the kitchen, Tuesdays to the bathrooms, and so on. Break down larger tasks into manageable chunks, so you don’t have to spend an entire day cleaning. A regular schedule keeps your home clean and organized with minimal effort.
Follow us for more of these articles.
19. Repurpose and Upcycle
Before discarding items, think about how they could be repurposed or upcycled. Old jars can become storage containers, and an unused ladder can become a bookshelf. Get creative and find new uses for old things. Upcycling not only reduces waste but also adds unique, personalized touches to your home. Look for inspiration online or in DIY books, and start seeing potential in items you might have otherwise thrown away.
20. Involve the Whole Family
Make decluttering a family activity by assigning tasks to each member. Encourage everyone to sort through their belongings and make decisions about what to keep or let go. Working together can make the process more enjoyable and efficient. Create a family reward for completing the decluttering, like a movie night or a special meal. Involving everyone teaches responsibility and teamwork, and helps maintain a clutter-free home.
Follow us for more of these articles.
21. Host a Garage Sale
Turn your unwanted items into cash by hosting a garage sale. This not only helps you declutter but also gives you a financial incentive. Whatever doesn’t sell can be donated, ensuring nothing returns to your home. Plan your sale, advertise in your neighborhood and online, and organize items for easy browsing. Pricing items reasonably and offering deals can attract more buyers. After the sale, box up any remaining items and take them to a donation center.
16 Fitness Myths Experts Want You to Forget
There’s a lot of misleading information out there about fitness, and it can be hard to know what’s true. Many common beliefs, like spot-reducing fat or needing to exercise for hours each day, simply aren’t backed by science. We’ve gathered 16 of the biggest fitness myths that experts have debunked, so you can focus on the facts. Whether you’re just starting out or have been working out for years, clearing up these misconceptions can help you achieve better results.
16 Fitness Myths Experts Want You to Forget
17 Health Fads You’ll See in 2024
Every year brings new health trends, and 2024 is no different. Some are backed by science, while others are just passing fads. From fitness routines to the latest diets, these trends are set to shake up the way people think about staying healthy next year. Here are 17 of the most interesting health trends you’re likely to see in 2024.
17 Health Fads You’ll See in 2024
Like our content? Be sure to follow us!
