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How many times have you looked around your home, seen the amount of clutter and put your hands to your head in the fashion of Edvard Munch’s famous image The Scream? You’ll not be the only one, so here are some suggestions to help you through the decluttering process.

One room at time

Even if you want to go through your home like a whirlwind it’s far easier to concentrate on one room at a time when you want to declutter. It gives you time to think about what’s essential and what isn’t, and if there are things you’re not sure about either store them for a while, and if they’re not used get rid of them.

It’s all about organisation and when you’ve done it you’ll find life is a lot less hassle.

Bathroom

What have you got in there? Do you use it all? Do you know where everything is? If the answers are ‘Not sure’, ‘Um’ and ‘No’ then your declutter is well overdue.

You can save a lot of time in the mornings if you know where everything is, so any make-up or medication should be at hand. Throw out anything that’s been sitting there for months (perhaps even years) and focus on what’s necessary. Get organised and feel good when your bathroom is not completely cluttered any more.

Windows

Not exactly a room but a part of every room, so look at the coverings for your windows. Curtains can look nice but they do take up space and often make a room feel smaller than it is, making the spaces feel more cluttered than they really are.

If you have a bay window examine what you could do with bay window shutters to give you clean, clear lines that help to open up the space. Whether it’s your living room, bedrooms or other areas, shutters make a difference when it comes to adding to the perception of making your spaces larger.

Clothing

Sometimes you have to be ruthless and clothes are one of those areas for decluttering where you should apply a keen sense of what you need, what you want, and what has been surplus to requirements for a long time. Hoarding clothes, including footwear, seems to be an ingrained habit for many people but you can sort things out, dispose of what you never wear or have never really liked, or those that just don’t fit any more. Recycle them so others can take advantage of what you don’t want or need.

Papers

If you’re used to making piles of newspapers, magazines and publicity material put them in a container to get them off surfaces and recycle them, either via a pick up if your local council does this, or by going to your nearest recycling centre. File letters from banks, etc., that you need to keep into labelled box files and store them in a cabinet.

Decluttering is only as difficult as you want to make it. Approach it with a positive attitude and you’ll soon have a home where you smile benevolently rather than scream in horror.

 

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