How to declutter your home in 5 simple steps
If you’ve been faking your minimalist chic approach to home decor by shoving junk in the pantry or cramming unwanted items under the bed, it’s time to ditch the dross – once and for all.
It can be difficult to part with our once beloved belongings, especially if you’re a secret hoarder – but help is on hand. Good Homes speaks to Kate Galbally, member of the Association of Professional Declutterers (APOD) and founder of Better Organised, who shared with us her top decluttering tips for an organised home.
So, take heed of these simple but effective decluttering ideas today and you could have a tidier, clutter-free living space tomorrow.
1. Hold off on buying storage
Declutter first before wasting time, energy and money sourcing and buying new storage. Once you have cleared out your chosen area you’ll see what you’re left with and can assess whether or not any new storage is required.
2. Stop hoarding
If you are unsure about whether to keep an item, ask yourself whether you’d replace it if it got lost. If the answer’s no then it is maybe time to let it go!
3. Categorise your clutter
When decluttering, choose one category at a time and gather everything from that category together – you’ll then get a real sense of how much you have and be able to spot duplicates (you might be amazed at how many pairs of black shoes you have!).
Photo: Jonny Caspari on Unsplash
4. Declutter before renovating
If decluttering in advance of a big renovation it can be worth using self storage as a very short term solution, but declutter first and only pay for space for the items that you love, use and will definitely be keeping.
5. Declutter and donate
When having a clear-out bear in mind that donating items to charity frees up space in your home, provides the charity with some much-appreciated funds and the item gets a new lease of life with someone who will buy and enjoy it!