Other people make organization seem so easy. We all have that one friend with the eternally tidy bathroom and clutter-free countertops. And, though everyone knows the homes featured in magazines aren’t entirely real, we can’t help but feel pangs of envy when gazing at page after page of spacious, mess-free interiors.
Organization comes naturally to some, but if you’re not one of those people, don’t fret. Patience and practice can help even the least organized person transform their home’s storage spaces for a tidier lifestyle.
The key to a clean home is learning everyday decluttering habits. Try the following tips to change your behaviors for a slow, realistic transition to a neater home:
1. Start By Cleaning Out Existing Storage Spaces
Too often, homeowners think that the best way to reduce clutter is to find new ways to store it. This method only worsens the problem. Instead, aim to downsize belongings. Start by purging storage spaces you already have, like clothing closets and dressers. The average American spends $1,800 on clothing purchases every year, yet in an overstuffed closet, many items stick around long after the owner stops wearing them. To appreciate the items you already have, start your organization journey by clearing out storage spaces. Make a goal each week to clean one area, like a bedroom closet, the attic, or the kitchen cupboards. By the end of the month, your home will feel brand new.
2. Give Everything A Place
People with tidy homes know that if an item doesn’t have a place to live, it doesn’t belong in the house. Take time to create a dedicated place in your home for every utensil, cleaning supply, piece of clothing, and book. Making labels isn’t necessary, but it can help you learn your new organization system. Color-coding closets and other storage spaces might also be effective– since color increases brand recognition by 80%, using different hues to get organized almost guarantees that you’ll remember where each item belongs. Though choosing a specific spot for each item can seem time consuming, you’ll appreciate never having to look for an item again. Worse case scenario if you don’t have a place to store your extra things, perhaps consider renting out a self storage unit? That way you can have more space and eliminate the fuss of deciding what goes where.
3. Limit Decorative Elements
Though it’s tempting to stock up on cute wall art and decorative table settings, when it comes to personalizing your space, less is often more. Too many pretty objects can make a space seem cluttered and render different functional surfaces useless. Interior designers recommend updating a room’s decor about every five to 10 years, but remember to let go of old objects and art to avoid overdoing it. When redecorating, choose quality over quantity to enjoy less clutter and greater mental clarity.
4. Take Time Each Day to Declutter
Once you’ve cleared your storage areas, limited decorations, and found a place for every item, get in the habit of decluttering every day. Even spending five minutes each morning to sort through something can encourage long-term organization. If you make tidying a habit, you’ll never have to start a whole-house organizational overhaul again!
In our busy and materialistic everyday lives, it’s incredibly easy to end up with a cluttered home. Try using the tips above to regain control over your belongings. With patience and these four easy strategies, you’ll be able to transform your home and your life for greater organization and mental clarity.
