Household clutter can cause people to feel stressed and like life is out of control when they are surrounded by too many things. That’s why it is important to declutter your home every now and then. Though it clearly has many benefits, figuring out how to declutter your home can be a bit overwhelming. That’s why we have put together a few steps to help you learn how to clean up and organize your space.

What is Clutter and Why is it a Problem?

Clutter is anything you’re keeping that doesn’t add value to your life. It can be that old stack of magazines on the shelf, that pile of toys in the corner, or those knick knacks that seem to be taking over your bookshelves. For many people, clutter can cause them to feel additional life stress. It can seem as though life is more chaotic when there is too much clutter. Not only can it be aesthetically unappealing, but it can also be a big waste of time spent looking for things. Organizing and decluttering relieves stress for many people by providing a sense of control. In addition to relieving stress, getting rid of clutter frees up extra space in the home. Whether you are downsizing your home or simply looking to bring back some order, the following steps will guide you through the decluttering process.

1. Set a Timeline and Goals

Before you begin tossing items, take the time to make a plan. Starting with specific goals and a timeline in mind will help you stay on track. Start by writing down all of the cluttered areas that you want to tackle. Then, estimate how much time you think each spot will take you to complete. Set a completion date for each area, but be mindful not to take on too much at one time. Instead, try chunking the project into manageable tasks and only focus on one task at a time.

2. Rent a Portable Storage Unit

The best way to declutter a room is to take everything out and only put back the items you want to keep. This also enables you to organize your items as you put them back. The problem for most people, however, is figuring out where to store all those items during the process. That’s where a portable storage unit comes in handy. These units provide a convenient place to store your belongings so you can take your time decluttering your home.

3. Create a Sorting System

You will need some sort of sorting system that you can use as you go through items in your home. You can either create your own method or go with the popular Three-Box Method. The Three-Box Method forces you to make a decision about each item by sorting it into one of three boxes: “Keep,” “Get Rid Of,” or “Put in Storage.” Some people also have a “Donate” or “Sell” box as well. A sorting system will help you decide which items are worth keeping and which you can get rid of. Be sure to label each box so you can identify which is which.

4. Purge the “Get Rid Of” Items

There are a few ways to handle the items you no longer need.

• ●Donate: If you have items that are still in good condition you might want to donate them to a local charity. There are a number of charitable organizations that will take clothes, shoes, furniture, and baby items that are still in good condition.

   

• ●Sell: If you have items that are worth selling, you have a few options to bring in some extra cash. You can sell items on an online marketplace if you only have a few items or if you have something more valuable. You can also host a yard sale to sell several smaller items.

   

• ●Toss: Some items simply will not be in good enough shape to donate or sell. Renting a dumpster is an affordable and convenient option if you have a lot of items or large items to throw away.