Have the urge to declutter after spending so much time at home? Paring down clothing, toys, and household objects can seem overwhelming, and it’s not always easy to know where to start or which items are worth keeping. Here are 10 creative ways to help you tackle decluttering at home.
1. Create a checklist. Not sure where to begin? Create a checklist. It will help you stay on track. Plus, checking off items feels rewarding.
2. Do one room at a time. Break down the decluttering process into rooms so that it’s not an overwhelming task. Tackle smaller or more organized spaces first and work your way up to rooms that are more challenging.
3. Donate clothes you haven’t worn for 6+ months. Chances are that if you haven’t worn it in the past half year, you can get rid of it and you won’t miss it.
4. Take the 10-10-10 challenge. Having trouble deciding what to donate and what to keep? Try sorting items into three piles: 10 items to donate, 10 to go into the trash, and 10 to keep.
5. Freecycle. A neighbour might be looking for the exact item you no longer want or need—try putting it on your curb for someone to take, or post about it in online community groups.
6. Ask yourself if you love it. Think like Marie Kondo: does the item bring you joy? If it doesn’t give you a strong feeling, let it go.
7. Does it have a home? If an item doesn’t have a home in your house—meaning a designated storage spot—maybe it doesn’t belong.
8. Use these three questions. Debating whether to keep something? Ask yourself these three questions to help make your decision: Do I truly need it? Do I truly adore it? Would I trade inner peace for this?
9. Consider your paper trail. If you have paper piling up, see if you can scan important documents to a computer and shred the physical copies. Going forward, switch to online billing where possible.
10. Try the “one month box” test. Put items you’re not sure you need in a box for a month and then donate what’s left untouched at the end of the four weeks.
Now that you’ve decluttered, make sure you’re on top of winter maintenance for your home. Here’s a checklist.
