12 ways to quickly get rid of clutter
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If you are feeling clutter build up and want to get on top of it, the best way is get rid of it quickly. If you are feeling overwhelmed and are struggling with where to begin decluttering or feel like you just can’t get motivated to get started, here are 12 ways to quickly get rid of clutter.
The goals are a quick win and a decluttered space. This can be a drawer, a counter, a bathroom, a closet – choose an area that needs a little decluttering, a method that motivates you, and get started.
01. Set a timer
This can be for 15 minutes or 2 hours, you choose! Set a timer and work as quickly as you can. Play some upbeat music or listen to a favourite podcast to keep your mind busy.
02. Take out the trash
As well as emptying your trash cans, break down boxes from deliveries, recycle bottles, get rid of receipts, paperwork, flyers etc.
03. Declutter daily
Return items to where they belong each day. Cups and glass ware to the kitchen, shoes on shelves or cupboards, books back on bookshelves. Making decluttering just part of your day is probably the easiest way to declutter your home.
04. More now – Less later
If you struggle with motivation, remember that the more you deal with now, it’ll be easier later because you’ll have less stuff to manage.
05. Use declutter categories
Choose a category and start sorting. The easiest place is to start with shoes. Our Declutter by Category printable is a great way to check off items and help keep you motivated.
06. Set up a declutter area
Put each item in one of these 4 clutter categories Toss, Donate, Sell and Relocate. Anything you want to keep should go directly back to its home. If you are unsure if you are ready to let go of an item put it in the Sell pile then you can revisit it later.
07. Have a Strategy
Focus an areas in your home that make a big impact and get daily use. These are the areas that will be you immediate satisfaction. Decluttering the bathroom will be more impactful in your daily life than a spare bedroom. Start with those high impact areas and you’ll find that the success will motivate you to keep going.
08. Schedule time to reset
Declutter daily works well for day to day items it’s also helpful to set aside a day each month to get declutter area like your linen press, garage. Doing a deep declutter on day every month will give to time to tackle bigger spaces.
09. Delegate
Get your family involved! Rather than turning into a nag lead by example and ask for help with specific and easy to complete instructions. If you have young kids, don’t just say clean your room, split up those tasks into simple steps like – let’s go through this stack of books and decide what books we can let someone else read.
10. Choose the time of day that works best
Choose a time of day that you’ll feel motivated and have the capacity to complete decluttering. If you put dinner in the over to bake for 30 minutes, use that time to clear our a kitchen drawer or sort through a shelf in the pantry.
11. Doing a little is better than doing nothing
Just because you don’t have the time to declutter a closet or room doesn’t mean you can’t do something. Start small and make a little progress. Progress is progress even if it takes a little longer than you’d like. Don’t give up!
12. Get things out of the house quickly
If you are planning to donate items make time to take them to your favourite donation centre or arrange for large items to be collected. Advertise items you are planning to sell on eBay, Facebook MarketPlace or set a date for a yard/garage sale. Don’t hold on to things just in case, make your decisions and move one. You’ve got this!
