The advantages of a decluttered home are huge, yet organizing your house while already having a lot on your plate can be pretty exhausting. Since personal organizers can be pricey, we spoke with a few experts to obtain their advice on how to cut costs and save time. These are some steps you may like to take toward a more organized house. Choose the one that works best for you.
The Stack Method
1. Move to Another Room
When you start organizing, you’ll find items that don’t belong in the room you’re working in. These items should be placed in the “move to another room” stack. This step helps you avoid getting sidetracked by trying to organize multiple rooms at a time. Once you’ve sorted, you can take these items to their proper places.
2. Donate
Donating gently used and no longer needed items can help them find a new home. Items that you no longer require may be helpful to someone else. By giving such stuff to those in need, donations not only support your community but also aid in decluttering.
3. Give to a Specific Person
There are times when you find something ideal for a friend or relative. Pile items up that you want to donate to other people. To avoid having these things end up as clutter in your house, be sure to follow through and give them over right away.
4. Throw Away
Items that are broken, expired, or not fit for use go in the “throw-away” stack. When it comes to this stack, discard anything that is damaged or has outlived its usefulness. The secret to avoiding clutter accumulation is to dispose of these things early on.
5. The “Marinating” Stack
The marinating stack is for items you need clarification on. Pack these items in a box and label it with a date six months to a year from now. If you don’t open the box before that date, you can safely discard the items inside. This method helps you overcome hesitation and avoid keeping things you don’t actually need.
Tips to Speed Up the Organizing Process
Create Rules for Keeping and Discarding
Set ground rules for what you’re going to keep and what to trash. You may choose to donate clothes that are oversized or no longer useful to you. Another relevant example is books from the previous year. Having simple rules aids in faster decision-making.
Beware of the Paper Problem
Paper clutter is a common issue. Keep in mind that the majority of the paper you stack is not required to be retained. Sort through old periodicals, catalogs, mail, and receipts on a regular basis. Keep essential documents but dispose of unnecessary papers daily to prevent buildup.
Avoid Lids on Containers
Using open containers can make it easier to put things away quickly. Lids can become an obstacle and deter you from maintaining order. Being able to see what’s inside without having to open them makes clear containers extremely helpful.
Pay Attention to Decluttering, Not Just Storing
The mistake that many people commit is purchasing storage solutions prior to decluttering. Rather than fixing the issue, this frequently makes things more cluttered. Sorting and decluttering should come first, then you should think about what storage options you really need.
Takeaway
Organizing your home can be both hassle and fun. You may significantly reduce clutter and create more tidy, stress-free surroundings by following a few basic organizing principles and classifying objects into stacks. Recall that the goal is to get rid of clutter, not just find new places to put it. You may achieve a less chaotic and more orderly home with the help of these tips.