The first thing you want to focus on is your clothes. This may take you a few days to get through, and that’s okay—it’s worth the time. Go through EVERYTHING in your closets (including the coat closet) and create 3 piles: Keep, donate, recycle/upcycle. Keep what you like and wear, donate what you don’t like but is still wearable, and recycle or upcycle disliked and unwearable items (i.e. turn an old shirt into a cleaning rag).
The next thing to tackle is the paper clutter. Ahh, the infamous paper clutter. You probably have piles of old bills, junk mail, magazines, etc. Take your time going through this so you don’t throw anything important away. For important documents that don’t need to have a physical copy, scan the document into the computer and then shred the original. Keep the physical copy of important documents and then recycle the rest of the paper. Try to remove yourself from junk mail lists, too.
Now it’s time to tackle random knick knacks around the house. These are things like decorations you don’t like but were given as a gift (so you had to put them up) or things that you just don’t like anymore. Donate what you can and get rid of the rest.
This next step might be gross, but it’s essential: the fridge, freezer, and pantry. Throw away any expired food or condiments and keep track of what your family doesn’t like (that way you don’t buy it again). Throw out any meats or soups you may have been saving in the freezer—if you haven’t eaten it by now, you probably won’t ever.
After this, comes the kitchen. Go through all the drawers and cabinets and get rid of any appliances or utensils that are broken. No point in keeping a whisk that can’t whisk anymore. For items that you haven’t used in a long time, donate or sell them. Don’t just shove them to the back of the cabinet.
If that doesn’t take too long, you could also move on to the bathroom, which is next. Check all bottles and throw away any that have barely any product left (or combine them into one bottle if you have lots of them). Throw away any broken storage devices like a toothbrush holder and also go through the medicine cabinet. Properly dispose of any medicine that has expired.
The next part of your home is the cleaning supplies. You want to make sure you check all the expiration dates on the cleaners and properly dispose of them. Take inventory on what is almost out and what you don’t use so you can be a smarter shopper.
Now it’s time for your electronics and entertainment. Donate or get rid of any old or broken electronics that you and the family don’t use anymore. You should also recycle, sell, or donate books, magazines, movies, etc., that you don’t watch or like. No point in keeping them to just take up space.
The next step is to go through all your linens. Get rid of any bed sheets, pillow cases, or other bedding that either doesn’t fit any of the beds you have or that have become too rundown and beaten up. You should also get rid of old towels (but keep a few for cleaning purposes). Donate the rest.
Cleaning up toys and the office is next. Have the kids clean up their toys (see if they’ll donate any of them) and you can do the office. Get rid of duplicate office supplies or things you haven’t used in a while.
As you go through your home decluttering, take note of any furniture that goes unused or that is disliked by the family. Now is the time to get rid of that furniture by donating it or taking it somewhere else. Furniture is usually big, so if you don’t want it, then you don’t want it taking up space.
The last thing is usually the hardest: the garage. This may very well take you a few days. Do your best to categorize what’s in there (camping gear, tools, sports equipment, etc.), and donate any duplicate material you have. Next, create a system for organizing and storing your things so it doesn’t get cluttered ever again!
Leave a Reply