Clutter Reducing Storage

11 Easy Decluttering Tips

1. Get a move on.

Sometimes it can be hard to know where to start. But the truth is, “It ain’t going to declutter itself!” (sadly). We all sometimes want to put things off, but there comes a time when you have to just dive in and get started. Seize the day!

2. Don’t dump it, store it.

We all give up space to ‘stuff’, things we could/should probably set free and let someone else find a use for. But there are things you won’t be ready to get rid of yet, the best answer is temporary storage. It’s a great way to free up space and allow you to see what you have and what should go.

3. Lose now, buy later.

If some of that ‘stuff’ is clearly passed it’s best life, or you’d rather replace it with something new then now is the perfect time to move it on. Then you can go for new and improved items when you have more time.

4. One man’s junk…

Just because you no longer have useful for something doesn’t mean it doesn’t have value. You can offer old items for sale or for free on sites like ebay, Freebay, Facebook Marketplace. It’s a much better alternative to letting them go to landfill. You could also make a bit of extra money from unwanted possessions.

5. Is it useful or sentimental.

It’s natural to hold on to items of sentimental value. But is it just taking up loft space? A simple test, look at an item and decide if you’re likely to display it, use it or repair it, if the answer is ‘no’ to all three then it’s time to just let it go.

6. But…

But “XXX” I’ve had this years. But we got this when… But one day I WILL get this out… There came be so many reasons/excuses to hang on to ‘stuff’. Sometimes it really is time to set if free!

7. We will want this again.

Some items simply are too important to just give away and that’s perfectly alright. Don’t declutter too much and let go of things you really do want. That’s what storage is for. You can hang on to the important things without filling up valuable space in your home and get them when you’re ready.

8. The 90 day rule,

Look at an item and work out if you’ve used it in the last 90 days or are going to use it in the next 90 days. If the answer to both is ‘no’ then it really should either go into storage or go to someone else who will give it a second life.

9. Wear did it all go wrong?

Shoes, clothes, old coats, bags can soon fill up wardrobe space. If you have clothes you haven’t worn for a year there is likely to be a reason. And no, not everything comes back into fashion (that kaftan simply has to go!) More and more people are turning to upcycling clothing and buying second hand so it’s the perfect time to free up some wardrobe space by losing unworn/unloved items.

10. One room at a time.

If it seems your whole house is a bit cluttered, don’t try and do it all at once. Break it down and just tackle one room at a time. You’ll soon find that as each room, ‘junk mountain’ is cleared the easier the task will seem. It’ll also give you move house space and head space to make decisions as you go.

11. Set a simple goal.

What is it you want to do? Free up space, clear out junk, re-purpose a room? Once you’ve achieved your aim reward yourself with a touch of redecorating and turn that old dumping room into a dressing room, home office, guest bedroom you’ve been craving for.