With the festival season approaching, we all want to give a new look to our house. We want to make it presentable for our guests. We shop for new items, change the décor. But there is one thing that is equally important and that is Decluttering. Decluttering helps in reducing stress, less cleaning work, more space, less to organize, and very important it makes your house more functional. Decluttering should be the first step before you think of buying anything new. So, let’s start,

 

 

• One room, one shelf at a time: The first step should be to find the room or shelf that needs the maximum decluttering. Start with that room or shelf first. Don’t jump into taking out everything all at once. This way you will get confused about where to start.

 

• Count how much stuff you have from on category: Sometimes we accumulate things unknowingly and later realize how much we have. So, the first step should be to check your existing items. It happens mostly in the kitchen. We don’t even know how many pots and pans we have in different sizes. We keep them in an expectation that we will need that in the future. Sometimes, we save a hand-less vessel saying that we need that to make one cup of tea. But do we need that? I would say if the vessel is very old but still in good quality then think of getting the handle fixed. But if it is losing its coating then it is time to discard. The same applies to pans. Think of replacing it with a good range. Sometimes investing in good quality appliances /gadgets /vessels goes a long way in terms of money and space.

 

• Use organizing baskets: Organizing baskets are a great option when it comes to organizing stuff. These days we get a variety of baskets in different colors, shapes, and sizes. You can get those baskets and start arranging your pantry.

 

• Don’t give away everything all at once: To declutter don’t start giving away everything all at once. Instead, make a basket or box and keep those items in it that you use occasionally. You can label it as an occasional purpose. This way you won’t discard it in a hurry and later end up buying the same thing when need arise.

 

• Donate items that you no longer use: Just because you like your top that you got when you were in college that doesn’t mean you should save it in your closet. Sometimes some clothes or items have an emotional value attached to it. You can make an exception but in a limit. If your clothes are in good shape and you are no longer using them then think of donating them. There are so many people out there who can’t afford good clothes.

 

• Use the four-box method: Let me tell you, this method works great. I have tried it. Get four boxes and label them: trash, give away, keep, or re-locate. Don’t skip a single item, no matter how insignificant you may think it is.

 

Decluttering may seem like a big complicated task in the beginning. But when you will see your house looking much spacious, organized, functional and welcoming then you will be convinced with the power of decluttering and start to declutter your house.