As summer comes to an end, it’s time to start thinking about the upcoming school year. And with the return to school comes the return to busy schedules and hectic mornings. The last thing you want to deal with on top of all of that is a cluttered home.
Luckily, there are some expert tips you can follow to ensure a clutter-free home before the school year starts. By implementing these tips, you can create a stress-free environment for you and your family to thrive in. So, let’s dive into the top five tips for a clutter-free home.
From decluttering your space to creating designated storage areas, these tips are sure to help you achieve a clean and organized home in no time.
Tip 1: Start Early
Starting the decluttering process early is crucial for achieving a clutter-free home before the school year begins. By avoiding the stress of a last-minute rush, you give yourself ample time to make decisions and break the larger task into manageable steps. Plus, starting early means you can focus on other things, like preparing for the upcoming school year or enjoying the last bit of summertime.
To start early, set a deadline for when you want the decluttering process to be complete. This gives you a goal to work towards and allows you to break down the process into smaller tasks that can be completed over time. It’s recommended that you start with areas that are frequently used, such as the kitchen, closet, and bathroom. These areas tend to accumulate clutter and can benefit greatly from an early start.
By tackling the decluttering process early, you’ll have more time to dedicate to highly-personal items like family photos and seasonal items such as winter clothing and sports equipment. You’ll also have enough time to plan for additional storage solutions such as storage boxes, vertical space, and shoe storage rack ideas.
Tip 2: Make Use Of Storage Solutions
One of the best ways to create an organized space and a cohesive look in your home is to invest in uniform storage containers. Gill, a professional organizer, advises that by using uniform containers, you can easily declutter and beautify your home. The containers can be labeled and stacked to make the most of available space.
Aside from uniform containers, you can also make use of temporary solutions like transition bins. Blakey, a decluttering expert, suggests using these bins as a way to sort out items that haven’t found a permanent home yet. For instance, a transition bin can hold items that you’re not sure whether to keep or toss, and can be used as a weekly checklist to clear clutter.
Carmella Rayone McCafferty, author and decluttering coach, recommends using items you already have as storage solutions. For example, a decorative basket can be used to store extra pillows or blankets, and a vintage suitcase can be used to store off-season clothes. These temporary solutions are cost-effective and can still add aesthetic value to your home.
Tip 3: Get Rid Of Unnecessary Items
One effective way to achieve a clutter-free home is to get rid of unnecessary items. It’s easy to accumulate things over time, and before you know it, your space is filled with items you don’t really need. To start, list the items in your home and decide which ones are necessary and which ones are not. Ask yourself if you use it, love it, and need it. If not, consider donating or selling it. Be ruthless in your decluttering process and try to let go of items you haven’t used in a year or more.
However, it’s important to keep sentimental items separate and handle them with care. These items may not necessarily be necessary or useful, but they hold memories that are important to cherish. Consider creating a separate space in your home to keep sentimental items organized and easy to access. Getting rid of unnecessary items can create a clean and organized space, making it easier to find things that matter and eliminating the stress and anxiety that comes with clutter.
Tip 4: Create Dedicated Storage Spaces
One important step to achieving a clutter-free home is creating dedicated storage spaces. Often, unused areas of the house such as the basement can be transformed into organized storage areas. Start by decluttering what you already have and determining what items need to be stored. Utilizing uniform containers not only creates a cohesive look but makes it easier to stack and store items. Maximize space by utilizing vertical space or additional storage solutions such as storage boxes or bins.
To avoid clutter, consider having transition bins for items that need to be transitioned out of the house, such as seasonal items or items to be donated or sold. Brilliant basement storage ideas include hanging overhead storage, using deep drawers for sports equipment or seasonal clothing, and utilizing a shoe storage rack. Additionally, dedicate specific areas of the basement for certain items such as a tool bench or seasonal decorations. With some dedication of space and manageable tasks, a clutter-free home is achievable.
Tip 5: Set Clear Boundaries
Setting clear boundaries is an essential step towards a clutter-free home. It involves creating specific storage areas for each item, setting limits on what and how much to keep, and establishing and enforcing daily organizing habits.
Start by identifying which items belong in each room and create dedicated storage areas. This could mean allocating space for sporting equipment in the garage, seasonal items in the basement storage, or creating a shoe storage rack in the entryway. With clearly defined storage areas, each item will have a designated home, and it will be easy to put them back where they belong.
To prevent clutter from piling up once again, it’s vital to set boundaries on the number of specific items to keep. For instance, decide on a maximum number of pieces of clothing, books, or toys for each person in the household. If you purchase a new item, donate or sell the old one.
Finally, establish daily cleaning and organizing habits. Dedicate a specific time each day to tidying up so that it becomes a routine. Whether it’s making the bed first thing in the morning or doing a quick clean-up before bed each night, forming simple habits will ensure that the clutter does not pile up and become a daunting task.
By setting clear boundaries, you’ll create a more organized and stress-free living environment for you and your family.
Conclusion
In conclusion, achieving a clutter-free home before the school year starts doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following these expert tips, you can make the process easier and more manageable. Remember to start with a plan, involve your family, and take it one step at a time. Decluttering your home not only makes it more organized, but it can also have a positive impact on your mental health and overall well-being. So, take the first step towards a clutter-free home today and enjoy a stress-free start to the school year!