Top Tips to De-clutter Your Home

A few days ago I completely de-cluttered my bedroom,

after weeks, months, even years of ignoring it. My bedroom made me feel stressed, foggy-headed and certainly didn't make me feel relaxed which is what you need a bedroom to do most of all! So, on a Sunday, I made it my day's mission to deal with the problem. it's funny how after all the time I wasted putting it off, I actually really enjoyed the process and found it really therapeutic. On finishing the job, the room immediately felt so much lighter, clearer and peaceful.

Here are some tips from my experience and from advice I have collected along the way...

1. Don't let it be a chore

If the idea of tackling the whole situation at once is too overwhelming for you, break it up into little jobs. Maybe do a section a day; the wardrobe, desk, shelves, under the bed, etc. Another tip is to make it as enjoyable as possible - put on your favourite music to sing along to, give yourself a reward for every section you tackle, light some candles to make you feel calm, whatever it is that will make it more enjoyable for you.

2. Mindset

The most powerful thing you need to control when setting out to fulfil a task like this is your mindset. If you start off with a negative outlook, chances are you aren't going to have a very nice time, or be very successful. Grab a coffee, smile, open the windows to let some fresh air in.

3. Perspective

It may be that you don't need to actually get rid of anything, but just need a simple rearrange or organise. If you have items that feel cluttered but that you love, try arranging them together, dedicating an area of the room to your collections such as a shelf. This can become a feature of the room if styled accordingly.

4. Decisions

The main rule I go by when de-cluttering my space is to ask yourself whether you truly love the item, or use it on a regular basis. If the answer is no, get rid of it, it's just taking up space unnecessarily.

One reason I take so long to chuck things out is my emotional connection to things, or my indecisive side taking over. If this happens, don't stress yourself out over it, create a 'maybe box' and come back to it later. The decision could be easier with a refreshed mind on a later date.

5. Prevention

There is a great sense of control and achievement on finishing this job, the room will feel lighter and much more peaceful. Of course, you want that feeling to stay, and to prevent clutter from gathering again. To keep your space clutter-free, make sure you have systems set in place to make organisation simpler. Invest in a stylish tray to keep items together. This works really well on bedside tables, and for bathroom and beauty items. Take note on where your space becomes cluttered quickly. If this is papers, get hold of an inbox tray, if possible with multiple trays for different types of paper. If this is jewelry, buy an organised jewelry stand, or invest in some simple hooks on a wall. Whatever your clutter area, bring in an system to keep it organised and clear.

If I have one piece of advice to give on home living, it is to de-clutter. I know it may seem like an overwhelming task, but it makes such a different to home life and makes you feel so much for in control and peaceful. Get to work!