Do you find yourself in the endless cycle of keeping up with a tidy home, only to feel like it’s a never-ending battle that you will just never win? Of course, we all would like to have a tidier home, but sometimes the thought of change can be overwhelming and exhausting.
Don’t give up. With an organized game plan, you can declutter your home and reap the benefits. A tidier home has been proven to reduce stress, boost immune systems, improve moods, increase focus and mindfulness, and reduce the risk of falls. When we remove the clutter, our lives change for the better.
Homes that have become overcrowded with all these odds and ends have led to a rise in minimalism across the country. According to a recent study, 63% of Americans say they own “too much stuff,” and 37% say they have felt extreme anxiety because of a messy garage, attic, or closet. In fact, more than 20% say they have even lost sleep over these areas!
If you find yourself nodding along to these statistics but aren’t sure where to begin, we’ve got you covered. Caring Transitions of Waukesha County offers a wide array of services to handle all of your relocation needs, but they are invaluable when it comes to decluttering services.
Tips for Decluttering Your Home
1. Baby Steps
We all know the expression, “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” While your kitchen counters and cabinets may seem insignificant, they could be a great place to start your decluttering journey. Experts recommend you start small. Think of this like running a marathon – if you go too fast out of the gate, you might not reach the end of the race. Pace yourself -- pick one little area of your house to begin in, like a closet or a drawer.
2. Don’t Tackle This Project Alone
Whether you are planning on decluttering your own home, or the house of a parent or loved one, don’t try to climb this mountain alone. No matter how big or small the project, call your local Caring Transitions team to come in and lend a hand. With experts by your side, you’ll be able to work on an individualized plan to tackle each room and have help deciding what to keep and what to discard. While our Caring Transitions team takes care of the heavy lifting, you can relax and give your brain and body a rest.
3. Create a Timeline for the Whole House
Studies show that we all perform better when we set achievable, trackable goals. This includes decluttering your home. Create a timeline with due dates to tackle each room in your house. And be sure to give yourself grace and keep it reasonable. It might take a whole weekend to tackle your bathroom, and then you may want a break for a week before you move on to that pesky hall closet! The key is not to rush yourself but to give yourself a realistic schedule you can track.
Some of the most important spaces that experts recommend putting on your list include the kitchen, bathrooms, hall closets, garage, the kids’ old rooms, and your attic.
4. Use Containers, Baskets and More
Use this time as an opportunity to get organized. We know that not everything is useless clutter. Some of those papers and knick-knacks have real value and need to find a home. Use containers, baskets, and more to neatly organize the things that were taking up space on countertops and inside cabinets and closets, so you know where your items are without creating a mess.
5. Don’t Throw it All Away – Turn a Profit!
While your body will benefit from a tidier home, your wallet can benefit from the decluttering process too! It’s easy to find a new home for your old items with the help of Caring Transitions of Waukesha County. Through our online auction platform, CTBids, you can be connected to thousands of online shoppers across the country ready to bid on your antiques and treasured belongings. You’ll be happy to have the extra space and a little extra money to reward yourself after the hard work of decluttering your home.