The struggle to pick what to wear to your date is real! Photo Source: Freepik
- If your home is cluttered, your mind will feel cluttered too. Let’s start decluttering!
As a corporate girl working a demanding 9-to-5 job, all I crave when I return home is a comforting dinner and the chance to unwind in bed after a long day. However, the moment I step through the front door, the stress seems to multiply.
Instead of peace, I’m greeted by chaos—clothes scattered everywhere (thanks to my indecisiveness when choosing outfits), shoes in random spots, dirty dishes piling up, and clutter filling the spaces where I wish calmness existed.
It’s overwhelming. I often find myself sighing, frustrated by how the mess around me intensifies the stress I’m already carrying. And I know I’m not alone. Many of us with demanding jobs face this challenge. We barely have time to manage the mess, let alone relax in our own homes.
But what we often overlook is how much this clutter contributes to our stress. The disorganisation at home becomes a reflection of the chaos we experience at work. Studies show that clutter can heighten stress levels, making it harder to unwind after a long day.
Decluttering is all about creating a space that helps us decompress, recharge, and feel at peace. It may take some effort, but a cleaner, more organised home can be the first step toward managing the stress that comes with a busy lifestyle!
The Heavy Heart of Letting Go
“It’s over bro, time to let go and move on.” Photo Source: The Simplicity Habit
Decluttering can often be more challenging than one might expect, and several factors contribute to this difficulty. Many people hesitate to let go of items because they fear they won’t have enough if they do. Others attach significant sentimental value to gifts or items that evoke memories, making it hard to part with them.
I can relate to these feelings. Personally, I often catch myself thinking, “What if I don’t have enough of this?” whenever I’m buying household items, which leads me to purchase more than I really need. And there are certain things I hold so dear that I don’t let even a speck of dust touch them!
However, the reality is that our homes have limited space. When we accumulate more things than our space allows, it creates clutter, which in turn affects how we feel in our own homes.
In the end, we really don’t want every corner filled with things. A little breathing room makes a big difference, and it all starts with keeping only what we truly need.
And here are some effective ways to declutter without feeling guilt and a heavy heart!
Declutter 101: Kick The Stress Out of Your Home Without Feeling Bad!
1/ Box-Sorting Method
The thing is, I can’t donate my clothes. Most kids are now bigger than me! Photo Source: Freepik
One effective decluttering method is the box-sorting technique. To start, grab 3 to 4 empty boxes and label each one based on your next steps for the items. For example:
- Trash: For items you no longer need and will permanently discard.
- Keep: For items that still serve a purpose or hold significant value.
- Donate: For items in good condition that could be given to charity or family and friends.
- Fix: For items that require repair before you decide whether to keep or donate them.
This method helps you organise your belongings in a more structured way, and allows you to tackle each item with a clear decision-making mindset, reducing the stress of sorting.
Here’s a fun and meaningful tip I learned from TikTok: As you go through each item, try saying, “Thank you for being part of my life. I no longer need you, but I hope someone else will appreciate you more.” This small gesture can bring a sense of closure and warmth, making it easier to part with things you’ve held onto for a long time.
By giving yourself this mental space, you can feel more at peace with letting go, and the process becomes not only about decluttering your physical space but also about freeing yourself emotionally. It’s a gentle reminder that sometimes, letting go is necessary for growth and for creating space in both your home and your heart.
2/ 10-Minutes Declutter Schedule
If you’re busy with a corporate life like mine, it’s perfectly fine to take a slow approach to decluttering and cleaning your space. Decluttering doesn’t have to be a marathon effort; you don’t need to dedicate an entire day to tackle the mess all at once.
If you’re just starting, setting aside just 10 minutes during your weekend can make a significant difference in your environment. Gradually build your momentum by increasing your decluttering time bit by bit. This way, you’ll avoid feeling overwhelmed and exhausted before you even begin.
Another effective strategy is to declutter first thing in the morning, right after you wake up or following breakfast, when your energy levels are high. By establishing this routine, you not only start your day on a productive note but also create a sense of accomplishment that can motivate you for the rest of the day.
Remember, the key to successful decluttering is consistency. Even small, incremental changes can lead to a more organised and serene space over time. Celebrate each little victory, and soon you’ll notice a significant transformation in your environment, making it a more peaceful place to return to after your busy days.
3/ 1 Item A Day Giveaway
Sometimes, you may feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of items you want to declutter but aren’t sure where or how to start donating or giving them away. One simple solution is to focus on just one item a day and gift it to someone you know.
For instance, if you have something with sentimental value, like a favourite book or a cherished piece of clothing, passing it on to a friend or loved one can be more meaningful than donating it to strangers. This way, the item continues to hold value for someone close to you, and it’s appreciated as a thoughtful gift rather than something second-hand.
By following this approach, you could remove 365 items from your home in a year. If you double the effort and give away two items daily, that’s 730 things gone by the end of the year!
Gifting these items to people you care about not only declutters your space but also allows you to share joy and meaning with those around you.
Furthermore, this practice fosters deeper connections, as each item carries a story and sentiment attached to it. As you gift items, you might find opportunities for conversations and shared memories, enriching your relationships. In this way, decluttering becomes not just a chore, but a chance to spread kindness and create lasting bonds.
4/ One-In, One-Out Rule
Just like how you replace disposable stuff around the house, you should do the same with your decluttering efforts. The “one in, one out” rule is a simple way to make sure you’re not adding to the clutter. Every time you get something new, get rid of something old.
Say you just bought that cute Calvin Klein denim jacket, the same one Jungkook rocks in the advertisement – sexy, and definitely trendy! When you get home, take a moment to go through your closet. You’ll likely find an old denim jacket—one that, honestly, even Jungkook wouldn’t give a second glance. It’s time to say goodbye to it and make space for your new, better version.
This rule helps keep your space from getting too crowded and makes sure everything you own actually serves a purpose. It also helps you avoid the temptation to hoard. Trust me, that’s another habit you don’t want to pick up.
Remember, the goal of decluttering is not just to create more space in your home, but also to promote a clearer, more organised mindset. When your belongings are meaningful and well-chosen, they add to your life rather than distract from it.
5/ From There, Keep Up the Good Habits!
Once you’ve decluttered your home, it’s tempting to think that it will stay organised forever. However, old habits of clutter can creep back in, especially when you’re caught up in the hustle and bustle of your daily life. Before you know it, the clutter starts to pile up again, and you might not even notice.
Keeping your home clutter-free isn’t a one-and-done deal; it requires some ongoing effort. One of the best ways to make it easier is by picking up a few small, good habits that help prevent clutter from taking over.
For example, always return items to their designated spots after use, ensure everything has a home, and set aside time for daily or weekly tidying sessions. These simple practices can significantly reduce clutter in the long run.
When these habits become second nature, keeping your home organised becomes effortless. As you develop this routine, it will also help you be more mindful of what you bring into your home, preventing unnecessary items from accumulating.
Over time, you’ll find that the act of decluttering becomes less frequent, and maintaining an organised home becomes part of your lifestyle.
A Tidy Home, a Happier You!
A clutter-free home isn’t just about tidiness—it’s a gateway to a clearer mind and a more joyful life! When your space is tidy, your thoughts flow more freely, and stress starts to melt away. Clutter can weigh you down mentally, pulling your focus in all sorts of directions. But with a few simple habits, your home can transform into a cheerful retreat where you can truly unwind.
By keeping things neat and letting go of what you don’t need, you create a light and uplifting environment that feels refreshing. This sense of peace not only boosts your productivity but also allows you to fully embrace your home as a place to recharge and find happiness.
It’s not about being perfect—it’s about making small, enjoyable changes that add up over time. A clutter-free home is a delightful investment in your well-being, offering you more balance and a brighter, more peaceful life!
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