Clutter can come in many forms. From physical clutter like things you don’t use, you don’t know the purpose of, or you don’t have a place for, to psychological clutter which is anything that creates guilt, anxiety, or the feeling of being overwhelmed, clutter has a way of consuming your life.
Especially now that roughly 40% of people are working from home, clutter can build as kitchen tables double as classrooms and bedrooms as offices. Studies show that clutter can negatively impact mental well-being and that it can induce a physiological response, including increased levels of cortisol, a stress hormone. Experts even say clutter can begin to represent the pent up negativity in our lives and translate to increasing feelings of depression.
When clutter takes on a life of its own, personifying our inner anxieties and giving them a voice it’s time to kick it out. A clean and clear home is a clear headspace for not only you but your family!
How to Declutter Like a Pro
Decluttering your home can be emotional, but once you’ve finished, you’ll feel a wave of relief and confidence! To help you get started, Zolo’s listed a few tips below from their article helping readers learn to declutter their homes like a pro.
The Four-Box Method
Our first step is simple yet a classic for organizing experts. Begin by distributing your clutter into four boxes labeled keep, throw away, donate, and storage. Begin sorting through items (one room at a time) to decide what stays and what goes.
The Closet Hanger Method
Turn all the hangers in your closet so that the hooks are pointing towards you. Whenever you wear something, put it back onto the hanger and face the hook away. After three to six months, any hook still facing towards you is holding something that you don’t wear.
The KonMarie Method
The KonMarie method is all about decluttering by category rather than location. Start with your clothes, books, papers, and miscellaneous items, saving sentimental items for last. If an item no longer sparks joy, thank it for its service and get rid of it.
The Minimalist Game
With this method, the amount of items you declutter corresponds to the date. On the first day of the month, you get rid of one item. On the second day of the month, you get rid of two items. At the end of a 31-day month, you’ll have gotten rid of a total of 496 items.
We hope you’re feeling inspired and empowered to begin your decluttering journey and transform not only your home but your headspace. Happy cleaning!
