Do You know that nagging feeling you get when you walk into your home and see all the clutter? It's like the mess is shouting at you, "I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere!"
Don't worry, you're not alone. A lot of people feel overwhelmed by the amount of stuff they have in their homes. But luckily, there are ways to conquer clutter and free up space. Below, we've compiled some expert advice on how to declutter your home and create more space for the things you really need and love.
Decluttering: Where to Start
The best way to conquer clutter is to start small and gradually work your way up. Don't try to tackle the entire house at once — you'll only become overwhelmed and frustrated. Instead, start by focusing on one room at a time.
When decluttering a room, ask yourself two questions: "What do I need?" and "What do I love?" If you can answer these questions honestly, you'll be able to get rid of the things you don't need and keep the things you love.
Remember, it's important to be ruthless when decluttering. If you haven't used something in the past year, chances are you don't need it. And if you don't love it, get rid of it.
Invest in Multi-Purpose Furniture
One of the best ways to free up space in your home is to invest in furniture that has more than one purpose. For instance, a bench with storage underneath can be used to store blankets, pillows, or other seasonal items.
A coffee table with a shelf underneath can be used to store books, magazines, or DVDs. And an ottoman with a tray can be used to store snacks, drinks, or television remotes.
These are just a few examples, but the point is that by investing in furniture that has more than one purpose, you're freeing up space in your home that can be used for other things.
Get Creative With Shelving
Think outside the box when it comes to shelving. There are all sorts of creative ways to add storage to your home without taking up a lot of space.
For example, try using hanging shelves or installing shelves on the walls. If you have a lot of books, you can buy a bookcase that doubles as a room divider. You can also use boxes and baskets to store smaller items and keep them out of sight.
The bottom line is that you need to be creative and think about how you can use the space you have to its fullest potential. There's no need to live in a cluttered and cramped space when there are so many options available to you.
Utilize Vertical Space
Vertical space is so often overlooked and forgotten, but it’s actually a great way to save space. If you have tall bookcases, take advantage of the display space on the top shelf and use it for larger items or decorative pieces.
If you find yourself running out of surface area for decor, plants, or other knick-knacks, look into wall shelves. There are lots of options that look great and are easy to install. You can get floating shelves or be more creative and design shelves in all kinds of shapes — like a bicycle wheel, clouds, or seashells. Don’t let your imagination be your limit!
You can also look for furniture with more than one purpose. A futon that doubles as a sofa and bed might just be the perfect solution for a small home or opt for ottomans with storage compartments. Even something like an old ladder can be turned into a unique bookcase when hung up on the wall! With supplies like these at your fingertips, you can make the most out of the vertical space you have in your home.
Consider Getting Rid of Unused and Unwanted Items
Now let’s talk about some of the more difficult aspects of freeing up space. We know it can be hard to get rid of items that might have a high sentimental value or could have cost a lot. But, the truth is that if you haven’t used an item in the past year, chances are you won’t use it again.
Take a look through your closets, drawers, and cupboards and sort items into three piles: keep, donate, and toss. You can give away items that are still in good condition or donate them to shelters or thrift stores. For clothing and furniture that’s beyond repair, consider recycling it or taking it to a waste-disposal center. Also, try selling unwanted items online for some extra money if you need it!
Tips for Organizing Your Home
The battle against clutter can seem like an uphill battle, but it doesn't have to be. Here are some tips from experts that can help you free up space in your home and get organized:
Sort through your belongings and decide what you need to keep, donate, recycle, or toss.
Make sure you have enough storage for all your things so you don't need to keep stacking items on top of each other.
Divide up your possessions into categories and find a designated area for each one, like a kitchen cabinet for kitchen items, a drawer for silverware, or a closet shelf for clothing.
Utilize vertical storage space by investing in shelves or organizers that hang on the wall. This will allow you to maximize floor space while keeping things organized.
If possible, invest in dual-purpose furniture pieces that can serve both a storage function and give extra seating or tablespace when needed.
Lastly, get creative with organizing solutions like DIY projects with shoe boxes, old bookshelves and drawers, rolling carts, or even repurposed furniture.
Conclusion
So, these are some methods and tactics you can use to help conquer the clutter in your home. Remember, it's important to start small and work your way up, and to be patient — it won't happen overnight! But with a bit of hard work and organization, you can create a clutter-free home that you'll love coming home to.