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5 Steps to decluttering your home

5 Steps to decluttering your home

Everyone has “clutter” lying around the house, which we simply do not need. We could all benefit from decluttering our homes from time to time. Not only do you end up with a tidy home, everything in its rightful place and more space, it is also good for the mind…remember that saying ‘tidy home, tidy mind.’

Whether you are preparing to sell your home, or simply want to have a clear out, our 5 step process will help you stay on track;

1.      Make a list

Write a list of all the rooms you plan to tackle, it doesn’t necessarily need to be the entire house. We all have those rooms which naturally accumulate too much clutter. They generally include kitchen cupboards/pantry/larder, wardrobes, storage areas (the cupboard under the stairs) and it’s important to remember outside areas (garage/garden shed).

2.      Start by emptying the room

The first job is to empty the room as much as possible, take everything out, it is far easier to see clearly when the space is bare.  Hoover the room, every corner, window sill and behind the radiator.

Now start by arranging items, which are similar, into piles this gives you a clear idea of how much you have to sort through.

Stand back and take a good look at the room or space and visualise how you would like it to look once completed.

3.      Deciding what you need…

This will be the hardest part of the process, letting go of some of those items you’ve been holding on to “just in case”.  It’s important to really think about whether each item is something you are likely to need, in the near future.

That duvet that hasn’t been out of the cupboard in years, do you really need it? Those cushions that don’t match the new sofa, why keep them?

It’s advisable to go through this process with another pair of eyes. You need to be ruthless!

When you’ve finished you should end up with a large of pile of items which you no longer need, and smaller piles of items you intend to keep.

4.      You might not need it anymore, but someone else might

Don’t throw your discarded items in the bin, it’s important to remember ‘your rubbish, may be someone else’s treasure’.

Sort through your discarded pile and separate the items into ‘sell’, ‘charity’ or ‘bin’. For items that are in good condition and could be of value think about selling them online or perhaps a car boot sale. Charity shops always appreciate quality clothes or bric-a-brac and you will of course end up with items in poor condition, which need to be taken to your local recycling centre.



5.     
The rebuild

Now that you have a clear space, you’ve sorted out the items you wish to keep – you can begin rebuilding the space.

Start by placing the larger items or furniture back into the room, reconstructing your original vision for the space.

Then begin adding the smaller items – you may find during this stage that you head off-piste from your vision, that’s is OK.

Once finished, relax and enjoy!