Image by Antonia from Pixabay

Do you often feel as though you’re besieged by junk? Clutter, for many, isn’t just unsightly – it can be a serious impediment to focus, and to overall mental health and wellbeing.

Fortunately, this is a problem that others have grappled with. As such we can learn from their experiences. Let’s look at a few of the tips that will allow you to create a clean, serene, functional space.

Start with one room at a time

If your approach isn’t targeted, then you’ll suffer from a few related problems. Firstly, you’ll struggle to get an at-a-glance impression of whether what you’re doing is actually effective. Second, you might find it difficult to keep track of what clutter is going in the bin, what’s going to the charity shop, and what’s going to be kept.

Thirdly, taking it one room at a time will allow you to see that what you’re doing is actually making a difference. This will give you the confidence you need to keep it going!

Create functional storage solutions

If you have access to the right storage, then you’ll find it much easier to keep the space clear. Divide drawers and cupboards with the help of smaller boxes. Invest in fitted furniture that will allow you to get the most from the space. New-build homes often come with these features as standard, but it’s always possible to make further improvements.

Adopt a one-in, one-out rule

However thoroughly you declutter, your efforts can always be undermined if you’ve adopted the wrong habits. Be sure to remove old items whenever you add new ones. Create a storage box precisely for this purpose. This will allow you to stay mindful of your environment, and to prevent clutter from creeping back. When the box is full, you can dispose of the contents in one go.

Make decluttering a regular habit

You can’t expect to stay on top of the problem if you don’t set aside time for review and decluttering. The more frequently you do this, generally speaking, the easier you’ll find it. A few minutes on a given space each week can help this habit feel fulfilling, therapeutic, and less like a chore.

It’s worth noting that different people have different personalities, and that they might take a different approach to cleaning and tidying. If you don’t notice the clutter until it’s out of control, then a structured, calendar-driven approach might be helpful.

If, on the other hand, you’re the kind of person who can adopt a habit easily, and who is easily bothered by the sight of clutter, then you should focus on eliminating the clutter when you see it – and retaining a sense of calm and perspective as you do so.