The first thing you need to decide is simple: what is you acceptable level of clutter? Many minimalists like zero clutter. I think that’s too high a bar. A little clutter is not a bad thing. Let’s be realistic. Nobody is perfect. The key is to reduce clutter, not completely eliminate it.
Don’t create unrealistic expectations for yourself. Those pictures you see of minimalist rooms online are staged. Everybody has a little clutter from time to time. The key is to come to terms with your own acceptable level of clutter. If you reach for perfect, you’ll always fall short.
Personally, I like a neat house with a slightly lived-in feel. I like a sense of space, but I don’t like my rooms completely barren. Once you decide what fits your style, you can begin to reduce clutter.
Reduce Clutter With These 5 Easy Steps
- Tackle one room at a time: Don’t try to unclutter your whole house in a day. It’ll never happen. Pick one room and stick with it until you’re done. Finishing one room motivates you to start another.
- Start with the little stuff: Save the big decisions for later. Start with the obvious: the little things that are on the floor, stuffed in the closet, or stacked on top of furniture.
- Create three piles: Don’t overthink. Make one pile of things to definitely give away. Make one pile of things you want to keep. The third pile is the maybe pile.
- Make the hard decisions: Don’t think twice. Put the giveaway pile directly into a box for a charity. Take it out to your car. Be brutal with the maybe pile. Only keep the things you believe you’ll use within the next 30 days.
- Move on to the big stuff: Finally, consider the big stuff. Often, it’s our furniture that really clutters our homes. You can reduce clutter by getting rid of unneeded large items.
Articles To Help You Reduce Clutter
I want to encourage you to get started on your journey to reduce clutter by asking yourself these questions:
- What room will I start on? It’s best to choose the least cluttered room. Your job won’t feel overwhelming and you’re more likely to finish the task.
- When will I start? Don’t leave this to chance. Set a definitive date and time to start your project. Write it down. Ask someone to hold you accountable.
- What is my timetable for completion? This is important. When you complete a task, you see results. This makes it more likely that you’ll continue to reduce clutter throughout the rest of your home.
Why Not Get Started Right Now?
If you’re at home, I challenge you to get up and spend five minutes getting started. Sort a few things. Throw some garbage away. Tidy up.
If you’re away from home, I challenge you to set up a reminder on your phone. Set a time and date with the label: Reduce Clutter.
