Don't worry, you're not alone! It's common to feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to start when decluttering. But with a bit of determination and the right approach, even the most disorganized person can make progress and finally achieve a clutter-free home.
Have A Goal
Set a goal to improve your organization. When you set a goal of getting organized, you should pick one area to focus on and work towards completion. Start small, and do not get discouraged. The organization takes time. If you clean a little here and there, it may not make a dent in your organizational needs, but it might help to get you started. Focus on one room at a time and you’ll be on your way to achieving your goal. Take that first step. It is important. After that, you will see how your efforts towards your goal, help to eliminate your mess.
Utilize All of Your Shelves
Many times the bottom of the top shelf of a closet or utility storage unit remains unused. The problem could be that the shelves are so tall that no one can reach them and they remain empty. You can fix this problem by simply moving the shelving or placing rarely used items up there that can be accessed by a step ladder.
You Have Too Much Stuff And Nowhere to Put it
Rather than buy a bigger house, you might want to get organized and declutter your stuff. Between you and your children, you are bound to have quite a few items that can be either sold or donated to a good cause. Consider setting up a donation pile in your house. Have every family member add the items that they no longer need or use. As an extra tip, don’t let the items that are for donation linger. When the bin is full, please put it in your car and head off to the donation center.
Here are some of the more popular donation centers in CT that offer pick-up services.
Need Extra Helpers?
If you are looking to clear clutter, downsize, or refresh your home by clearing out household items, think about getting some extra helpers. When you have the funds to support your needs, movers can help you to organize, and dispose of items, pack items away for you, or to deliver them to friends. Often our clients don't realize that we do more than only move from one home to another. We also do small jobs, including:
- Internal Shifts
- Recycling and Disposal Services
- Dump Runs
- In-Home Furniture Moves
- Furniture Donation Pickup and Drop Off
- Junk Removal and Hauling
- POD Loading and Unloading
- White Glove - Recycle Packing Materials After Moving
Hire Professional Movers
When you need extra hands but cannot afford the cost of movers, you may need to be more creative for smaller tasks. There are groups that may be able to help including the Boy Scouts of America, High School children looking for community hours, or possibly your local Mormons group that also requires community service. It may take time to connect with these groups, but you may find the help you need.
You Have a Lot of Little Things with Nowhere to Place Them
This is a problem that can be solved by the right containers. If you can find a container that’s best suited for items you need to store, it will be much easier to find and access these items. Implementing storage bins and labeled storage boxes to your organization plan, can add clarity and organization to your things. In addition, it can ease the task of finding your items at a later date.
Things Have Sentimental Value
It’s nice to have a few things that you cherish and bring back good memories, but sentimental value items can really get out of hand. If you think of when you last looked at something or how much memory an item truly holds for you, it can be easy to get rid of a lot of things when you put your mind to it. You can ask a friend to help you go through things to help you stay organized and declutter. An outsider can advise you on what to save and what you should get rid of.
Rent a Storage Unit
Just because you don’t have room for all of your things doesn’t mean you don’t want to keep them. It just means you need some more space. Renting a storage unit is a great solution when you run out of room or time to get yourself organized and clutter-free. Storage might be necessary for a short period of time like during a construction project, when you have company staying over for an extended time, or when you are staging your home to sell it. Long-term storage is also a great solution when you only need access to your items at certain times during the year or when you are planning a move to a larger space in the future. Storage units allow you the freedom of keeping your items, yet gaining space at the same time. Call to reserve your storage units in Milford CT now at (203) 283-5044.
Moving Tips for People Who are Decluttering or Downsizing
Start Early:
Give yourself plenty of time to go through all your belongings and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or discard. Starting early can help you avoid the stress of trying to declutter and pack at the last minute.
Use The "One-Year Rule":
If you haven't used an item in over a year, it's probably time to let it go. Exceptions can be made for sentimental items or seasonal items, but generally, this rule can help you be more ruthless in your decluttering efforts.
Take Photos of Sentimental Items:
If you're having a hard time parting with a sentimental item, take a photo of it instead. That way, you can still look back on the memories associated with it without having to physically keep it.
Donate or Sell Items in Good Condition:
If you have items that are still in good condition but no longer need them, consider donating or selling them. You can donate to local charities, shelters, or thrift stores, or sell items online through websites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or eBay.
Consider Hiring a Professional Organizer:
If you're feeling overwhelmed by the decluttering process, consider hiring a professional organizer. They can help you create a plan, stay motivated, and make tough decisions about what to keep and what to let go of.
Enlist the Services of a Professional Mover:
If you're feeling daunted by the task of decluttering, it may be worthwhile to contemplate enlisting the services of a professional mover. With their assistance, you can easily dispose of any unwanted furniture or junk by having them transported to a recycling or donation facility on your behalf. Additionally, they can lend a hand with the physical labor involved in clearing out space and make all the necessary arrangements for you to effectively get rid of your old furniture and large items of trash.
Use Storage Solutions Wisely:
If you're downsizing or moving to a smaller space, it's important to use storage solutions wisely. Invest in shelves, baskets, and other organizational tools that can help you maximize your space and keep your belongings organized.
Get rid of duplicates: If you have multiple items that serve the same purpose, consider keeping only one and getting rid of the rest. This can help you declutter and also make it easier to pack and move.
Don't Forget About Digital Clutter:
In addition to physical clutter, you may also have digital clutter to deal with. Take some time to go through your computer files, emails, and social media accounts to delete anything you no longer need or use.
Remember, Decluttering is a Journey, Not a Destination.
Keep at it and you'll be rewarded with a more peaceful and organized home.
For more helpful moving and storage tips.