Decluttering your home is a quick way to feel a greater sense of peace and tranquility in your living space. After all, there's nothing worse than being surrounded by too much junk, particularly when many of us are spending more time at home than ever before right now.
However, it can be difficult working out what to let go of when you're planning a big clear out, whether you're tackling your wardrobe, the kitchen cupboards or even your garage.
Well, what if we told you there's an easy method to follow that will help you make those big decisions, with no fear of regrets? It's all down to the 'strangers, acquaintances and friends' decluttering system.
Here, we run through this clever method and share more top tips for taking the stress out of decluttering your home...
Treat things as strangers, acquaintances and friends
Thinking of the items you come across when decluttering as strangers, acquaintances and friends can help you to decide what to keep and what to throw away. As you go through your belongings, anything you definitely do not want or need anymore, or things you don’t recognise, should be considered ‘strangers’ and so donated or recycled.
You can also donate or recycle anything you see as an ‘acquaintance’, that is things and objects that are useful, but that you don’t really use. Keep anything you see as a ‘friend’ – these are objects that you use daily, or things you couldn’t live without. Categorising and keeping things in order in our homes is known to help relieve stress and create a much more soothing atmosphere.
Go room by room
Decluttering your entire house can be a daunting task, so limit the amount of stress by tackling it room-by-room.
Make a list of the rooms you’d like to declutter and organise, and go through those rooms one-by-one. All of the rooms do not need to be done in one day, so take your time in sorting through your belongings to ensure you declutter to the best of your ability.
Create a decluttering checklist
As well as tackling each room individually, it can also help to create a declutter checklist. A declutter checklist includes a list of items to go through, such as pots and pans, or clothes and shoes.
By creating a list of items to go through, it helps ensure your entire living space is organised and isn’t home to items that you no longer want or need. To make your decluttering a little easier, you could also create your decluttering checklist by room.
Improve your income
Some of the items that you no longer need could be sold to make a little extra income.
Why not list items on online auction sites or local buy-and-sell websites? Items such as the original version of Harry Potter books, Lego and rare Beanie Babies have been known to sell for thousands of pounds when listed online.
Store the big yet useful objects
If there are any objects that you still want and need, but you are lacking room or need a little extra space whilst you’re decluttering, pop them into storage. There are storage units available that vary in size, from units suitable for storing luggage or personal possessions, to units that can hold dining sets and white goods.
So, what are you waiting for? Ready, set, sort...
Blue Stripe Seagrass Rectangular Storage Baskets Set of Two
8 stylish clothes rails perfect for extra storage
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Product Description KOLYMA Industrial Style Acacia & Metal Coat & Shoe Rack
Ideal for minimalist interiors, this sleek industrial-style rack is perfect for all your storage needs.
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Light and easy to move, this modern X-shaped design enables you to fold with ease. There's even an extra shelf for bags, boxes or shoes.
With great style and functionality, this rack will easily fit in with your interiors.
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