It can be hard to keep your home neat and organized. A cluttered space can cause stress, not to mention a scattered brain.
If you, like me, have children running around the house, the task can be challenging. We have all had our fair share of stepping on Legos or frantically looking for our child’s favorite toy. But while decluttering and organizing your home can be challenging, it is not entirely impossible to accomplish. Plus, the benefits of decluttering will make all the hard work worth it.
7 Benefits of Decluttering
1. It lets you get some exercise
Decluttering and organizing your home or space forces you to move around a lot. Turn your cleaning tasks into a workout to enjoy the health benefits of decluttering. An hour of dusting can burn 174 calories, while 30 minutes of making beds can burn up to 130 calories. Put on your favorite music, and start organizing your house while reaping the health benefits of decluttering.
2. It can help reduce stress and anxiety
A clean and organized home can reduce stress and anxiety. Having too much clutter can cause your mind to become cluttered as well, affecting your focus and performance. Moreover, clutter can increase the production of the stress hormone cortisol, which, in turn, may cause anxiety and depression.
For me, this is one of the biggest factors. I have noticed that when my home or space feels out of “whack” or unorganized, it makes my moods crappy. I am short-tempered and easily bothered.
3. You’ll be able to focus better
Clutter, particularly visual clutter, can negatively affect your focus. It is distracting and can make it difficult for you to put your full attention on whatever you’re doing. Eliminating clutter allows you to focus on your tasks better.
Before I can work, blog, or do anything that requires me to focus. I like to organize and clean the space around me to have a clear and fresh mind.
4. It can boost your self-esteem
A cluttered space can also negatively affect your self-esteem. It might make you feel embarrassed, such as if you’re having guests over. A neat and well-organized home is a great source of pride for homeowners. It gives you a better sense of control and can instill in you a sense of accomplishment.
5. It maximizes your space
One of the best benefits of decluttering is it gives you more space. Getting rid of what you don’t need anymore can free up some space in your closet, kitchen, living room, and even on your countertop. This extra space can then be used for family activities, games, or your kids’ craft projects.
6. You’re able to help others
Decluttering lets you help others who are in need. You can donate possessions that are still in good condition to your local shelter.
7. It helps you get better sleep
When was the last time you had a good night’s sleep? Clutter in the bedroom can keep you from getting better sleep, as it can cause stress and anxious thoughts. Keeping your bedroom and your bed itself neat and tidy can help you start getting more restful sleep.
How to Declutter and Organize Your Home
Don’t know where to start your decluttering journey? Here are some of my favorite practical tips:
• Start small and take on things one at a time
While it may be tempting to go big when it comes to decluttering, this can be counterproductive. You’ll want to start small instead and tackle areas one at a time. Start with a shelf or a drawer space in your bedroom. Once you’re done with that task, you can move on to the next area that needs your attention.
• Use storage boxes
Have storage boxes ready. Use one box for items to be donated and another for things that you’re still undecided on. I also love to use storage bins to organize my supplies, kitchen, office supplies, keepsake items, garage, and so much more.
• Schedule your decluttering session
If you do want to go big with decluttering, it’s best to schedule it first. Maybe you can assign a weekend or go with a time frame that’s convenient for you.
• Turn it into a family activity
Let the whole family join in on the fun, and turn your decluttering session into a family activity. Decluttering is a great opportunity to teach your kids how to organize their belongings.
A clean and organized home is a happy and healthy environment—not just for you but also for your entire family. Clutter affects everyone, from parents to kids. Too much clutter in the home can harbor potential allergens, such as dust, mold, and dander. Clutter can cause a lot of stress and health issues, such as asthma or allergies, affecting everyone in the family. Decluttering can help foster healthier relationships, paving the way for improved emotional and physical health.
Here are some of my favorite items to organize my home:
Kitchen/Pantry Organizer
I cannot live without these containers. These are my go-to items when organizing my kitchen. It’s easy on the eyes and gives an appealing look to your pantry or shelves. I also love to label them, so it’s easy to find what you are looking for.
Cabinet Organizer
I store all my manuals, office supplies, electronics, and keepsake items in these bins as cabinet organizers. I label the front of them, so it’s easy to find.
Storage
I love using these bigger bins to store blankets, old picture frames, albums, books, kids’ artwork, larger keepsake items, etc.
Clothes Storage
These are some of my favorite bins to use to store my kid’s old clothes. I label the front of the bins with the size of the clothing. I then store the containers in my garage and pull them out when my youngest grows into that specific clothing size.
Bathroom Storage
I purchase these in all sizes—X-small, small, medium, and large. I use them to organize my bathroom products and even some items in my kitchen pantry. They are great versatile bins that you can use throughout your house.
Storage Baskets
These storage baskets are one of my favorite products for storing my towels. I have many bathrooms in my house, so I like to use these baskets to store extra towels for my guests. My towels are folded and I label the front of the basket “Towels.” I also use this in my kid’s bedrooms in their closet to store extra small blankets. I label it “blankets.”
Labels
I love to use labels. I label everything in my house. It makes it easier for my husband and kids to find things. Since I am very OCD, it’s easier to help them help me by keeping things in the right places. With labels it helps them also know where to put things back.
2 Comments
Brittany
September 1, 2021 at 9:40 AMGreat advice and helpful tips. Loved this post!
Ashley Lee
September 4, 2021 at 10:47 AMThank you!!! 🙂