Clutter and disorganization can cause a lot of stress in our lives. It’s hard to relax in a messy home, and it feels like there’s always something that needs to be done.
But with some simple rules for home organization, you can declutter your life and finally relax. These 10 rules will help get you started:
1. Get rid of anything you haven’t used in the past year.
If you haven’t used it in the past year, chances are you won’t use it again. We tend to hang on to things “just in case” or because they have sentimental value. But if it’s taking up valuable space in your home, get rid of it. You can always donate items to charity or sell them online.
2. Don’t keep duplicates.
Do you really need three coffee mugs? Or five black t-shirts? If you have duplicates of anything, get rid of the extras. They’re just taking up space and creating clutter.
3. Put it away immediately.
When you bring something new into your home, put it away immediately. Don’t leave it out on the counter or table. This will help prevent clutter from building up over time.
4. Don’t let paper build up.
Paper is one of the biggest contributors to home clutter. Make it a habit to go through your mail every day and either recycle or shred what you don’t need. Also, scan important documents so you can get rid of the paper copies.
5. Label everything.
This will help you know where everything is and make it easier to put things away. By labeling, you’ll also be less likely to keep duplicates of items. This will also come in handy if you ever need to move.
6. Keep a designated spot for your keys, wallet, and purse.
You should have a place where you always put your keys when you come in the door. This will prevent lost keys and wasted time searching for them later. The same goes for your wallet and purse. By keeping them in a designated spot, you’ll know exactly where they are when you need them.
7. If it doesn’t bring you joy, get rid of it.
This rule is inspired by Marie Kondo’s KonMari Method. If an item doesn’t bring you joy, get rid of it. This will help you to surround yourself with only things that make you happy.
8. Schedule time for decluttering.
Set aside sometime each week to declutter your home. This could be 10 minutes or an hour, depending on how much time you have available. The important thing is to make it a regular habit. You can even set a recurring reminder on your phone so you don’t forget.
9. Keep a cleaning schedule.
Make it a habit to clean your home on a regular basis. Get your family involved and assign everyone specific tasks. Then follow up to make sure the tasks are getting done. A clean home will help reduce stress and make it easier to find things when you need them.
10. Create a system that works for you.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to home organization. What works for someone else may not work for you. The important thing is to find a system that works for you and your family. And be sure to involve everyone in the process.
Final Thoughts
Home organization doesn’t have to be complicated. By following these simple rules, you can declutter your home and reduce stress in your life. So get started today and see the difference it makes.