Most people put off the task of decluttering their homes as it’s a big chore. A task with two quick and easy rules that will help you decide what to keep and what to throw out
Many people are desperate for a fresh start by clearing out all the unnecessary clutter that’s crowding their homes.
Be it the crammed garage or wardrobes bursting with once-essential items now deemed just junk – it’s all set to be tossed out. Industry insiders say that January is the prime time for decluttering, with data from Yell highlighting a significant spike in the US, where decluttering searches balloon to 53,469 and maintain a monthly average of 37,000 thereafter.
The term “How to declutter your home” skyrockets to 6,598 searches every January, compared to a 5k monthly average post-New Year fervour, while “Decluttering Tips” hits a peak search total of 6,981, descending to 4.7k on average in the subsequent months.
Over on TikTok, users eagerly share and seek out inventive decluttering strategies with more than 165,000 posts adorned with hashtags such as “#Decluttering” and “#Declutter”. The overwhelming array of content inspired Yell’s team to sift through these viral snippets, curating a premium selection of tips and tricks aimed at helping individuals to minimize their mess.
Tidying up isn’t just about creating space; it’s also about refreshing your mental landscape, setting a positive tone for the year ahead.
Two top tips for decluttering have emerged as game-changers for those looking to tidy up their homes. The first is the 12-12-12 Challenge, a nifty method from online expert Becoming Minimalist. This involves finding 12 items to donate, 12 to throw away or recycle, and 12 to return to their rightful place in your home. Stick to this system, and you’ll see your clutter vanish in no time.
Another common hurdle is the tendency to cling to items “just in case” they’re needed. When it’s tough to decide what to keep, the 20/20 rule can be a lifesaver. Simply ask yourself: Can I replace this for less than £20 ($26)? And, can I get a new one in under 20 minutes? If you answer ‘yes’ to both, it’s probably safe to say goodbye to that item.
If it’s a ‘yes’ to just one, weigh up its replaceability against the space it occupies. Another crucial piece of advice is to start small and gradually chip away at the clutter if you’re dealing with a large pile, ensuring you don’t feel overwhelmed while still seeing progress.
It’s also beneficial to create a decluttering list, allowing you to plan and map out what you want to achieve within a set timeframe, preventing feelings of being swamped.
A top tip is to make a list for each room in your house and work through them systematically. Take stock of everything you own, from furniture to clothes tucked away in drawers and wardrobes, and question whether they bring you joy or serve a purpose.
If an item hasn’t been used in six months, it might be time to consider parting ways with it. To simplify the process, it’s advisable to tackle the items in plain sight before delving into cupboards and other densely packed storage areas.
Learn to identify clutter when conducting regular clear-outs throughout the year. This can apply to any item, including unwanted Christmas gifts that may still be lingering.
Clutter can spiral out of control due to bad habits or even guilt, so be ruthless with items that no longer seem to have a purpose.
