How to Declutter Your Home This Winter

Are you tired of living in a world of clutter? Perhaps you have noticed that you’re moving piles of stuff from one area to another? Have your loved ones knick-named you the stuffer because your closets and storage areas are overflowing from items that you’ve meant to find a better place for, but still haven’t?

That’s okay! Winter is the perfect time to declutter your home… and, ultimately, your life! Winter is a season for hibernation. A time when folks typically have more days at home than other seasons when they are out and about in the nicer weather. Here are a few tips that you can use to begin your decluttering journey:

Pace Yourself

Take it one space at a time. If you tackle too large of an area, you will feel overwhelmed by this process. Even if you have to break it down and take it a drawer or box at a time. Find what works for you and keep your goals small so that you can feel good about what you’ve accomplished, instead of feeling badly about what you didn’t have time to accomplish.

Separate the Keepers from the Trash/Donations

Create 2 separate piles: what you’re keeping and what you’re planning on getting rid of or donating. Here’s a good rule to live by… if you haven’t used it in the past 6 months to 1 year, you probably don’t need it. Depending on the item of course. This is an especially good rule to abide by when it comes to clothing. 

Immediately put the trash or donations in a bag or container to discard. If you have items that you are donating, put them in the trunk of your vehicle right then. This way, you don’t start to collect piles or stacks of stuff that you’ve been meaning to throw away… aka, more clutter.  

For the items that you are choosing to hold on to, find a place that is suitable. Or create an organized area of the items that you will feel good about when you go to open that drawer or closet next time. Take the time to make sure that you’re not going to put an item somewhere that you cannot find later, risking the chance of rifling through that organized area and create chaos all over again.

Think About What You’re Buying

Just because you’ve organized and minimized the items in your home, doesn’t mean that you can go out and start buying more items because you have more space! When you’re out shopping, ask yourself… is this really something that I need? If it is a necessity, make sure to find a place for it when you get home. 

Bins, Baskets and Containers are Magical

Bins, baskets and containers can help to transform any space into a magical and organized area! Not to mention, bin and container shopping trips are truly amazing! TIP: remember to label your bins, especially those with lids. This way, when you’re looking for something specific, you don’t have to search through all of your bins… who has time for that?

If you’re looking to move out of your home anytime soon, you’ll be so happy when the time comes around and you have so much less stuff to pack!

If you do have real estate goals, we’d love to help! Visit our website or call 860-727-5278 to set up an appointment to speak with one of our expert realtors today!