Cedars offers spacious apartments with ample storage, but we can all benefit from decluttering on a regular basis! Why not use the excess of indoor time over the winter months to pare belongings down to those that are most useful and meaningful? Follow these tips and tricks to simplify the process and make decluttering easy and fun!

Create a schedule

To avoid getting overwhelmed, create time that works with your lifestyle, perhaps once a month, to tackle one area at a time in your home. Once the initial decluttering is done, it’s easy to stick to that rotation and continue to declutter on a regular basis. Breaking up the process into smaller, more manageable and regular sessions creates a simple and effective routine in which avoiding clutter becomes second nature.

Declutter by category

Rather than attacking larger decluttering projects by room, plan to do them by category. For example, if doing clothing, collect all clothing in your home, from outerwear to seasonal pieces, and put them in one spot before going through and choosing which items to keep and which items to donate. Do the same with books, kitchen tools, electronics, and papers.

Use the “3 Pile” technique

It can be hard to know what to do with the items being pulled from your belongings. One way to simplify the process is to make three piles; one for items to be discarded, one for items to be donated, and one “maybe” pile for items you aren’t entirely sure about. Once decluttering is complete, two of the three piles can be remedied quickly, and the “maybe” pile can be tackled to finalize the project.

Keep a “Clutter Bin” handy

One of the side effects of decluttering is the accumulation of items to be donated. If not kept in check, these items can pile up in impractical places and, in turn, create their own feeling of clutter! To counter this, keep a bin out of sight, perhaps at the bottom of a closet or under a bed, in which to place items slated for donation, then make a trip once that bin is full.

Don’t sweat the small stuff!

Stay on top of small pockets in your home where clutter can easily accumulate. Think medicine cabinet, nightstand, junk drawer, desktop… They are small areas that can be tackled on days where you may only have a 15-minute window to dedicate to the task.

Clear Surfaces

Keeping countertops and desk tops clear of items is a simple way to keep your home looking neat and tidy. Only items that are used almost every day should be kept on surfaces, for example, a toaster or pen holder. Items that get less frequent use, such as crock pots or a three-hole-punch should be put away in a cabinet or drawer.

Keeping decorative items to a minimum, such as a simple centerpiece or a collection of sentimental items neatly gathered on a tray, for example, will help avoid a cluttered look and feel. When displaying decorative items, keep them in clusters of no more than 3 pieces, and consider using decorative storage bins or baskets for things like throw blankets and extra pillows.

Clearing surfaces also applies to the floor. Keeping the floor of a closet clear of clutter by using shoe organizers or broom/mop racks will help make it feel both tidier and bigger. This also applies to furniture selection; furniture with raised legs makes a room feel more spacious and lighter by allowing the eye to view more of the floor, giving the illusion of more space automatically makes it feel less cluttered.

One In, One Out

A practical approach to decluttering is the “One In, One Out” method. When bringing a new item into your home, strive to get rid of a similar item. This is especially applicable to toiletries and clothing where many of us tend to overconsume.

Take the emotion out of the equation

Keep things practical. Is the item essential? Do you use it regularly? Often, we get trapped with items we don’t use that were either expensive or given as a gift – but if we don’t use or need that item, it isn’t fulfilling its purpose and would be put to better use elsewhere. One helpful way to look at it is that the item has taught us a lesson in what we don’t want or need, so it did serve a purpose after all! As for gifts, their purpose is to convey a feeling of care from the gift-giver to the recipient. Once that goal is achieved the item, if it is not a good fit for your lifestyle, can be passed on to a more suitable household with a clear conscience.

Make the most of your space!

There are tricks to designing your space that will help make it feel less cluttered. For example, make use of vertical space by installing shelves, hooks, and hanging organizers to store items without sacrificing floor space. Choosing a taller bed frame provides practical under-bed storage to keep things out of sight.

Selecting multi-functional furniture such as storage ottomans, beds with built-in drawers, fold-down desks, and nesting tables maximize utility while minimizing clutter. Maximize closet space by using slim hangers, shelf risers, and hanging organizers.

Using clear containers to organize items such as cables, batteries, and cleaning supplies allows you to find what you’re looking for at a glance while keeping those items from getting tangled, piling up, or falling over.

Keep things organized, create a designated space for keys, wallets, and mail to avoid clutter accumulating on a table or desktop.