For the next few weeks, we are going to work through every room in your home and offer advice on how to declutter each one- today we begin with the bedroom.
Your bedroom should be a place of sanctuary
Tip 1: Create a clear space
When you embark on a project like this, it is important to start with a blank slate. The thought of going through everything and starting from scratch may sound daunting, but it is really the only way to develop better habits and take inventory of what you currently own.
Clearing a space is essential and, although it may not seem so in the short-term, long-term you will save time.
Tip 2: Edit your clothes
One of the places where you are sure to find the most clutter is in your wardrobe and chest of drawers. Instead of cramming your clothes which you haven’t worn in years into your wardrobe, take some time to go through everything. Be honest with yourself in terms of what you wear regularly.
Set aside half a day, potentially with a friend and go through your wardrobe ruthlessly. Having a decluttering buddy is very helpful as they will help and be honest with regards to what you no longer need. Take everything out of your closet and drawers, and separate everything into piles of what you will keep and what you will donate to charity. By the time you finish this, you will be surprised at the amount of space you will have, and be in the knowledge that your belongings are going to a good home.
Tip 3: Organising
Once you have dropped off all your donations at a charity shop, you can move on to organising your closet. Take the time to sort everything by category and if you would like, by colour. This system helps you to see what you have. You may still have more clothing than your wardrobe can handle and I suggest rotating items by season and storing out-of-season items in a safe and sealed place, away from anywhere where they can be damaged.
Tip 4: Furniture: less is more
Having too much furniture in your room no matter how large it is, will make it feel smaller. In addition, it attracts much more clutter. Move the smaller pieces of furniture out and invite a friend over with a fresh set of eyes to give their opinion on what makes your bedroom look best. You don’t want an overly crowded room.
Think of items you can use elsewhere in your home, or those you could sell or donate. Before you put the furniture back in your room, give it a thorough deep clean.
Tip 5: Don’t fall into the trap of buying too many bins and boxes
Many of us think that if we have lots of storage bins and boxes we will be more organised and have less clutter, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. When it comes to decluttering, having tonnes of storage bins and boxes will mean you throw things into them, rather than editing your belongings.
Tip 6: Stop making excuses as to why you need to hold on to things
We have all fallen victim to justifying why we should keep certain things - maybe they were a gift, or maybe they were expensive. If someone gave you something you never use, or do not even like – then you should let go and donate it.
Tip 7: Don’t displace your clutter onto someone else
Unless you stumble across something while you are decluttering that you know someone would absolutely love, don’t make your clutter someone else’s clutter – sell, donate or throw away the things you don’t want or need.
Tip 8: Bedding
Often our bed itself and, all the extra pillows and bedding that come with it will create lots of visual clutter. When it comes to decluttering, ask yourself if you really need all the extra pillows on your bed. We’re all guilty of storing away extra bedding that’s not been used in years. In addition, instead of feathering your nest with vibrant coloured matching bedding sets, why not go for basic whites or a limited colour palette? They are easier to clean and will last you much longer as they don’t fade as quickly. Plain pieces are also interchangeable.
Daily Rituals
Following these daily rituals will help clutter from accumulating.
- This may seem obvious, but make your bed every day – preferably when you wake up in the morning. Making your bed makes your room look less busy;
- When you come home at the end of the day, avoid the temptation of draping your clothing on a chair. Take the time to hang your clothes or place them in the laundry basket. You will be surprised how quickly piles can grow out of control;
- To avoid bedside clutter, try to keep only one of everything out. For example – the book you are reading, one pair of slippers, one bottle of lotion;
- A regular cleaning service with a professional will help ensure that you stay on top of your household chores. Read more here: https://www.fantasticservices.com/regular-home-cleaning/
- Lastly, to avoid unnecessary clutter, scrutinise each new item you introduce into your bedroom. You can easily avoid accumulated clutter by making these conscious choices in the first place.
Written by Fantastic Services CEO Rune Sovndahl
Tagged in Declutter Decluttering