I recently moved into a new house and realized how much I have, including many household items I never or rarely use. This made me consider why I should de-clutter my life and live more simply. You may also be thinking about all the items you have stored in your basement or in storage that you never use. De-cluttering can help improve mental health and create a more enjoyable space. Here are some ways that de-cluttering can benefit your life.
- Less to clean
- Less to organize
- Less stress
- Less debt
- More financial freedom
- More energy for your greatest passions
Now that we know how de-cluttering can benefit your life, here are some ways you can begin the de-cluttering process.
Tips for De-cluttering Your Space:
- Start small by focusing on one area each day. Make a list of each room in your home that needs to be organized and de-cluttered, then tackle one space each week.
- Ask a friend or family member to help you. Make the task more enjoyable by inviting friends or family to keep you company.
- Begin cleaning with a positive mindset. There’s no right way to de-clutter, so practice a positive mindset and think about what you want to accomplish.
After you have de-cluttered your space, you might be wondering, “what am I supposed to do with all this stuff?” There are multiple ways you can repurpose or donate the items you de-cluttered.
- Keep- If you use the item regularly, clear bins are also an option as they help you to know what you have and are stack-able for increased storage capacity.
- Share- Someone may be in need and benefit from your donation of the item.
- Discard- Check local recycling centers for items they will accept.
- Sell- You may be able sell on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist or various other online platforms. There are also many resale shops that will sell items for you or even purchase them from you
- Uncertain- Limit this option, find a place to store these items and revisit with the Keep or Toss questions in a month or so.
For more information and inspiration, go to:
https://wayne.osu.edu/news/declutter-project
De-cluttering your space can have many benefits for your overall quality of life. By starting small, getting the help of friends or family, and maintaining a positive mindset, you can begin the de-cluttering process and create a more enjoyable living space. Embracing a simpler, more organized lifestyle can lead to less stress, more energy for your passions, and a greater sense of contentment. So, take the first step towards de-cluttering and enjoy the positive impact it can have on your life.
For more information on de-cluttering and mental health check out my blog at https://livehealthyosu.com/2023/08/31/decluttering-for-mental-health/
Resources:
Becker, J. (2024, May 13). How to declutter your home: 10 creative decluttering tips. Becoming Minimalist. https://www.becomingminimalist.com/creative-ways-to-declutter/
University, U. S. (2023, December 14). The mental health benefits of decluttering. USU. https://extension.usu.edu/mentalhealth/articles/the-mental-benefits-of-decluttering
Written By: Megan Taylor, Extension Educator, FCS/4-H Youth Development, Ohio State University Extension
Reviewed By: Jennifer Little, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension
Thanks for sharing. Great post!