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Declutter and Refresh: Your DIY Checklist for a Clean Home

by Jake Spencer | Sep 3, 2024 | D.I.Y

Decluttering Made Easy

Deciding to declutter isn’t just about tidiness – it can give you a home that’s calm and a mind that’s clear. Here’s how you can declutter without losing your sanity and why making it a habit is more important than you might think.

Easy Ways to Declutter

Diving into decluttering without a plan can feel like wrestling an octopus. But don’t worry, these tips have got you covered:

Declutter by Category: Forget rooms, think categories. Marie Kondo’s method sorts stuff into clothes, books, papers, miscellaneous items, and sentimental keepsakes. Tackling stuff by type makes the whole process feel less like war and more like a doable project.
Tackle One Room at a Time: If you prefer to play it old school, Joshua Becker suggests going room by room. Start with the easiest spots – where you hang out most. Seeing quick wins in your familiar zones boosts your confidence and keeps you moving forward.
The One Touch Rule: Pick it up once, then decide. Keep it? Recycle? Donate? Toss? Making decisions on the spot avoids those pesky ‘piles of decisions’ that end up as new clutter.
Flip the Question: Struggling to let go of stuff that has memories? Instead of asking, “What should I throw away?”, ask, “What do I really want to keep?” This mentally reframes the process to feel more like choosing your favorites.
Set Achievable Goals: Break it down into bite-sized tasks. One drawer today, maybe a closet tomorrow. Smaller, realistic goals make the mountain of declutter feel like a series of easy molehills.

Why Regular Decluttering Matters

Taking clutter from your life isn’t just a one-time thing. Here’s why you should keep at it:

Creating Calm Spaces: A tidy space isn’t just nice to look at; it’s a sanctuary. Less stuff means less stress, and the sense of calm that follows is worth the effort.
Make Room for Renovations: Planning a home makeover? Free up space by decluttering first. It’ll give you a clearer view of the area and make the whole renovation smoother.
Embrace Minimalism: By regularly decluttering, you lean into a minimalist lifestyle. When you keep only what you love and need, suddenly life feels less jam-packed and more focused.
Feel Good Vibes: Dumping the junk isn’t just physical relief – it’s emotional too. Say goodbye to the mental baggage and hello to better mood and clarity.
Stay Functional: A clutter-free home is way easier to navigate. Plus, regularly tidying up means stuff stays where it should, saving you those “where is it?” moments.

Use these strategies and reminders about why decluttering should be ongoing and you’ll find keeping your home and mind organized a breeze.

Get Ready for DIY Home Renovation

Starting a DIY home renovation? Decluttering your space is first on the list, and though it sounds overwhelming, these tips will make it a breeze and maybe even fun.

Kick Clutter to the Curb

Map It Out: Figure out what parts of your home will be part of the renovation. Write a list of stuff that needs to move or hit the road.
Room-by-Room: Tackle one room at a time, like you’re making your way through levels in a game. Start with the easy ones you use the most.
Four-Box Trick: Grab four boxes and label them ‘Keep’, ‘Donate’, ‘Sell’, and ‘Trash’. This keeps you organized and helps with those tough calls.
Quick Hits: Use a 15-minute timer and attack clutter in short bursts—kind of like speed dating with your stuff.
Family Power: Get everyone on board. It’s more fun and you won’t be the only one dealing with the junk.

Max Out Your Space

Making the most of your space before starting the big renovation can keep you sane and the work area clear.

Temporary Hideaways: Rent a mobile skip or a storage unit to stash items that need to be out of the way for now.
Cash for Clutter: Why not sell the items you don’t need? Try Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace and make some extra dough.
Vision Quest: Empty out a room and picture what it will look like after the reno. Only put back what fits the vision.
Up, Not Out: Use vertical storage—think shelves, hooks, and cabinets. It’s a game-changer.
Category Clean-Up: Sort by categories like books, clothes, or kitchen stuff. It’s way easier than doing it all at once.

Task	Time Required
Room-by-Room Declutter	1-2 days per room
Four-Box Method Sorting	3-4 hours per session
Family Involvement	1-2 hours per session
Renting Storage Solutions	1-2 days
Selling Unnecessary Items	1 week

Use these tips to clear out the clutter and get prepped for your DIY home renovation. You’ll find the whole process less of a headache, and maybe even a satisfying way to start your new space!

Simplify Your Space

31 Day Declutter Challenge

Looking to turn your home from a cluttered mess to a peaceful retreat? The 31-Day Declutter Challenge breaks down the daunting task into simple daily tasks. Over the course of a month, you’ll tackle every corner of your home with small manageable steps. Check out a snapshot of what you’ll be doing each day:

Day	Task
1	Sort out purses and wallets
2	Ditch those old linens
3	Tidy up those toys
4	Empty and clean the fridge
5	Organize the pantry
6	Sort your medications
7	Go through books and magazines
8	Declutter beauty products
9	Streamline your laundry supplies
10-31	Continue with other household zones

Easy-peasy, right? Each task only takes 10-30 minutes, so you won’t feel overwhelmed. Plus, you’ll see progress every single day, keeping you motivated.

Getting in the Decluttering Groove

Before you dive in, get your mind right. Picture your home clutter-free—easy to move around, nothing in your way. No more stepping on Lego bricks or hunting for lost keys. This isn’t just a visual upgrade; it’s a new way of living.

Decluttering can stir up emotions. Some items are tied to memories. Instead of asking yourself what to throw away, think about what you want to keep. This shift can make decisions easier and less stressful.

Got a pile of stuff to get rid of? Plan it out:

Donate to local charities or thrift stores
Pass items along to friends
Set aside things for a garage sale
Separate trash from recyclables

Taking it slow and steady can turn this chore into a project you might even enjoy. Take breaks, breathe through it, and appreciate the newfound space.

Ready to start this change? Your future organized self will thank you!

No-Nonsense Decluttering Hacks

The One Touch Rule

The One Touch Rule is a no-brainer for decluttering. Basically, you pick up each item only once and immediately decide where it goes. Simple, right? This keeps you from just shuffling things around and never really organizing them (Mobile Skips).

What You Get	How It Helps
Less Mess	Stops you from just moving junk around.
More Free Time	Cuts down on the back-and-forth of handling stuff.
Better Organization	Gets everything in its proper place, fast.

To make this rule work, make sure you’ve got set spots for different things. If you can’t find a place for something right away, maybe it’s time to let it go.

Must-Have Organizational Gear

The right gear can be a game-changer when it comes to decluttering. Here’s what you’ll need:

Empty Boxes: Good for sorting stuff you’ll donate.
Big Trash Bags: For the junk heading out.
Labels and Markers: To keep track of what’s in each box.
Storage Bins: For the items you’re keeping.
Shredding Bags: To safely get rid of sensitive documents.

Organization Gear – Quick List

Gear	Use
Empty Boxes	Sorting donations
Big Trash Bags	Junk collection
Labels and Markers	Marking boxes
Storage Bins	Storing keepers
Shredding Bags	Secure document disposal

And here are some techniques that can help out:

Sort Your Stuff: Break your belongings into categories. This makes it easier to decide what to keep, toss, or donate.
The Friend Test: If you’d be okay giving it to a friend, consider donating it to a charity like Vinnies (Mobile Skips).
Think Big: For major clean-ups, Mobile Skips are a solid choice. They’re popular in Australia and make sure your trash is taken care of properly (Mobile Skips).

By sticking to the One Touch Rule and using the right gear and tricks, you’ll clear out clutter in no time, leaving you with a cozy and neat home. Plus, you’ll be ready for any DIY projects you’ve got on the horizon.

Quick and Easy Waste Management

Once you’ve decluttered, figuring out what to do with all that stuff can be a head-scratcher. Here’s a step-by-step guide to make things easier for you.

Donate Stuff That Still Works

Got stuff you don’t need but someone else might love? Give it away! If you’re in Melbourne, Victoria, Vinnies Run Donation Collection Program has teamed up with the St Vincent de Paul Society. They’ll take most items as long as they’re in good shape.

Things to think about when donating:

Quality First: Make sure things are clean and work.
What’s What: Give away furniture, clothes, kitchen stuff, and books.
Condition Check: Don’t donate broken or really worn-out items.

You can also check with local charities or thrift stores. They usually have a list of what they need and what’s a no-go.

Should It Be Trashed, Recycled, or Sold?

Not sure what to do with everything? Follow these tips to make the right call:

What It Is	Condition Check	What to Do
Trash	Broken, dirty, or gross stuff	Throw it out
Recycle	Stuff like paper, glass, plastic, aluminium	Recycle it
Sell	Good condition, popular items	Sell online
Donate	Lightly used, still useful goods	Donate it

Trash It

Chuck out anything that’s broken, stained, or just nasty. Use local garbage services to get rid of it properly.

Recycle What You Can

Recycling’s a win-win. Many things like paper, glass, plastic, and aluminium can be recycled. Just clean them up and sort them according to your local recycling rules.

Make Some Cash

Got items that are in good condition and people want? Sell them! Use websites like eBay, Gumtree, or Facebook Marketplace. Make sure everything looks nice and works before selling.

Donate Generously

Give lightly used stuff to those who need it. Follow your chosen charity’s checklist on what they can take.

Using these tips will help you clear out your space in a smart, eco-friendly way. Happy decluttering!

Expert Decluttering Tips: Simplify Your Space

Let’s face it: getting your home in order can feel like trying to tame a wild beast, especially if you’re gearing up for some DIY renovations. But don’t sweat it. With a few game-changing tips, you’ll be able to de-junk your space without losing your sanity.

Declutter by Category: One Step at a Time

Ever tried to sort out a single room, only to end up with stuff strewn across the entire house? The trick is to tackle your clutter by category. This way, you’re making decisions about similar items all at once, making it easier to stay focused.

Here’s how to break it down:

Set a Timer: Keep or toss—make quick decisions so you don’t overthink.
Get the Family Involved: Great for deciding on things like outdoor toys and tools. Plus, more hands, less work!

Here’s a snap-shot of categories you might want to tackle:

Category	Quick Tips
Bags	Only keep what you actually use.
Blankets	Donate the old and unused ones.
Books	Set that timer and sort quickly.
Electronics/Cords	Toss the outdated gadgets.
Cups/Mugs	Keep the daily go-to cups.
Outdoor Toys/Tools	Get the family to help pick and choose.
Shoes	Ditch anything worn out or never worn.

Tried-and-True Decluttering Methods

No need to reinvent the wheel. People have come up with some genius ways to cut through the clutter.

Marie Kondo’s KonMari Method
- Focus: Sort by category (clothes, books, etc.).
- Key Idea: Only keep what “sparks joy.”
- Perks: Helps you hold onto items that make you happy (Becoming Minimalist).
Joshua Becker’s Minimalist Approach
- Focus: Declutter room-by-room, not all at once.
- Key Idea: Start with the easiest room first.
- Perks: More manageable, and gets the whole family on board (Becoming Minimalist).

These methods can transform your decluttering dread into a piece of cake. Get your stuff sorted and enjoy the extra room before you roll up your sleeves for those DIY projects.