Decluttering your home: 11 good tips
Especially at the start of the new year, many people take advantage of fresh energy not just to get themselves in shape, but their homes too. A clear-out is a key part of the process. After an extensive decluttering campaign, you’ll feel great – and will already have completed the first leg of your upcoming spring clean. Let's take a look at how to make the whole thing a success.
1. Get an overview
The first step in decluttering is to get an overview. Go through room by room and note down what you no longer need or what no longer works. In particular, spaces such as wardrobes, the cellar or the study are often full of things you no longer have any use for. The right planning will help you to tidy up using a methodical approach. That way, you can organise your cellar and systematically clear out your home.
2. Start with simple areas
Start with simple tasks to get your first results quickly – tidying up your wardrobe or reviewing the filing system in your study are ideal starting points. Once you’ve completed these, you’ll feel more motivated to tackle bigger projects, such as clearing out the cellar.
3. Declutter using the KonMari method
A tried-and-tested method for clearing out is the KonMari method. For every item, ask yourself, ‘Do I still need this? Does it make me happy?’ Anything that doesn’t meet these criteria should be discarded. This way, you can do a radical clear-out and make room for new things.
You can also work with a certain time period. For example, things that you haven’t used once in the last year have to go.
4. Tidy up and stay tidy
Decluttering isn’t just about getting rid of things – it’s also about keeping things tidy permanently. Think about how you can create a lasting strategy that helps you avoid chaos in the long term, too. One option is regular small clean-up campaigns so you don’t fall back into old habits.
5. Wardrobe and cellar first
Wardrobes and cellars are often the biggest problem areas when it comes to decluttering. It’s worth being especially thorough here: a well-organised wardrobe not only saves space, it also helps in your daily life. If you want to clear out your cellar, set defined stages for yourself and earmark things systematically for disposal. This is also an ideal opportunity to come up with a long-term organisation system.
6. Create a disposal plan
There are special disposal options for different types of waste. Waste paper, cardboard and bulky waste are regularly collected in most municipalities. You can dispose of electrical appliances such as TVs, computers and kitchen appliances free of charge at the place they were purchased or at recycling centres. With a clear disposal plan, you can save time and avoid unnecessary stress, especially for unwieldy items that may need to be disposed of professionally.
7. Bulky items
If you have a lot of bulky waste, it’s worth ordering a skip from a waste management company. This costs some money, but saves a lot of time and stress. For bulky items in particular, consider whether you would like to dispose of them yourself or hire someone to do so.
8. Sell or give away items in good condition
Anything that is still in good condition can be sold or donated. Platforms such as tutti.ch and Ricardo offer an easy way to pass on used furniture, clothes and household items. Charity shops also accept intact goods. This is a sustainable way of decluttering that not only creates space, but also helps other people.
9. Motivation by stages
Decluttering can quickly become overwhelming, especially when it comes to large areas, such as the cellar. Set small, achievable goals, such as tidying up your room or clearing out your wardrobe, to motivate yourself. By working in stages, the task remains manageable and you stay in control.
10. How can you manage a radical clear-out?
Many people wonder how to do a radical clear-out without constantly feeling unsure. An important tip is that if you haven’t used an item in the last 12 months, you probably won’t need it in the future. Be consistent and merciless when it comes to making space. This is particularly true in the cellar or storage room, where lots of unused items often accumulate.
11. Tips for quick tidying up
Sometimes you just don’t have the time to clean up thoroughly. If you’re under time pressure, these clean-up tips will help: Focus on the areas where you can achieve success the fastest. Tidy up in the right order: Start with the things that are easy to put away, then move to more complicated objects. Small activities such as tidying up the children’s room or organising the office can also help you achieve a lot.
