You’ve probably seen many organizers online talk about decluttering. This practice of mindfully letting go of items that no longer spark happiness has transformed many people’s lives.
But what you may not know is that cleaning and decluttering your physical space does wonders for you and your loved ones’ mental wellness.
Now, some may say their cluttered space isn’t a bother, that they know exactly where everything is at any point and time and that’s ok. But if you are looking to truly improve your productivity, de-stress, save time and sharpen your mental focus, then it’s time to declutter your space and declutter your mind.
Small Steps
Depending on the amount of clutter you have accumulated, this exercise can span over a few hours to several weeks. Once it’s completed, then you’ll spend a little time each day to maintain order. So let’s begin in the places you frequent the most, like your common space at home, your office or bedroom. Make a list of “declutter zones” in order from most frequented spaces to least frequented spaces. Then try these tactics to clean your space and make room for more peace of mind.
In the Bathroom
- Tidy up your bathroom midweek. Save the deep clean for the weekend. Around Wednesday, do a quick wipe down of the counters and mirrors, scrubbing of the tub or shower, and tidy up of the toilet area. Put away toiletries, hair dryers and other items daily to keep your counters clutter-free. Lastly, give the floors a quick sweep.
- Change out towels and refill toilet paper and/or paper towels.
- Throw away those items you don’t use. No need for 3 sets of makeup brushes. Toss expired products to clear up space. Use baskets to organize small items like essential oils, cotton balls or medicines.
In the Bedroom
- Make your bed daily. There’s no more relaxing feeling than coming home from a long day and sliding into a cool bed. This lays the foundation for a better night’s rest.
- Keep that corner chair or treadmill clothes-free. We’ve all been guilty of tossing just-worn or just-out-of-the-dryer clothes into a chair or treadmill in the corner of the bedroom. Try putting those clothes in specific bins or baskets until you can put them away on the weekend.
- Dust nightstands, your television stand and dresser drawer.
- Start a donation box. Collect clothes you rarely wear and, when full, take the box to your local Goodwill or shelter.
In the Kitchen
- Use airtight containers and bins to categorize foods. Label containers for easy locating.
- Toss expired or rarely used items weekly to keep the pantry and fridge organized.
- Wipe down counters and empty your sink each evening. Give the floors a quick sweep and mop.
- Empty the sink and wash dishes each night, leaving it clean for the next day. Aim to keep the sink free of dirty dishes by rinsing them out immediately after use and loading them in the dishwasher to for the next wash.
In the Office
- Use a calendar. This is probably the most important tip to staying organized at work. Write down your tasks for the day, with the most time-sensitive items at the top.
- Utilize file folders to categorize tasks. Label each folder according to project and keep all items pertaining to that project inside, making everything quick and easy to locate.
- Use bins labeled “To Do”, “Almost Done” and “Ready to File” to keep track of progress. Once a task is done, be sure to clear that “File Away” bin to keep the clutter down.
- Sort through mail. Keep and prioritize important items, such as upcoming bills, and throw away junk mail.
- Toss empty coffee cups, food containers and trash daily.
- Wipe down your desk at the end of the day. Keep a drawer with cleaning items like paper towels and a multi-surface cleaner.
