For many people, the idea of decluttering their living spaces is all about getting rid of the things they no longer need or use. And while that’s part of it, the real benefits of decluttering go beyond tidiness. When done right, it could lead to a simpler and more meaningful life.
In this guide, you’ll learn some hacks for decluttering your home and how you can take advantage of free junk removal services. All you need to do is follow these steps or at least adapt them to your decluttering routine, and you’ll benefit from the increased order and less junk in your home, leading to a less stressful life.
Table of Contents
1. Start with a Minimalist Mindset
If you want to get rid of clutter in your home, you need to be intentional about what really matters and what has lost significance in your day-to-day life. The goal is not to be a minimalist or even adopt some extreme minimalist mindset but to reflect on the practical and emotional value of what you currently possess.
You can go around the various rooms in your home as you document the things that still serve a purpose in your life or the lives of your loved ones. The next step is to let go of all the things that no longer align with who you are and what you are becoming.
By making the conscious choice to get rid of all the things you no longer need, you reduce the distractions of all the excess possessions. This could also reduce waste and the innate desire for more unnecessary stuff.
Everyone’s journey to decluttering is different. For some, there could be more waste than just excess material possessions. In such instances, you may need to implement eco-friendly waste management strategies, such as conducting a waste audit to know which clutter to reuse, recycle, or dispose of.
2. Sort the Clutter by Categories
Before decluttering and getting rid of any excess or unwanted stuff, you want to prepare in advance. That means gathering all the essential supplies and dividing your belongings into various categories based on their type, function, etc. For instance, you could stack kitchenware separately from clothing and electronics.
For larger categories, you can create subcategories to ensure you are orderly throughout the decluttering process. You should also pay close attention to any emotional attachment to some of the items you want to declutter.
If something holds a special place in your heart or draws memories from the good old days, you want to consider whether letting go of such an item is worth it. Refer to guides on junk removal for more insights on how to sort through your items and the best actions to take.
3. Embrace the One-In, One-Out Rule
This is another trick you can use to keep the quantity of your possessions in check. All you need to do is maintain a balance between whatever you are acquiring and the possessions you are letting go of.
Unlike the minimalist mindset, where you are intentionally reducing the items and possessions in your life while keeping what serves you in the moment, the one-in, one-out rule is a less-demanding and more practical strategy anyone can implement.
You can go ahead and customize this rule such that you are considering the long-term value of every new item you intend to purchase. Another tip is to keenly evaluate the things you currently have to see if there’s a need to upgrade, as that would mean letting go of the old items.
4. Make Decluttering Sessions a Regular Thing
If you are to succeed with decluttering, you need to be consistent with your decluttering efforts. The goal is to make decluttering a habit and incorporate it into your daily, weekly, or monthly schedule. You can do this by setting up a recurring calendar reminder for your decluttering sessions.
Another way to document and even motivate yourself to go on with the decluttering exercise is to take photos of your space before and after decluttering. This will help you see the achievements and keep a record of the entire process.
5. Try a Free Junk Removal Service
Once you have committed to the decluttering process, the final and most critical step is to get rid of these items in a responsible, convenient, and sustainable way. One way to do this is by partnering with a free junk removal service company such as Easy Donation Pickup.
Before requesting the free services, you want to look up where the company offers its services, the minimum or maximum size it can transport, and most importantly, the type of items or waste it handles. Most junk removal companies collect virtually anything except for heavy or hazardous items such as oil tanks and drums, gasoline, opened cans of paint, or toxic wastes such as asbestos.
6. Be Easy With Yourself
Whether you want to reduce the headcount of items you no longer need or are looking to clean up your home and get rid of old and obsolete belongings, the decision to declutter is one step in the right direction.
More often, you’ll find that you are not necessarily ready to give away or let go of the items you no longer need, either because you believe they have some intrinsic value or just because you love the idea of having them.
Regardless of your situation, you want to work towards a clutter-free space while still paying attention to your needs and unique circumstances.
For some people, decluttering is a work in progress. It’s a constant struggle to get rid of what they have been holding on for years so they can let go of attachment and perhaps unwanted memories that may be holding them back.
That said, the whole process of getting rid of excess or unwanted items doesn’t need to be emotional. It could be as simple as disposing of an old TV set or donating an old bicycle that’s been sitting in the basement for years.
Endnote
As you collect everything ready to be disposed of, remember to always be conscious of the environment and have the right people deal with the waste. If you want to have the clutter removed with the assurance that it will be disposed of responsibly and without incurring any cost, consider working with professionals.