Top Tips For Tackling A Major Home Declutter

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There's not much better in life than tackling a major home declutter - the sense of achievement and all the extra space are usually very welcome! However, when you're at the beginning of a project like this, and you're stood looking into that spare room or cupboard under the stairs that has become a magnet for accumulated junk, it can all seem extremely overwhelming. Where are you meant to begin? How can you tackle it quickly for best results? Whether you're busting the clutter ahead of a house move, or you're simply sick of looking at the mess and want to reclaim the space, there are ways to get it done quickly and effectively.

Go In Prepared

There's nothing like mentally psyching yourself up to tackle a big clear-out, only to find that you've left something downstairs or in the kitchen and you have to keep running to fetch things. So before you begin, make sure that you have everything you need at your fingertips. Items such as a roll of bin liners, rubber gloves, cleaning spray, cardboard boxes for sorting out things that need to be donated or stored, a couple of clothes, and the vacuum cleaner are usually the sort of things you need to hand. 

Decide On A System

If there's a lot of clutter to sort through, you need to have some sort of system as to how you're planning to sort through it all. This will depend on the items you have to organize. If it's clothes, many people find that splitting them into three piles is helpful - ones that can be taken to the charity shop, ones that need alterations or repairs, and ones that can be washed and put back in the wardrobe. If it's old toys and games from the kids, you might choose a pile for things with missing pieces or that are broken and need to be recycled, a pile for those that are in good condition but have been outgrown and need to be handed down to younger cousins or donated, and a pile for the kids to 'rediscover'. When it comes to the actual sorting, be quick and decisive. Don't get caught into closely examining things or remembering when they were worn or used - you need to be quick and ruthless! If you've already organised a trip to the donation centre or a Same-Day Rubbish Removal, it will keep you on track and ensure that what you sort out is swiftly out of the way.

Call In Some Support

Some messes are just too big to tackle on your own. Make sure that you call in reinforcements. Getting your kids involved in organizing is a good idea. Many hands make light work, you're passing on valuable decluttering skills and encouraging your family to reuse or donate items you no longer need. Or, if you need to declutter items where you have an emotional attachment, try calling in a friend who doesn't, and who can help you to be objective about what needs to go.

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