The Ultimate Decluttering Checklist – A Guide To More Productivity

Why you should Declutter:

“Clutter attracts more clutter” – happysimplemom. 

It’s simple to put another container in the corner when there are already container friends waiting. It’s much harder to disturb “virgin space”. 

• I think a messy place can cause a lot of discomfort when you invite friends or family over. Especially when they are of the super tidy kind. Not that I would say clutter is something to be embarrassed about. We all have busy lives.  And sometimes other issues are more important. 

• Easier and less to clean. Of course, to declutter shouldn’t just be done for others. Decluttering means a lot less dusting and cleaning. The less you have the simpler to clean. Imagine swiping a surface and there are 20 trinkets. It’s a lot easier if there are just 1 or 2 picture frames. It’s all about making your life easier.

• It’ll get a lot easier to find things. Sometimes I am a little airheaded. I put my keys or glasses somewhere. Ever had to search your glasses without glasses on lol? On a clean surface it’s a lot easier to find your stuff. 

• Clutter causes stress and reduces your focus. We are already working from home most of the days. That situation is already stressful enough. So let’s remove some stress by decluttering! Here is a post WHY MESS CAUSES STRESS.

What makes your place look cluttered: 

In order to declutter you need to know what makes your place look cluttered in the first place so I checked out 25 things that make your home look cluttered by thesimplicityhabit. Check the link for the whole post! To sum it up the following points are often at fault for making our home cluttered: 

• Overfilled bookcases 
• Over accessorizing 
• Items on surfaces 
• Things without a home 
• Supplies on tables 
• Mail on the counter
• Papers and magnets on the refrigerator
• Laundry left sitting out
• Oversized organizers
• Paperwork
• Things overflowing from their designated space
• Trash and empty boxes
• Magazines and newspapers 
• Mismatched items
• Shoes
• Knick-Knacks

How to Declutter Efficiently: 

Now that we know why we should declutter and what makes our home look cluttered. Let’s check out some strategies to declutter. 

The Flat Surface Method

Haha no idea what to call it. In any case this is my strategy:

1. I take all the stuff that is lying around at my place or doesn’t have a fixed space and take it to my biggest empty surface. By the end all my clutter is on the table. (If the table is not big enough you might use the floor).
2. After emptying all the messy looking cupboards and shelves I give them a thorough swipe. 
3. Next, I prepare some containers or shoe boxes to use as organizers and a big bin or plastic bags for the trash. 
4. Things I haven’t used in a long time are either thrown away, recycled or brought for storage to the cellar. As a help I go through the following questions: 

• Did I use the item within the last year? 
• When will I use it the next time? 
• Could someone else I know need it? 
• Do I just keep it for sentimental reasons? 
• When did it expire? 
• Is it broken, if so can I fix it, is it worth fixing? 

Generally, I have difficulties throwing away stuff. But since I also don’t buy “useless” stuff my place isn’t very cluttered. And I try to declutter at least once a year. It took me a few tries to throw away a wrapper my grandmother gave me before she passed away. Don’t be too hard on yourself. If you can’t throw it this time maybe the next time you declutter you will be ready. Each time a little. 

1. Whatever is left gets sorted into the cupboards. I try to have a fixed place for everything. 
2. Last step is maintenance. And that needs a lot of discipline. When you get something out put it back immediately after using it. If not the surfaces will start to get cluttered again. 

While I do this, I watch some decluttering TV show or Cleaning show. It helps me stay motivated. 

• The Basket Method – By Happysimplemom

You can also use the method mentioned by Happysimplemom. For this take a laundry basket and start in one room.  Grab everything off any flat surface and put it in the basket.  Then, start putting things in their designated place. 

• The KonMari Method by Mari Kondo

The Konmari Method is a simple method developed by Mari Kondo, where you tackle your clutter according to stuff category instead of room by room. 

The categories are: 

• Clothes
• Books
• Papers
• Miscellaneous Items
• Sentimental Items

According to Mari Kondo you first have to commit yourself to tidying up and next imagine your ideal situation. You start off by sorting and throwing out all items that don’t spark joy in you. Before you throw them away you should thank each item sincerely for being of service . When discarding you follow the order as mentioned above. 

• Some Sorting Tips by becomingminimalist 

If you want to read more tips, click the link above!