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5 Ways To Declutter Your Life Any Time of the Year

Whether it’s spring cleaning or a mid-summer refresh, decluttering your life is always a good idea. But who says you have to wait for a specific season to tidy up? In this post, we’re sharing five easy ways to declutter your life any time of the year. Say goodbye to the chaos and hello to a more organized, stress-free you!

What are the benefits of decluttering?

Decluttering can bring a multitude of benefits to your life. Firstly, it can reduce feelings of stress and overwhelm by creating a more organized and peaceful environment.

It can also save you time and energy spent looking for misplaced items. Additionally, decluttering can help you focus better, as a tidy space can lead to a clearer mind.

Finally, decluttering can create a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, boosting your overall mood and well-being. So, whether you’re tackling a closet or tidying up your workspace, decluttering is a win-win!

How can decluttering be a year-round practice?

Decluttering doesn’t have to be a once-a-year event—it can be a year-round practice! Instead of waiting for spring cleaning season, you can incorporate small decluttering tasks into your regular routine.

For example, you could set aside a few minutes each day to tidy up a specific area or tackle one small decluttering project per week. By spreading out the decluttering process, you can maintain a clutter-free space and avoid feeling overwhelmed by the task. Plus, it’s a great way to stay on top of clutter before it becomes a bigger issue.

ways to declutter your life any time of year

5 Ways To Declutter Your Life Any Time of the Year

1. Assess Your Spaces

Assessing your spaces to declutter is an important first step in the decluttering process. You need to figure out what areas need the most attention. What space is not working effectively for you?

For me, when I’m stressed and overwhelmed, it often starts with smaller areas of my home, like a closet or a bathroom, that are feeling too full and not effective.

Here’s a guide to help you get started:

  1. Start with a Plan: Before diving into decluttering, take some time to create a plan. Identify which areas of your home or life you want to declutter and set realistic goals for each space.
  2. Take Inventory: Begin by taking inventory of the items in the space you want to declutter. This will help you see what you have and identify items that you no longer need or use.
  3. Identify Problem Areas: Look for areas in your home that tend to accumulate clutter, such as closets, drawers, and countertops. These areas may require more attention and organization.
  4. Evaluate Your Use of Space: Consider how you currently use the space and whether it is serving its purpose efficiently. Are there items that could be moved or stored elsewhere to free up space?
  5. Declutter by Category: Instead of decluttering by room, consider decluttering by category (e.g., clothing, books, kitchen items). This can help you see the full extent of your belongings and make it easier to decide what to keep and what to discard.
  6. Ask Yourself Questions: As you assess each item, ask yourself questions such as: Do I use this regularly? Does this item bring me joy? Is this item still in good condition? Do I have duplicates of this item? Can I repurpose or donate this item?
  7. Set Aside Time: Decluttering can be a time-consuming process, so set aside dedicated time to focus on decluttering each space. Start with smaller, manageable tasks and work your way up to larger projects.
  8. Get Rid of Clutter: Once you’ve identified items to declutter, decide whether to donate, sell, recycle, or discard them. Be ruthless in your decisions and try to let go of items that no longer serve a purpose in your life.
  9. Organize and Maintain: After decluttering, organize the remaining items in a way that makes sense for you. Consider using storage solutions such as bins, baskets, and shelves to keep things tidy. Regularly revisit and maintain your decluttered spaces to prevent clutter from building up again.

By following these steps, you can effectively assess your spaces and declutter them to create a more organized and functional environment.

minimal bedroom

2. Start Small With Decluttering

Starting small is key when it comes to decluttering. Instead of trying to tackle your entire house in one go, focus on one small area or task at a time. This could be a single drawer, a shelf, or even just your bedside table. By starting small, you’ll avoid feeling overwhelmed and make the process more manageable.

Incremental progress is also important. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and decluttering your home won’t happen overnight either. By making small, consistent efforts, you’ll gradually see improvements in your space. Celebrate each small win along the way to stay motivated and keep up the momentum.

Remember, decluttering is a marathon, not a sprint. So take it slow, start small, and before you know it, you’ll have a clutter-free and organized home.

ways to declutter your life any time of year

3. Declutter Your Digital Life

Decluttering isn’t just about physical spaces—it’s also about clearing out the digital clutter in your life. Here are some tips for organizing your digital files and emails, as well as the benefits of digital decluttering.

There are a lot of benefits to digital decluttering:

  • Improved productivity: A clutter-free digital space can help you focus better and be more productive.
  • Better digital security: By organizing and decluttering your files, you can better protect your sensitive information from cyber threats.
  • Reduced stress: A cluttered digital space can be overwhelming. Decluttering can help reduce stress and improve your overall well-being.

By taking the time to declutter your digital life, you can enjoy a more organized and efficient digital experience. We have an entire guide for decluttering your digital life!

4. Let Go of Unused Items

Parting with items you no longer need can be tough, but it doesn’t have to be. One strategy is to ask yourself if the item serves a purpose or brings you joy. If not, it might be time to let it go. Another approach is to thank the item for its service and then release it, acknowledging that it has served its purpose in your life.

It’s also important to recognize the emotional aspects of decluttering. Many items hold sentimental value, making it hard to part with them. In these cases, consider taking a photo of the item before letting it go, so you can keep the memory without the physical clutter. Remember, decluttering is about creating a space that supports your well-being, so don’t be afraid to let go of things that no longer serve you.

ways to declutter your life any time of year

5. Have a Goal of Creating Sustainable Habits

Creating sustainable habits when it comes to decluttering is all about consistency and mindfulness. Instead of viewing decluttering as a one-time task, think of it as an ongoing process. Set aside a few minutes each day or week to tidy up a specific area, such as a drawer or closet.

Another sustainable habit is to practice the “one in, one out” rule. For every new item you bring into your home, try to remove an old one. This can help prevent clutter from building up in the future.

Finally, be mindful of what you bring into your space. Before purchasing something new, ask yourself if it’s something you truly need or if it will just add to the clutter. By being intentional about what you bring into your home and regularly decluttering your spaces, you can create a more sustainable and clutter-free environment over time.

Where Will You Start Decluttering Today?

Decluttering your life doesn’t have to be a daunting task reserved for spring cleaning. By incorporating these five easy tips into your routine, you can create a more organized and stress-free environment any time of the year. Remember to start small, stay consistent, and be mindful of what you bring into your space.

Whether you’re decluttering your physical spaces or your digital life, the benefits of a clutter-free environment are clear. So, why wait? Start decluttering today and reap the rewards of a more simplified life!

ways to declutter your life any time of year

About the Author

Nicole Booz

Nicole Booz is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of GenTwenty, GenThirty, and The Capsule Collab. She has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and is the author of The Kidult Handbook (Simon & Schuster May 2018). She currently lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and two sons. When she’s not reading or writing, she’s probably hiking, eating brunch, or planning her next great adventure.

Website: genthirty.com