For many people, clutter is prevalent in some areas of their home. In the garage, in the basement, in the attic, we store things that we rarely use or are sorry to throw away. Over the years, they accumulate to the point that you don't even know what you own, and over time a nice storage area develops. Sometimes you can't even park your car in the garage because it's full. So when we stash stuff in the guest room, closet or garage, we are simply creating another task for the future. The longer we avoid these decisions, the more clutter accumulates and the more overwhelming it becomes to deal with.
The mess is nothing more than postponed decisions.
Having a warehouse like this long term is like having a monkey on your back. You're haunted by the nagging feeling that at some point you're going to have to deal with it. Do you feel guilty and want to change it? When you can no longer use the room for its intended purpose, it's time to ask yourself: "Is this space working? How do I really want to use this room? "
Clutter causes anxiety.
By storing things you don't use and just cluttering up your precious space, you're cluttering up your home, and that clutter creates stress and anxiety. The home ceases to be a peaceful place. Anxiety and stress affect the functioning of the family.
Why do we store things we don't use?
People often tell us: "We should keep it because it was a gift. One day we can use it. We can't give it away, it's brand new. Maybe someone in the family will use it. " Deal with the sentimental clutter and make room for the things you use, need and love. It can be a daunting task, but the amount of space you gain can make a big difference. If you're feeling overwhelmed in this area, hire a professional, it will be worth it!
How to get rid of clutter
Start small. The mess didn't appear overnight and it won't disappear overnight. Dealing with clutter takes a lot of effort. The first step in organizing any room in your house is a proper purge and getting rid of junk. Lay out all the stuff and divide it into groups: donate, keep, throw away. Tip: Try to pick a nice day when all members of the household get involved and spend time together as a family. Make cleaning and simplifying your surroundings a priority. If you want a great end result, a big cleanse will get you there. Let go of things you no longer use, need, love or have no place to put away. When clutter gets out of control, people feel overwhelmed and don't know where to start. If you've reached this stage, don't hesitate to enlist the help of a professional organizer. Sometimes all it takes is a little help to start the process. Professional organizers work side-by-side with you and offer support without prejudice, expertise in organizing systems, and even humor.
How to store your belongings?
When you have your belongings ready to store, implementing baskets and shelving is especially helpful in creating the right home for all of your belongings. Use plastic bins with lids to store items that need to be protected from seasonal temperatures, dust and pests. Use open boxes or crates for easy access to things you need frequently. Divide everything into categories according to use, e.g. things for sports, camping, painting and paint...
Time for labels.
Once you've finished categorizing, organizing, and placing your belongings, it's time to label. Labeling items or shelves will help you maintain your new organizational systems and ensure that everything always goes back to the right place. That's how you'll maintain long-term order. Not only will this make your life easier, but it will create a system that will help the whole family.
I always say it's not about having enough space, it's about owning too much stuff. Simplifying and organizing your home will ease daily frustrations, save you time and money, and make your home a calm, quiet and relaxing place you want to come home to at the end of the day.