What is clutter?

Clutter free versus Clutter

What is clutter and how do you define it?

Using the Oxford English dictionary, clutter is ‘a collection of things lying about in an untidy state’

So basically, clutter are items that do not have a permanent home. This is how you define clutter.

Where does it come from?

It can be a state of mind, it can be excessive purchasing, it can simply be a lack of organisation. Either way, if it becomes a problem, it needs to be handled.

How to become clutter free

Becoming clutter free can be a real task that most people without some form of help will struggle with. Your stuff has a personal attachment to you and this is what makes it hard to let it go. 

Professional declutterers can help with this process as they are a 3rd party who have no emotional attachment to your possessions. 

This does not mean however, that declutterers simply throw your stuff away. 

On the contrary, they will work with you in supporting your needs to make those decisions to become clutter free. 

They are an extra pair of hands, experienced in storage ideas and staging the room or area.

You need to have a designated place for everything to become clutter free.

Where to start?

Simply start with a small area or room. Decluttering drawers are a good start as they are small areas where you could make a quick impact. 

Define what is clutter and what needs to be kept, should be at the forefront in your mind. 

In order to move forward, go with the mindset that it has to be tackled with.

With rooms you will need the same ‘it needs to be tackled with’ mindset, but on a larger scale. Start with a single room only and use the ‘3 bins’ strategy.

The ‘3 bins’ strategy

The 3 bins strategy simply means to get 3 bin bags and simply label them, ‘Keep’, ‘Charity’ and ‘Throw Away’. Another person can be handy who can support and help you, if you are finding it hard.

Look at each item and ask yourself some very simple questions. 

How long have I had this for?

When was the last time I used it?

Does it serve some form of purpose?

The questions above can sometimes be the easiest.

With additional help, of another person you will make a dent in the problem to become clutter free. Just use the ‘it needs to be tackled’ mindset.

The next step – a place for everything

This next step can sometimes be the hardest. 

Now you have broken through the decluttering phase, you need to have a permanent home for the items you need to keep.

This is where storage solutions come in handy. 

For garages you can use self standing stacking units with clear plastic boxes with lids. For drawers you can purchase drawer tidies and trays.

If you already have storage units or furniture, re-organising those units for the items you want to keep will be necessary.

This method of re-organising could also help you in making those further decisions about what to keep or give away as sometimes your storage areas would have limited space.

Just be prepared to make those tough decisions. 

Always remember, this is a journey to become clutter free. Because with all journeys there is beautiful and not so beautiful scenery along the way