Learn practical strategies for decluttering and organizing every room in your house. Join me on my step-by-step journey.
I Have Realized The Need For Simplifying My House
About 18 months ago, I began watching videos on organizing. Initially, I felt lost, as every room, closet, and cabinet in my house seemed overwhelming. I thought that developing a better organizing system would help me maintain control over my home.
Then, I came across something different: a video about minimalism. While the concept wasn’t entirely new to me—I had heard of minimalism over 10 years prior—I hadn’t grasped its basic principles. I mistakenly believed it was a lifestyle for the wealthy, those able to discard perfectly good items and repurchase them if needed.
However, the videos on decluttering and minimalism captivated me. What drew me in was the sense of peace and calm they conveyed. I longed for that tranquility in my home and life.
I Longed For Eazy-to-Clean Space
Another appealing aspect was the ease of maintaining a clean space. I realized that by reducing the number of items on my coffee table and other flat surfaces, cleaning and dusting wouldn’t feel so daunting and time-consuming, and I wouldn’t procrastinate for weeks.
Kitchen Strategy for Decluttering and Organizing
I started in the kitchen, aiming to make it a place that’s easy to clean and free of excess. Many items in the cabinets were rarely used, while all the items on the counter were in constant use. Yet, the cluttered countertop made cleaning challenging.
I began by removing unused items from the cabinets and clearing as many items from the countertops as possible. I recall getting rid of the drying mat on the countertop. Though convenient, it contributed to a cluttered surface and was an eyesore.
Previously, I kept all my cutting boards, spices, trays, bread, tea, and other items out. I didn’t see the point in putting them away since we used them frequently. But now, I wanted them out of sight in drawers and cabinets. I reorganized my kitchen so that these items were easily accessible, making it simple to retrieve and return them.
Living Room and Craft Organizing Solution
A similar situation existed in the living room. As someone who loves crafts, I kept my craft box out. Without a dedicated space for current projects, something was always on the coffee table or floor, depending on what I was working on. I also needed a trash can nearby, so it often sat on the floor. Our mail accumulated on the TV stand, along with various paperwork I didn’t know how to manage. I wondered why I disliked my living room and felt embarrassed to invite people over.
I realized that the closet downstairs was a valuable space for storing these items. I moved all my crafts, sewing machine, and the trash can I used only when crafting into the closet. But first, I had to clear some space by removing things I wasn’t using. The closet was packed with items I don’t even remember now. I also downsized my fabric, lace, and yarn to fit on one shelf. Previously, I had no limit for these items, and they were scattered throughout my house.
My Approach for Decluttering and Organizing Bedroom
I applied the same approach in my bedroom with my bedside table, eventually clearing it of clutter and making it easy to clean. I removed unused items from the drawers and organized my daily hair and makeup items in them.
When I was decluttering my closet, I didn’t pull everything out of it. I was looking at individual items and was making one of two decisions: to keep or let go. I actually did that a few times during the 18 months period and it helped to reduce the amount of stuff in my closet.
This strategy became my approach for every room and space. I downsized my belongings by about 30–40%. Now, if a space feels cluttered or overwhelming, I know it’s time to declutter further.