Why is it important to declutter? How can it benefit your mental health and others' wellbeing?

Decluttering is a process that goes beyond tidying up your home or workspace. It is a journey towards simplifying your life, reducing stress and chaos, and freeing up both physical and mental space. The benefits of decluttering are numerous, ranging from improved organization and productivity, to a more harmonious living environment and a heightened sense of well-being. But where to start? In this article, we delve into the many benefits of decluttering and offer practical tips and techniques for getting started and maintaining a clutter-free life. So, ready to embrace change and simplify your world? Let's begin.

Benefits of decluttering

Decluttering your space is not just about getting organized, it's also a way to improve your mood and health. Here's why:

1. Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Unorganized spaces can trigger feelings of stress and anxiety. Decluttering your environment can bring peace of mind and clarity to your thoughts.

2. Improves Sleep

Messy spaces can lead to sleeping problems and hoarding disorders, according to a study by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. A clutter-free environment promotes better sleep.

3. Reduces Asthma and Allergy Risks

Piles of clutter attract pests, increase dust, mold, and mildew, which can worsen asthma and allergies. Decluttering helps reduce these risks.

4. Increases Productivity and Concentration

Cluttered environments drain cognitive resources and lead to reduced productivity and procrastination, according to studies. A clean and organized space promotes better focus and concentration.

5. Good for Mental and Physical Health

Giving to charity, as a result of decluttering, has been linked to reduced stress, lower blood pressure, and improved overall health, according to several studies.

In conclusion, decluttering your environment has numerous benefits for your mental and physical health. It can relieve stress and anxiety, improve sleep, reduce asthma and allergy risks, increase productivity and concentration, and have a positive impact on your overall health.

 

How to get started with decluttering

Elevate your living and working spaces by embracing the power of decluttering. It may seem daunting, but with the right mindset and approach, it can be a fun and rewarding process. To get started, try to focus on one room at a time, and set achievable goals, such as decluttering your bedroom closet or office desk.

Here's a simple strategy to help you declutter efficiently:

Set aside three bags, boxes, baskets, or containers for sorting your belongings. One for trash and recyclables, another for items to donate, and a third for miscellaneous items that need to be mended, returned, or sold.

By focusing on sorting into these three categories, you can avoid getting bogged down in decision-making and keep the decluttering process moving smoothly.

Remember, decluttering should not be a time-consuming and meticulous task. If you encounter an item that you're not sure about, simply set it aside and come back to it later. The goal is to efficiently sort through your belongings and create a clearer and more organized environment.

Tips for decluttering

The following tips can assist you in decluttering your interiors:

1. Get rid of items you haven't used in the last two years.
2. Discard expired items, including pantry items that have passed their expiration date but haven't gone bad. You can donate these items to a food bank for evaluation.
3. If you haven't touched something in ten years, it's time to let go.
4. If you don't like or use an item, get rid of it.
5. Consider the pros and cons of keeping items if you're unsure of their future use.
6. Ask yourself why you haven't used the item and if it's replaceable.
7. Consider selling valuable items or donating them to those in need.
8. Weigh the cost of replacement, storage, maintenance, and cleaning when deciding to keep an item.
9. Keep only items that you use, need, and desire.
10. Store questionable items in a bin in your garage or attic for future access. Don't be too harsh on yourself and remember the goal is to simplify your space.

Tips to decluttering by room

How to simplify your home and workspace? Here are some recommendations that you can apply to make this task easier.

Bedroom

Start by making your bed and tidying up the room. A book, "Make Your Bed" by William H. McRaven, highlights the positive impact this simple habit can have on your life. Then, pick up any clothes off the floor, hang or put them away or in the laundry. Sort through the dresser, nightstand, and closet drawers to eliminate items that no longer fit, are not worn, or desired. Check the bathroom medicine cabinet and beauty products and dispose of expired items (return unused medications to the pharmacy). Wipe down shelves and surfaces that don't get much attention.

Kitchen

Evaluate small appliances and gadgets and donate or discard any unused items. Do the same with coffee mugs, utensils, cookware, and flatware. Clean the pantry and refrigerator and dispose of expired food.

Child's Room and Pet Supplies

During decluttering, involve children in sorting through toys and clothing to donate gently used items to those in need. Do the same with pet supplies.

Garage and Basement

Sort through shelves, drawers, and cabinets to throw away or donate and recycle items. Consult with an accountant on the length of time to keep financial records, both hard copy and digital. Properly dispose of chemicals, solvents, paints, etc. according to local regulations.

Workplace

Start by keeping only what is necessary. Sort items into "keep," "recycle/trash," or "belongs elsewhere." Most clutter in the workplace is paper-based, such as documents, business cards, sticky notes, and meeting notes. Store important documents electronically by scanning or typing them and discard paper copies. Use apps like Evernote, Google Docs, or Notes to store and digitize notes across multiple devices.

Declutter for a cause in the US - An initiative in the month of February 

February is the perfect time to declutter and make a difference, as it's Declutter for a Cause Month! As we transition from the New Year and gear up for spring cleaning, this is an opportunity to simplify our spaces and help others in need.

Declutter for a Cause encourages individuals to declutter their homes and workplaces and donate their belongings to nonprofit organizations that are struggling with funding and workload. To participate, simply donate your unused or unwanted items to a charitable organization of your choice. If you need suggestions, check out Dylan Matthews' article on Vox for more information.

You can also take the initiative to start your own cause. For example, you could host a fundraising event at your child's school or organize a neighborhood yard sale with proceeds going to a local charity. Utilize your social media network by creating a Facebook fundraising event to spread awareness and support for a nonprofit organization that you care about.