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In Minimalist Lifestyle ·

How to Start Decluttering | Why Decluttering is Good for You

how to start decluttering
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Are you feeling overwhelmed and unsure how to start decluttering? Let us help you with some tips and benefits of decluttering.

In case you aren’t familiar with our journey, you can read more here. Our life changed after we decluttered. Decluttering is an ongoing process though as things trickle in. Before you know it, the clutter is back. The decluttering process must be a way of life. 

Clutter is all around us—in our homes, in our cars, and even in our minds. It’s hard to escape it. But if you really want to make the most of your space and live a less stressful life, decluttering is the way to go. Let’s take a look at why decluttering can be beneficial for you. Then, we will share how to start decluttering. 

how to start decluttering
Productivity increases with a decluttered space.

8 Reasons Decluttering is Good For You

1. Improves Mental Health

One of the greatest benefits of decluttering is improved mental health. A cluttered home can create feelings of anxiety and depression because it’s often difficult to find what you need amidst all the mess. Having an organized home can reduce stress and make it easier to focus on what’s important. 

2. Enhances Productivity

Clutter can also be detrimental to productivity levels because it takes away valuable time trying to find things that are buried underneath piles of stuff. When everything has its own place, you know exactly where to look and spend more time being productive instead. Having more time is a great reason to start decluttering.

3. Saves Money

Decluttering can also help you save money in the long run by preventing unnecessary purchases from happening due to ‘buying something because I don’t have anything like this already!’ moments that can easily happen when your home is filled with clutter or when you cannot remember what you already have hidden away somewhere due to lack of organization. 

how to start decluttering
Sleep may be the top reason for a lot of people to start decluttering.

4. Increases Your Home Value

If you own your home and are thinking about selling your home one day, decluttering will do wonders for increasing its value. Potential buyers prefer a clean, organized house as opposed to one that is filled with clutter which will often make them think twice before making an offer. It also makes the moving process so much easier. We know all about that!

5. Improves Quality of Sleep

Did you know that a cluttered bedroom could be responsible for sleep deprivation? Studies show that cluttered bedrooms cause distraction which makes it difficult for us to fall asleep easily leading to exhaustion during the day due to lack of quality sleep at night.  Does that make you want to start decluttering?

6. Reduces Waste

Decluttering your home means getting rid of unnecessary items which will help reduce waste. Those items won’t end up in landfills unnecessarily taking up space and polluting the environment. Over time, they break down into smaller pieces releasing toxic gases into the atmosphere. 

how to start decluttering
If you are looking for a way to make money from your decluttering, check this out.

7. Makes Cleaning Easier

With less stuff around, cleaning becomes infinitely easier since there isn’t much left behind after spending a few minutes dusting or vacuuming up dirt and debris off surfaces or floors. Again, we know this very well.  

8. Gives You More Space

Last but not least, decluttering gives you extra space. The extra room allows for greater freedom of movement inside your home giving it an open feel. It also creates a healthier living environment by allowing fresh air to circulate inside more freely than before.

So, how do you start decluttering?

1. You can embark on a decluttering project, room by room. Start with the living room, and move to the kitchen, bathroom, storage areas, etc.

2. Give yourself some grace. Talk positively to yourself, but don’t tell yourself lies about the stuff. Decluttering can be difficult at first. In the beginning, sentimental items begin to pull at your heartstrings. You just need to take it one thing at a time, one shelf at a time, rather than looking at the entire house as the plan to declutter.  

3. Are you paying for storage space outside of your home? If so, don’t forget to include this in your decluttering. This is a huge benefit as you will save money once you rid of the things and the space. 

4. Begin saying no to things entering your home. You will begin to see how easy things creep in without you actually bringing in the stuff yourself. Mail is a big issue for a lot of people. Read more here to learn how to stop the mail clutter. 

how to start decluttering

The 30-Day Declutter Challenge

5. The easiest way we can help you with decluttering is our free 30-day declutter challenge. It takes you through step-by-step, manageable daily tasks to declutter. Most shouldn’t take you longer than 10-15 minutes to do. Do it for 30 days and you will undoubtedly be thrilled with the results. It’s not uncommon for people to do the challenge 2-3 months in a row as they are still keeping things and allowing things to enter their lives. 

The declutter challenge also helps with reducing clutter in your mind, like toxic self-talk, stressors, etc. Try the challenge and see for yourself, if it is how to start decluttering the negativity and things from your life that you don’t need. 

Do you feel better about starting to declutter and how it can help you?

Decluttering may seem like an overwhelming task but once completed, you will see just how beneficial it is for both yourself and your home overall. Not only does it improve mental health but also increases productivity levels while saving money in the process. So next time someone suggests decluttering your home don’t shy away from the challenge; embrace it wholeheartedly. You won’t regret it!

how to start decluttering
Why is it so hard to declutter?

Because people hold value and emotions in their material things. Once you learn that things are not people, shelter over your head, or brings you joy, the process is easier.

Can I start the declutter challenge any time?

Yes! It just needs to be 30 days in a row. You can start anytime but there is no time like the present.

Is the declutter challenge really free?

Absolutely, 100% yes! It is totally free!

Related posts:

The Lies We Tell Ourselves About Clutter
30-Day Minimalism Game
How I Rebuilt My Wardrobe by Spending No Money, After Losing Over 75 Pounds
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About arneradventures

Hi, we are Shannon and Gerry Arner, and our rescue, fur baby, Betty White. After owning our own business, working 24/7, we made a lifestyle change and decided to make the most out of life. We sold our house, downsized, and moved to the coast. We are wanderlusters; we live life minimally, but fully. We live each day as an adventure, and enjoy sharing them with you!

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