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Many individuals struggle with clutter in their homes. The problem often stems from an overabundance of belongings rather than a lack of storage space. Professional organizer Bridget Urgo highlights the mental impact of disorganization, stating, “Many individuals underestimate the burden that disorganization places on their minds.” Decluttering can enhance clarity, facilitate access to necessities, and reduce unnecessary spending. Here are effective strategies for decluttering common household items.
The facts
Decluttering common household items
Many households accumulate unwanted vases after receiving floral arrangements. Maura Fitzgerald, a professional organizer, notes, “You’re unlikely to use those vases again; you’ll stick to your cherished Tiffany vase for your own arrangements.” Returning these items to local florists can prevent them from gathering dust.
The kitchen often contains excess gadgets. Do you need both an apple corer and a mango slicer? Urgo suggests using a simple knife for fruit preparation. Fitzgerald points out that many trendy appliances, like Instant Pots, often remain unused. Donating or discarding these items can create a more functional kitchen.
Electronics and bags galore
Outdated electronics, such as old phones and laptops, commonly clutter homes. Many people hold onto these items with the hope they may be useful someday. However, it is essential to wipe personal data before disposal. Urgo recommends recycling or selling these devices back to manufacturers, which may offer credits for future purchases.
Reusable bags also accumulate quickly. Fitzgerald suggests limiting your collection to five bags. Excess bags can be donated to local food banks, helping others transport groceries.
The consequences
Managing paper clutter and gift supplies
Paper clutter is prevalent among Baby Boomers and young families. Old receipts, manuals, and children’s artwork often take up valuable space. Nikki Boyd, an organizer, advises parents to let children choose their favorite pieces of artwork to save. For the rest, consider photographing them to create a digital folder, preserving memories without physical clutter.
Instruction manuals can typically be found online, eliminating the need for hard copies. Boyd also recommends digitizing children’s artwork, allowing for memory preservation without physical items.
Gift wrapping supplies and kitchen books
Many households have extensive collections of gift-wrapping supplies, which can overtake storage spaces. Shira Gill advises creating a designated space for these items and keeping only what you need.
With the rise of online recipes, traditional cookbooks have become less essential. It is practical to retain a few favorites while donating the rest, promoting intentionality in your belongings.
Thoughtful storage solutions
Old toys and expired items
Evaluate whether outdated toys or expired beauty products are truly being used in your home. Urgo suggests letting go of items you do not consume or use. For old paint disposal, contact local recycling centers to ensure environmentally responsible handling.
Thoughtful storage solutions
Many households accumulate unwanted vases after receiving floral arrangements. Maura Fitzgerald, a professional organizer, notes, “You’re unlikely to use those vases again; you’ll stick to your cherished Tiffany vase for your own arrangements.” Returning these items to local florists can prevent them from gathering dust.0
Many households accumulate unwanted vases after receiving floral arrangements. Maura Fitzgerald, a professional organizer, notes, “You’re unlikely to use those vases again; you’ll stick to your cherished Tiffany vase for your own arrangements.” Returning these items to local florists can prevent them from gathering dust.1