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Motivation and Inspiration Series: Decluttering and Organizing your Space

January 17, 2024

Our first blog in the Motivation and Inspiration series focused on recovering from the busy holiday season so that you can be in the right state of mind to set and maintain your goals. In this blog, we’re focusing on getting the physical world around you organized so that you feel in control. Decluttering and staying organized can have a positive impact on mental health by reducing stress, improving focus and enhancing creativity. Decluttering and organizing your space can be a rewarding process that creates a more functional and aesthetically pleasing environment. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you declutter and organize your space:

1. Set Clear Goals:

  • Define the purpose of each area or room.
  • Identify specific areas that need attention. This can be based on many factors including how often the area is used or the level of clutter that exists.

2. Start Small:

  • Begin with a small, manageable space to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
  • Tackle one room or area at a time.

3. Sort and Declutter:

  • Sort items into categories (keep, donate, sell, discard).
  • Be ruthless: ask yourself if each item is necessary or brings you joy. I use a “rule of thumb” that if I haven’t used the item in 5 years  I should donate or sell it.

4. Create Designated Spaces:

  • Designate specific areas for different categories of items. One example I like to use is the space under my kitchen sink. It’s easy for me to keep throwing items that don’t really have a specific home under there (like the felt feet that I put under kitchen chairs) but then I can’t find items I need easily. To solve this, I designated the under-sink area for cleaning supplies and moved the other items to a closet and placed them in labelled bins.
  • Keep frequently used items easily accessible.

5. Declutter Surfaces:

  • Minimize items on surfaces like countertops, tables, and desks.
  • Store only essential items and decorations.

6. Use Storage Solutions:

  • Invest in storage containers, baskets, and organizers. There are many cost-effective storage solutions at your local Dollar Store.
  • Utilize vertical space with shelves and wall-mounted storage.

7. Organize by Frequency of Use:

  • Place frequently used items in easily accessible areas.
  • Store occasional or seasonal items in less accessible spaces.

8. Label Containers:

  • Label boxes and containers to easily identify their contents.  This helps maintain organization over time.

9. Streamline Your Wardrobe:

  • Donate or sell clothes you don’t wear (remember my rule of thumb?)
  • Arrange clothes by category and color for easy access.

10. Create a System:

11. Get Rid of Duplicates:

  • Eliminate unnecessary duplicates of items. You can use Mysask411 to find the right fit for each item you want to donate.
  • Keep only the best or most functional items.

12. Develop a Cleaning Routine:

  • Regularly clean and dust your space to maintain cleanliness.
  • Establish a routine to avoid clutter buildup.
  • Think twice before acquiring new items.
  • Consider the long-term impact on your space.

Remember that the process of decluttering and organizing is personal, and what works for one person may not work for another. It’s essential to find a system that suits your lifestyle and preferences. Taking small steps consistently over time can lead to significant improvements in both your physical space and your mental well-being.

-Sarah Elchuk is a Product Consultant on the Revenue Growth Team

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