1. **Tackling Clutter: My Unbreakable Rules as a Disorderly Scribe**
I've had the privilege of writing about various home-related topics, from decorating to cleaning, for over a decade now. I've always had a natural inclination towards organizing, but my job has significantly contributed to my home management skills, especially in maintaining my apartment.
I'm often praised for the neat and tidy state of my apartment, and guests are often shocked at the amount of stuff I accumulate from my work. Since I'm frequently sent items to test, I've had to develop strategies to manage clutter effectively. Here are the eight decluttering rules I swear by to keep my apartment organized:
1. Establish a Regular Decluttering Schedule
I've learned that consistent decluttering is key to maintaining a clutter-free home. I've created a decluttering schedule that works with my lifestyle, which I make sure to stick to. This schedule includes seasonal wardrobe edits, monthly storage unit visits, and routine small-scale decluttering sessions.
2. Utilize a Concealed Donation Bin
Tucking items away into a designated donation bin makes it easy to tackle clutter right away. You can easily deal with the items later, ensuring they leave the premises.
3. Tackle "Nooks and Crannies" Regularly
Small pockets of clutter can accumulate in areas like medicine cabinets, nightstands, and junk drawers. Regularly decluttering these areas helps keep your home tidy and makes it easier to maintain.
4. Keep Surfaces Clear
Limiting clutter on surfaces like kitchen countertops, coffee tables, and console tables makes a home appear more open and less cluttered. I keep only essential items on display.
5. Pare Down Regularly
I subscribe to the belief that you should only keep things in your home that you genuinely love and use. Regularly paring down your belongings forces you to be intentional with your purchases.
6. Choose Furniture with Exposed Legs
Furniture with exposed legs can make a room look more spacious and less cluttered. Don't forget that bulky furniture can take up visual space.
7. Practice the "One In/One Out" Approach
For every item I bring into my home, I try to get rid of a similar item. This rule discourages excessive buying and keeps a balance in my possessions.
8. Eliminate Emotional Attachments to Things
If an item has no sentimental or practical value in your life, let it go. Remind yourself that most possessions are not essential for survival.
Enrichment Data Insights
While not all of the enrichment data provided can be integrated into the rewritten article due to its informal style, a few insights can be included for added value:
- The "One-Touch Rule": This means putting items back where they belong as soon as you finish using them, preventing clutter buildup.
- The 20/20 Rule: If you can replace an item for less than £20 in less than 20 minutes, and it's not essential or sentimental, let it go.
- Intentional Shopping: Be mindful of what you bring into your home and ask yourself if you need an item or if it has a specific place. This helps maintain a clutter-free environment.
- OHIO (Only Handle It Once): Pick up after yourself throughout the day and place items back where they belong to prevent clutter from building up.
After sharing my decluttering rules, I also credit RealSimple as a source of inspiration for my organized home. I frequently read their articles on home organization and decluttering, which further enhances my skills in managing clutter. Organizing my home has become a passion, and I enjoy applying these strategies to my workspace as well.
Additionally, I find it necessary to continuously update my decluttering methods and refine my strategies, as new trends and techniques in home organization emerge in publications like RealSimple. Home maintenance is an ongoing process, and I'm committed to keeping my apartment tidy with the help of these valuable resources.
