Decluttering, downsizing or home clearing are already overwhelming tasks so don’t overcomplicate it with an expensive and unnecessary toolkit. However here are some basic essentials tools that will make the job so much easier and safer for yourself:
- Gloves: When going through piles of belongings that haven’t been touched in a while it is important to wear sturdy gloves when going into the unknown to protect yourself from dust, potential mould and other hazardous substances.
- Face Mask: It is important to look after your respiratory health and protect yourself from dust, allergens and other invisible substances like mould. A P2 mask would be best but a basic face mask is better than nothing at all.
- Organising Essentials: Garbage Bags that are colour coordinated, such as black bags can be trash and white can be donated, this ensures belongings go to the right place as well as clear the space to ensure you stop going through the same items multiple times. Reusable shopping bags are also good sturdy ways to return belongings to people and donation places without breaking. Sticky notes, labels such as masking tape and permanent markers are essential for organising boxes, bags and belongings. This ensures items are correctly disposed of whether that be recycled, rehome, rubbish donated or returned and don’t get misplaced.
- Tool Box Essentials: Basic tools including a stanley knife, scissors, cleaning wipes and screwdrivers are great when decluttering! Scissors and Stanley knives are always handy when you are sorting through closed boxes and for other quick cuts. Cleaning wipes are great to have on standby for when you clean out a draw, bench or surface that just needs a quick wipe down after clearing for that final reveal of your new decluttered space. Then finally screwdrivers are great for disassembling items that are being relocated or removing/changing the batteries on items (Handy Hint: have fresh batteries nearby to see if the item doesn’t work or if the batteries are simply dead, this will help you make quick yes or no decisions).
- Air Purifier: Decluttering stirs up a lot of dust and allergens so it’s always a good idea to have an air purifier running whilst moving through belongings, especially if you don’t have a face mask.
- Patience: Decluttering isn’t an easy process so be kind to yourself, celebrate the small wins and if a decision is too hard move onto an easier one and come back to it later.
