It’s Halloween time! After you’ve decorated the front yard with your pumpkins and spooky skeletons, head back inside your home and dust off the cob webs to tackle the clutter that’s been haunting your home. But don’t be scared, we’re starting simple!
A common mistake people make when decluttering is diving straight into the hardest or most sentimental areas first. Instead, start with quick wins, easy yes-or-no items that require little emotional effort to part with. Here are some ideas for each area of your home:
Kitchen:
- Expired foods that are no longer safe to eat that need to be disposed of immediately
- Broken appliances that no longer work, this is an easy decision straight to landfill!
- Burnt or worn-out cookware and utensils
- Unused utensils and gadgets that are hiding in the bottom of your drawers, donate or gift them to someone who’ll use them
Bedroom:
- Clothes that are ripped or no longer fit, it’s time to make space for the ones you love and maybe even some new
- Books you’ve already read or don’t plan to read again, these are perfect for donation or to be given to a friend
- Broken or tarnished jewellery and accessories, you won’t wear these so it’s time to let them go
Bathroom:
- Expired makeup and skincare products, bin them safely and protect your skin!
- Old towels you no longer use, you’ve replaced them and now it’s time to remove them
- Dried-out nail polish, sunscreen, or toiletries, out they go!
Lounge Room:
- Broken toys, DVDs, electronics, or décor (including nearly-burnt-out candles)
- Old magazines or newspapers collecting dust, these can go straight in the recycle bin
Dining Room:
- Broken plates, bowls, or cups
- Duplicate serving ware — if you have five of the same platter, keep two and donate the rest
Study:
- Old paperwork that’s no longer needed, you can either shred or recycle
- Unused chargers, cords, and cables, most of the time you don’t even know what the cord belongs to so declutter that drawer!
Garage:
- Duplicate tools — if you have multiple of the same item, keep the best one and donate or dispose of the rest
Even small steps make a big difference! Try decluttering just one item from each room this weekend, or focus on a single space, you’ll be surprised how much lighter your home feels.Happy Halloween and Happy Decluttering!
