Welcome to your fresh start! At Open Spaces, we know that life's clutter doesn't just occupy your drawers or crowd your countertops — it can take up mental space, too. That's why we're excited to share our pro guide on how to declutter your life. 

Decluttering paves the way for more joy, efficiency, and clarity every day. Ready to lighten your load and enhance your living spaces? Let’s discover the liberating art of decluttering.

Why Is Decluttering a Smart Move Anyway?

Before we roll up our sleeves, let's pause and consider why decluttering is worth your valuable time and effort. 

Here’s what clearing out the clutter does for you:

• Boosts Productivity: Less mess means fewer distractions. A tidy space streamlines your ability to focus and get things done.
• Reduces Stress: A cluttered environment can spike your cortisol levels. Keeping your space neat naturally calms the chaos, helping you breathe easier.
• Enhances Creativity: Clearing physical space also frees up mental space, giving your creativity room to flourish without the confines of clutter.
• Saves Time: Ever spent precious minutes searching for keys or that important bill? Decluttering puts everything in its place, shaving seconds off your daily searches.
• Improves Sleep: A minimalist, uncluttered bedroom sets the stage for a peaceful night’s rest, proving that less really can be more when it comes to quality slumber.
• Promotes Better Decision-Making: When your surroundings are clear, your mind is less fogged by the overwhelming visual noise that can impede decision-making.

Needless to say, decluttering doesn't just clear your shelves — it revolutionizes your routine!

What Are the Clear Signs You Might Need To Declutter?

Let's get real — deciding whether to declutter isn't always as obvious as tripping over a pile of old magazines. Sometimes, the clutter creeps up so subtly it almost feels natural. But here's a nudge in the right direction. 

If any of these sound familiar, it might be time to embrace the decluttering spirit:

• Constantly misplacing items? If you're spending more time searching for your keys than it takes to read this sentence, it's a sign.
• Are stress levels rising? Feel a twinge of anxiety walking into cluttered rooms? That’s your cue.
• Drawer jams and closet avalanches? If opening your closet feels like a risky endeavor, consider that a loud call for decluttering.
• Home feel less homey? When your space stops being your sanctuary and starts feeling more like a storage unit, it's time for a change.
• Buying duplicates? Ever bought something only to find you already owned it — buried under piles of 'stuff'? Yep, that's a sign too.

How To Declutter Like a Pro

Picking up on the signs that you need to declutter? Wondering where to even begin? Decluttering your home doesn’t have to feel like an insurmountable task. With the right approach, you can transform your space — and your state of mind — in no time. 

Here are some savvy tips to help you harness the chaos and craft a calming, orderly environment:

Set Goals Like a Boss

Define what you want your space to do for you. Craving a zen retreat? A buzz of productivity? Pin that vision to your mental bulletin board and let it guide your purge.

Divide and Conquer

Take it one drawer, one closet, one room at a time. Overhauling your space piece by piece keeps the overwhelm in check and gives you quick wins that fuel motivation.

The Yearly Rule — With Heart

Haven't used it in a year? Time to find a new home. Sell it, gift it, donate it — make space and do good at the same time. 

Keep Countertops Clear

Our Stainless Steel Entryway Rack welcomes you home without the clutter. It’s not just for looks. It’s for life — a less cluttered one.

Go Digital, Stay Sane

Are receipts piling up? Photos lost in a drawer? It’s time they all go digital. Less paper clutter equals more breathing room — and it's eco-smart too!

Underbed Storage for Underused Stuff

Slide seasonal gear out of sight — but not out of reach — with our chic Underbed Storage. It’s like giving your winter wardrobe a summer home without the property taxes.

Cash In or Pay It Forward

Make room and maybe some money by selling what you no longer need, or brighten someone's day by donating. Less clutter, more karma (the good kind).

Elevate with Shelf Risers

Double your shelf real estate with our sleek Shelf Risers. They turn chaos into order and make everything you need pop right into your line of sight.

Daily Ten-Minute Tidies

Invest ten minutes a day to keep the chaos minimal. It’s the small habits that lead to big changes.

Stay Sharp with Regular Revisits

Set a calendar reminder to reassess your space every few months. After all, staying clutter-free isn’t a one-off event — it’s a lifestyle.

What Should You Avoid in Your Decluttering Process?

Now that you're on board the declutter train and speeding towards a tidier horizon, let's make sure you avoid some common derailments. Here are the essential don'ts of decluttering — missteps that can trip you up when streamlining your space.

Don’t Go Overboard

It's easy to get carried away and strip your space down to the bone. Know that decluttering isn’t for creating a void — it involves making room for what truly enhances your life. Your home should feel curated, not evacuated, so keep it balanced.

Avoid the Nostalgia Trap

While it's tempting to hold onto that concert tee from high school, ask yourself if it's serving a purpose other than taking up drawer space. If it’s just nostalgia, consider snapping a photo of it before letting go. 

Don't Buy Before You Purge

Jumping the gun by buying new storage solutions before you sort through what you already have can lead to more clutter. First, assess what stays and what goes. Then, invest in storage that fits your actual needs.

Steer Clear of 'Maybe' Piles

Making a 'maybe' pile can often slow down your decluttering process and leave you with just as much stuff as you started with. Be decisive. If it doesn't spark joy or serve a clear purpose, it’s time to say goodbye.

Don’t Forget To Customize

What works for one person’s lifestyle might not suit yours. Tailor your decluttering strategy to fit your daily routines and personal aesthetics. Craft your own serene space.

Ignore the Urge To Perfect

If you wait for the perfect time or the perfect decluttering plan, you might never get started. Embrace imperfections along the way and adjust as you go. Decluttering is a process, not a one-shot deal.

Avoid Solo Sprints

Don’t tackle the whole house in one go if it feels overwhelming. Break it down into manageable tasks, and if possible, enlist a friend or family member to help. A second opinion can be invaluable, and let’s be honest — it’s more fun with company.

Don’t Dwell on the Past

If you stumble upon items that remind you of past mistakes — like ill-thought purchases or unused gifts — don't dwell on the regret. Avoid the downward spiral by acknowledging the lesson learned, and feel good about making more mindful choices moving forward.

Ready, Set, Declutter!

There you have it — your comprehensive guide to decluttering your life like a pro. Whether you're clearing out a single drawer or overhauling your entire living space, never forget that decluttering is for setting the stage for the life you want to live. So, take these tips, dodge the pitfalls, and tailor the process to suit your unique space and lifestyle. 

And remember, we at Open Spaces are here to help with smart solutions and stylish products designed to keep your spaces open and your mind clear. Here’s to fresh starts!

Shop our collection of organizational heroes today — a little help never hurts!

Sources:

The Mental Health Benefits of Decluttering | USU

Speaking of Psychology: Why clutter stresses us out | American Psychological Association

Earth Day Tips | Earth Day Network

Why Household Mess Triggers Stress and Anxiety | Neuroscience News