20 Decluttering Tips for 2020

Darlene Main • January 15, 2020

Clutter can sometimes sneak up on us. The new year can be a great time to declutter and get organized. Here are 20 decluttering tips for 2020.

1. Schedule Time

Scheduling designated time for decluttering will greatly increase your chances of following through. Whether you need an afternoon or a few full weekends, block off the necessary time to get organized.

2. Do Your Prep Work

Be prepared! Create a list of what areas you are focused on and what type organizational storage you need to buy. Have everything ready to go before starting.

3. Visualize

Try to visualize in your mind how you want your space to look after you declutter and the best method of organization to get there.

4. Create A Work Space

You need a clear space to work. Have all your supplies on hand and a counter or table to work on. Have a notebook for jotting down notes as you go along.

5. Start A Donation Box

In most cases, not everything is a keeper. Start a donation box to get rid of things you simply don't use or need anymore. Once you are done decluttering, immediately drop off your donation boxes so that it doesn't hang around to create new clutter.

6. Be Honest With Yourself

To properly declutter, you have to be honest with yourself. If you haven't used something or even forgot that you owned it, you may not need to keep it anymore. You don't want to spend time organizing and storing things that you really don't have a use for.

7. Throw It Away

If its been broken for years or is completely outdated, it may be time to throw it away. Don't keep it just to keep it. Throw away items that you know you don't need and are not fit for donation.

8. Maximize Your Space

You only have so much garage and closet space. You have to maximize your storage spaces to the fullest. Utilizing labels, stack-able bins, closet organizers, and shelving can really help.

9. Shred It

If you don't have a shredder, it is a great investment. Shred all your old paperwork that is no longer needed. If you have more than a personal shredder can handle, you can hire a service to destroy all your old paperwork for you. You can also make digital copies of paperwork too.

10. Create A Filing System

Create an easily accessible filing system for all your important paperwork and documents. Filing cabinets and accordion folders are ideal tools for this.

11. Talk To Your Family

Your family needs to be on-board with your decluttering project. Enlist them to help with your organizational efforts and stress the importance of keeping your home decluttered long-term.

12. Be Patient With Yourself

Don't put too much pressure on yourself. You didn't create the clutter overnight, so you won't be able to get rid of it overnight. Put yourself on a realistic timeline for decluttering your home.

13. Eliminate Distractions

It's easy to let distractions keep you off-task. Silence the cell, turn off the TV, shutdown the laptop, and get to work.

14. Have Cleaning Supplies

Have all the necessary cleaning and sanitizing supplies on hand. Dusting cloths, all-purpose cleaner, a broom & mop, and glass cleaner are just some of the supplies you will likely need. Cleaning as you go is a terrific idea.

15. Don't Forget Your Drawers

Drawers are often those little cluttered areas that get neglected. Be sure to declutter all of your drawers. It may be a good idea to buy organizers for your drawers to help keep all the contents accessible and visible.

16. Keep A Positive Attitude

Attitude is everything. Take a breather when needed. Keeping your energy up and positive will help you through this process. Putting on some motivational music may help too.

17. Utilize Hooks

Adding multi hooks to hallways, closets, doors, and garages can greatly assist with organization.

18. Scale Down Your Clothing

Hanging on to clothes that don't fit, are outdated, or worn out can cause immense clutter in your bedroom. Go through your clothing piece by piece and decide if you want to keep it, dispose of it, or donate it.

19. Use Clear Storage

Use clear storage whenever you can. It helps so much when you are trying to find what you are looking for later.

20. Re-Gift It

If you are hanging on to gifts that you will probably never use, re-gift them. Wrap them and label them for the next holiday or birthday so you are fully committed to the re-gifting.

Bonus Tip: STORE IT!

Renting an appropriate size storage unit can be a perfect solution to your clutter woes. It can open up so much additional space in your home or apartment.

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