{"id":16048,"date":"2024-02-29T21:45:28","date_gmt":"2024-02-29T21:45:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/highgrove.co.nz\/?p=16048"},"modified":"2024-02-29T21:45:28","modified_gmt":"2024-02-29T21:45:28","slug":"tips-for-decluttering-your-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/highgrove.co.nz\/tips-for-decluttering-your-home\/","title":{"rendered":"Lightening the Load: Tips for Decluttering Your Home"},"content":{"rendered":"
As we enter retirement, we often find ourselves in need of a simpler, more manageable living situation. Within this aspiration lies the challenge of decluttering your home \u2014 a task that is certainly no simple feat.<\/span><\/p>\n For many of us, the very question of where to start prevents us from tackling our clutter head-on. It\u2019s a valid fear to have \u2014 decluttering is a daunting task. However, it is a necessary one! <\/span>So<\/span> whether you\u2019re downsizing your home, moving into a retirement village, or just trying to create a more manageable living space, here are our best tips for decluttering your home.<\/span><\/p>\n The key to successful decluttering is to begin before it becomes urgent and take it one step at a time. Tackling the task gradually allows you to make thoughtful decisions about your belongings without feeling overwhelmed. Begin with a single room or category, and sort through your items with intentionality.<\/span><\/p>\n Sort your belongings into categories based on their importance and relevance to your current lifestyle. Identify items that hold sentimental value, those you use regularly, and those that may have outlived their purpose. This categorisation helps in prioritising what to keep, store, donate, or discard.<\/span><\/p>\n A classic and effective categorisation technique is the Four-Box Method. Label four boxes as “Keep,” “Donate,” “Sell,” and “Discard.” As you go through each room, place items into the corresponding boxes. This systematic approach ensures clarity and helps you stay organised throughout the process. Here\u2019s a useful resource on the <\/span>Four-Box Method.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n Once you\u2019ve decided what you\u2019re keeping, what you\u2019re turfing, what you\u2019re selling, and what you\u2019re giving away, the next step is to figure out who you are going to give your possessions to. Deciding this largely depends on what you\u2019re giving away.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If it\u2019s clothes or homewares, you can donate them to your local secondhand store. If it\u2019s non-perishable food items, you can leave them at a food bank. For more sentimental items, you may also want to give them away to your relatives so that, even if you no longer have space or use for them, they will stay close to your family.<\/span><\/p>\n As an extra step, think about the way your space is decorated. If you feel like your home is too dense with furniture, consider opting for pieces that serve dual purposes, such as items with built-in storage solutions or multifunctional designs. This not only maximises your living space but also reduces the need for excess furniture. If you\u2019re downsizing, this is especially important, as you may find that your current furniture is not practical for the needs of your new home.<\/span><\/p>\n If decluttering becomes too overwhelming, consider enlisting the help of a professional organiser. Their expertise can provide help and support in knowing what to keep and what to part with. This can be particularly helpful in navigating the emotional aspects of parting with certain belongings.<\/span><\/p>\n Professional organisers can also help you figure out what to do with the items you keep, and how to organise them in a way that makes your day-to-day as easy as possible.<\/span><\/p>\n Finally, when you\u2019ve finished decluttering, you should do (or have someone else do) a deep clean of your space. A deep clean allows you to start fresh in your new, organised space, and sets you on a good trajectory of maintaining it.<\/span><\/p>\nStart Early, Start Small<\/span><\/h2>\n
Categorise and Prioritise<\/span><\/h2>\n
Give Away Things You Don\u2019t Need<\/span><\/h2>\n
Invest in Furniture with Dual Purpose<\/span><\/h2>\n
Seek Professional Guidance<\/span><\/h2>\n
Do a Deep Clean<\/span><\/h2>\n