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Clutter can creep into our lives no matter where we live or what we do, and it often builds up faster than we realize. Whether running a busy homestead, managing a family household, or simply trying to organize a small space, too much clutter can lead to stress, inefficiency, and frustration.
For homesteaders, clutter often accumulates due to the very nature of self-sufficiency. Extra supplies, tools, and resources seem like necessities for future projects, repairs, or emergencies, making it difficult for us to throw them away. And if you add children into the mix, clutter tends to multiply quickly with toys, clothes, school supplies, and household items that feel essential to keeping the family running smoothly.
If you’re a busy professional, clutter often builds up as a result of juggling work, home life, and hobbies. Paperwork, gadgets, and supplies seem essential for managing day-to-day tasks and future projects, making it hard to let things go. Creative individuals also tend to build up a stash of crafting supplies, leading to overflowing workspaces and scattered materials.
Whatever your walk of life, over time it’s easy to accumulate items ‘just in case’ or because there’s never quite enough time to organize them properly. We’ve all been there, so don’t panic! Let’s take a look at some great decluttering tips for hoarders to help you get your home storage back on track.
1. Start Small
Decluttering an entire homestead can feel impossible if you attempt to tackle it all at once. Begin by focusing on one small area, such as a kitchen drawer, a corner of the barn, or the tool bench, prioritizing spaces that directly affect your daily activities.
For example, if your kitchen is cluttered, it might maked meal prep harder, so starting there could immediately improve your day-to-day life.
2. Use The ‘One-In, One-Out’ Rule
To prevent the build-up of unnecessary items, practice a simple rule: for every new item brought into the home, one similar item must be removed. For example, if you purchase a new garden tool, consider donating an old, worn-out one that you no longer use.
3. Set Clear Goals
Knowing what you want each space in your home to achieve can help guide your decluttering process. For instance, if you want your garage to be a well-organized workspace, remove items that don’t contribute to that goal, like broken equipment, unused supplies, or things that belong elsewhere. Defining the function of each area makes it easier to determine what should stay and what should go.
14 Unexpected Items in the Garage You Should Kick to the Curb
4. Create A Decluttering Routine
Decluttering isn’t a one-time job – for most of us, it’s a task that needs to be kept on top of regularly. Set a time once a week, month, or even once a season, to go through your spaces and reassess what you’re keeping. By making decluttering a habit, you’ll prevent it from becoming an overwhelming task.
5. Repurpose your Clutter
There’s a fine line between keeping useful items and hoarding, so, instead of letting broken or unused items pile up, repurpose them immediately or let them go. For example, an old wooden pallet could quickly become a compost bin or raised garden bed. If you can’t find a use for it within a reasonable time, it’s time to sell, donate, or recycle it.
6. Create Storage Zones
Assign specific storage areas for different categories of items, such as clearly labeled bins or shelves to help keep things organized. This not only helps organize your space but also reduces the tendency to pile things up randomly. When everything has a place, it’s easier to maintain order and quickly find what you need.
7. Limit ‘Just In Case’ Items
It’s tempting to hold onto items with the thought, ‘I might need this someday.’ While having some extra supplies is not a bad idea, aim to keep only what you realistically use within a reasonable timeframe. For example, do you really need 10 spare cans of paint when you’ve only done touch-ups once in the past few years? Keep a small supply for future projects, but let go of excess items that are just taking up valuable storage space.
8. Go Digital
Paperwork can quickly become a source of clutter, so consider scanning documents and storing them digitally. For example, you can use apps to store household receipts or keep digital copies of important documents like appliance manuals and warranties. This will free up physical space and make it easier to find what you need.
9. Create A Decluttering System
When you’re on a decluttering mission, sort items into clear categories: useful now, seasonal, broken/needs repair, and donate/sell. This method simplifies the process and helps you make decisions more easily.
10. Enlist Help
It can be difficult to make decluttering decisions on your own, especially when you’re emotionally attached to certain items. An outsider’s perspective can offer a more objective view and help you decide what to keep and what to let go, so ask a family member or trusted friend to help you go through spaces.
11. Donate, Swap or Sell
It can be hard to throw perfectly useful items into the trash, but by donating, swapping, or selling unwanted items you will feel that they’re going to good use. Local community groups, swap meets, or online marketplaces like Craigslist can be great places to find new homes for items you no longer need.
12. Use A Timer
Decluttering can feel overwhelming, so set a timer for 15 or 30 minutes. Focus on one small area for that period, and once the timer goes off, stop. Do this every day for a week and you’ll soon start to see the difference!
13. Reward Yourself
Decluttering is hard work, both mentally and physically, and it’s important to celebrate your achievements. After clearing an area, reward yourself with something relaxing or enjoyable. It could be as simple as having a cup of tea, reading a book, or taking a walk around your garden. Positive reinforcement will make you feel good about your progress and motivate you to continue on your decluttering mission!
How to Declutter Your Kitchen: 20 Items You Must Toss
The kitchen holds a special place in our homes, serving as a hub for cooking, meals, and gatherings. However, even though it’s the center of our daily lives, it’s easy for clutter, disarray, and items that have outstayed their welcome to accumulate in this space. Check out the 12 items in your kitchen that should be thrown away immediately.
How to Declutter Your Kitchen: 20 Items You Should Toss
16 Germiest Places in Your Home That Need a Deep Clean
It’s easy to overlook the hidden areas that accumulate dirt and germs over time. These often-forgotten spots can turn into breeding grounds for pests and bacteria. Here’s a rundown of the dirtiest places in your home.
16 Germiest Places in Your Home That Need a Deep Clean
Kate Chalmers
Kate is a passionate gardener who has a keen interest in all things related to homesteading and sustainability. She resides in Portugal with her husband and menagerie of animals and has over 15 years of experience in the UK veterinary industry. In 2020, Kate and her husband took on a dilapidated Portuguese house and abandoned olive grove, turning it into an abundant food forest and home for nature.
Life on the homestead is never the same from one day to the next, and Kate has mastered many skills that she is keen to pass on to anyone with an interest in becoming more self-sufficient. Kate believes that living a sustainable lifestyle is the key to happiness and fulfillment and that everyone can make simple changes that connect us back to nature and reduce our impact on the planet.
