A resource for those seeking information on organizing and transforming spaces.

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8 Decluttering Secrets for an Organized Home

Here are some decluttering secrets you might find helpful in creating a clutter-free living space:

Declutter – the word would spike terror in someone like me!

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Although I would love to keep my place decorated to the nines, I just can’t. I am sure there are many out there in the same dilemma as me. According to National Soap and Detergent Association, getting rid of clutter will eliminate 40% of housework in an average home.

Moreover, a study by Cornwell University says that stress caused by clutter can trigger avoidance and coping strategies. These include incessantly consuming junk, over-sleeping, or binge-watching Netflix. This is not the kind of life you deserve.

Whether we like it or not, a kitchen counter stacked with dirty dishes or a basket loaded with unfolded laundry can be as distracting as a toddler throwing tantrums. If you are done with this life and want to flip the scenario, this blog is a must-read. 

Here are some decluttering secrets you might find helpful in creating a clutter-free living space:

1. Start small

No matter how much you have to organize, it is essential to start with baby steps. A weekend-long organizing project when you have a family and a timetable and a life all at the same time is never a good idea. 

So, start small. Invest in hooks, under-bench storage, and catch-all trays. This is to make sure the smallest of items, like keys, have a place. Small wins are colossal in a decluttering game.

2. Toss away the “one in, one out” rule

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Many minimalists stick by the one in, one out rule. It regulates that you have to declutter something of the exact nature every time you bring something new. 

It sounds cool in theory. But honestly, it encourages mindless guilt-free purchasing. You will supposedly declutter something when you get home. It would be apt to term it the bandaid approach. You may end up with a clean space, but it doesn’t teach you how to live with less. Seeking assistance from a clutter-busting service may be your next best shot.

Instead, practice on the “zero in, one out” rule if you really want to declutter your house.

3. Look at your home as a guest

This is one of the most potent tips you could ever find.

Imagine you are a guest staying at someone’s place. We tend to keep things where we found them in neat order. Plus, we don’t pile stuff on the floor when looking for something particular. You carefully rummage through stuff to find what you are looking for and don’t create a mess.

This simple tip can help to keep your home tidy.

4. Be smart with storage

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Take a long, hard look at the number of bins or containers you use to keep stuff. If you feel about buying more containers or bins, the problem is not about the storage space. Instead, it is about the number of things you have.

Slim down the things you have in the existing baskets and boxes before hitting stores to buy new containers.

Then, reassess your storage needs. Buy more storage boxes and ensure that everything stays in its place. Incoming mail should remain in the basket on the countertop. Similarly, the TV remote will never get lost if there is a holder to keep it.

5. Always clean when you are done

Call this a room reset.

If you begin following this tip, you will be surprised at how much time it saves. For instance, before you hit the sack, try to keep extra things at their places. This will only take a few minutes if you are trying to move towards minimalist living. 

A few minutes invested every day to keep the space tidy will give you a surprisingly vast amount of extra time. For further efficiency, you can hire a junk removal service like the Super Bee Disposal to handle the task for you.

6. Create a cleaning kit

No one can argue against the benefits of a clean home. Take some time to collect the cleaning supplies you usually use. Store them in a central location of your home for instant access. You can keep them in your linen closet, basement, or a lower cabinet in your kitchen. Find a large basket or a tote to keep all the cleaning supplies.

When you put them all in one place, the number of cleaning materials you have will surprise you. On the contrary, cleaning supplies all over the house doesn’t give you the proper insight into all the things you have. Consequently, people end up buying more than their requirements.

7. Follow the “30 Day” rule

The 30-day rule could be a blessing in disguise for those who religiously follow it. It implies not buying any oversized or expensive item within 30 days. If you still need it after that, go for it. The whole point of this rule is to give yourself some room to breathe. Impulse buying could lead to a budget disaster, not to mention the clutter in homes.

While you are on the 30-day break, you can question yourself if you actually need this big-ticket item. Does it make sense? Can you live without it?

8. Don’t keep broken stuff

Who does that! Right?

Well, you might not know, but you may be keeping broken, stained, or torn items. We tell ourselves that we will fix it and throw it in our closet. Over time, a pile of clothes rises on it, and it goes out of our minds. That pending fixture never comes. And we end up with unnecessary clutter in our houses.

If you need it and have a solid determination to fix it someday, you better store it in a box. Add this errand to your to-do list. Or the next time you go out shopping, find a replacement and let go of the broken items.

Parting Thoughts

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Decluttering is a chore. It takes time and adequate planning to keep your place prim and proper. Experts recommend that you keep all distractions at bay when you are on a mission to remove clutter from your home or workplace.

Plus, make it an ongoing endeavor. This way, you won’t have to skip your work or friends’ hangout for a mission clean sweep.

We hope this all makes perfect sense. Let us all get to work! 

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Guest Post - Different Degrees of Clutter vs. Hoarding

It’s not uncommon to have some clutter lingering in different areas of your house. It might be a small collection of things taking up space, like a cluttered attic. Or, it could be a room that looks untidy, filled with items that aren’t in their place or don’t need to be there.

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It’s not uncommon to have some clutter lingering in different areas of your house. It might be a small collection of things taking up space, like a cluttered attic. Or, it could be a room that looks untidy, filled with items that aren’t in their place or don’t need to be there. 

A little clutter isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Maybe you just haven’t had time to clean, or maybe you’re comfortable with leaving things alone in an attic or basement. 

But, there may also be an underlying psychological effect causing your clutter. If it gets out of hand, that might even lead to hoarding. 

With that in mind, let’s look at why you might be okay with too much clutter, and what to do when it becomes a problem

What’s Really Causing Your Clutter? 

Sometimes, clutter comes from indecision. Bringing things into your home and leaving them in a certain place could be the result of not knowing what to do with them. Other times, clutter builds up because you’re not ready to let things go. Maybe they have a sentimental value, or you’re putting too much emotional weight on them. 

If you dig deeper into those causes, you can probably see that there is a psychological attachment. For some, it’s indecision. For others, it might be a fear of letting go of something familiar. Other underlying emotions that can contribute to clutter include: 

  • Uncontrolled impulse purchases

  • Memories

  • Fear of needing something in the future

  • Guilt

  • Obligation

  • Hoping for a change

Unfortunately, too much clutter can also contribute to psychological issues. It can cause stress, make you feel inadequate, and can even distract you from things you’re supposed to focus on.

How to Know When Clutter Becomes Hoarding

If the beginnings of clutter can quickly become a problem, what happens when it gets worse? 

Most people have heard of hoarding, but where is that line crossed between a cluttered home and one that is overflowing with “stuff?”

Hoarding simply takes the psychological effects of clutter to another level. The American Psychiatric Association recognizes Hoarding Disorder as a real problem when someone excessively saves items that would have no value to others. Some of the most common behaviors and signs of this disorder include the inability to get rid of things (even things like food containers or what others might consider trash), and extreme stress or anxiety about throwing anything away. If someone has a buildup of clutter that causes rooms of their home to become unusable/unliveable, it has gone into hoarding territory. 

Everything from stress to OCD, and the factors listed above, can cause someone to become a hoarder. Whatever the case, hoarding can cause a lot of damage to your home. You might start to experience:

  • Vermin infestation

  • Mold growth

  • Plumbing damage

  • Pet damage

  • Structural damage

Hoarding can cause you to feel anxious about your possessions. You may even realize that you have a problem but aren’t willing to let things go. Because of this, it’s not uncommon for those who hoard their belongings to avoid getting help or the treatment they need. Recognizing the signs, even understanding that your living conditions are unstable because of the extreme clutter, is the first step in getting help for a hoarding problem. 

Clear the Chaos and Build Organized Habits

If you have mild clutter in your home, consider why you might be avoiding it. Cleaning up and creating more space can give you a sense of freedom and take away some of the weight that clutter is causing. Choose to put some things in storage if you can’t let go. Additionally, utilize corners, buy organizers for your items, and use elevation to your advantage by putting things on shelves or tables. 

If your cluttering problem has gotten worse, you may be dealing with Hoarding Disorder. Self-help starts with recognizing you need to make a change, but that isn’t always easy. If necessary, seek support. 

Hoarding is often the result of underlying psychological issues, and a therapist, counselor, or support group can help you to work through those issues. It will be easier for you to manage your thoughts when they do and to start to get rid of the things you don’t need once and for all.

Author Bio: Noah Rue is a freelance writer.

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What You Need at Home in Case of a Power Outage

The last thing anyone wants is to get stuck without power unprepared. Here are some essentials you should have just in case there is an outage.


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Power outages don’t just occur during lightning storms; they can occur for a variety of reasons. Fallen trees, equipment failures, and even extreme heat can cause your power to cut out. Nobody likes getting stuck in the dark without warning, so it's crucial to stay prepared. Since you never know when your electricity may shut off, you need to keep a few essentials on hand. Here's what you need at home in case of a power outage.

A Portable Backup Generator

If you have children, elderly relatives, or people who require medical equipment in your home, it’s crucial that you get your power back as quickly as possible. You should consider investing in a quality portable backup generator that will allow you to keep your lights on even during a power outage. These generators use fuel sources such as gasoline or propane to provide power. As a result, you should keep a considerable amount of fuel around for your generator. If your power is out for a couple of hours, you'll need quite a bit of fuel to keep the lights on.

Candles and Flashlights

If you want to be able to see at least a foot in front of your face, you'll need a light source. Your smartphone will have a flashlight, but using it will quickly diminish your already dying battery. That's why keeping candles and flashlights nearby is a good rule of thumb.

Also, don't forget to keep batteries on hand for your flashlights. Nothing is worse than seeing your flashlight burn out in a power outage with no backup batteries!

Bottled Water

For many areas, water is the next thing to go after the power. It's a good idea to have some extra bottled water at your home just in case your water runs out. Some areas may also be subject to mandatory water boils during power outages. In such instances, you will not only need this bottled water to drink but also bathe and clean dishes or laundry.

Canned Food and Can Opener

When the power goes out, it's a race against the clock for the food in your fridge. If the power stays off for more than a few hours, your food will spoil. Having some canned food on hand at all times is a great way to ensure you can stay fed without needing to use your fridge. Also, don't forget an excellent old-fashioned can opener! Make sure you have one that is manual and not electric.

First Aid Kit

Being in the dark increases your risk of trips and falls. You don't want you or your family members to suffer from a cut or bruise without the proper aid available. That's why you need a first aid kit in emergencies such as these.
As long as you have these essentials, you'll be prepared for power outages no matter when they occur.

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Ways to declutter when you move

Are you planning to relocate and downsize at the same time? Here are a few ways to declutter when you move.

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Moving into a new home is the beginning of an exciting life chapter, but the process can be overwhelming when organizing and executing the relocation at the same time. Still, if prepared well, the move can be both stress-free and budget-friendly. To do so, we have to do some "clutter control" before and during packing. Unnecessary stuff piled in our houses steals precious time and space and can even create health risks if not addressed timely. After exploring different ways to declutter when you move, you'll understand how big of a burden these things can be. The clutter we create is our way of living in the past, and while letting go can be tricky, it's necessary in order to move forward.

The sooner you start, the better!

Don't worry - your memories will always follow you even without the burden of material things that only take up your space

You can always get rid of unnecessary stuff, but to do it most efficiently, start as soon as you decide to move. That way, you will have time to be thorough and second guess your decisions. Starting early will make this task almost effortless, and you will benefit both mentally and financially. There are many ways to declutter your home, but the most practical one is to make a list of stuff you will be taking with you while getting rid of the rest. Lists are imperative if you want to avoid losing or misplacing any of your precious belongings!

Do the heavy lifting first

Think about the big and heavy stuff in your house that you have no use for anymore. Is there a place for it in your new home? Will it match the rest of the design? If both answers are no, put them on the declutter list. This goes not only for the furniture and appliances but for your attic and garage content as well. Most of us use the garage as a storage unit, and moving all of that into a new household can be costly. By decreasing the weight of your possession, you'll be decreasing the price of your relocation.

Establish a method

Decluttering clothing shoes can take a while.

There are many ways to declutter when you move, but the one you choose will depend on the time at your disposal. Using the room-by-room method is wise if you plan to purge before packing. That way, you can turn each room into a zone and start clearing things out.

But, if you plan to do it during packing, creating categories might be a better option. Organizing things this way will make unpacking much easier.

You might need help from a friend

Sometimes we have a hard time letting go of things that have sentimental value. If that is the case, a second, objective opinion can be of great help! Call your friends or family members to assist you with the task. That way, decluttering will not only be efficient but fun as well. Run through your old memories, and make a decision. What do you want to bring to your future?

Decide what you want to do with things

During packing, make sure to use sturdy boxes or plastic containers.

There are different ways to declutter your home. Whichever method you choose, you will have to take care of the things that end up in the declutter pile. Here are a few suggestions:

  • offer them to your friends and family members,

  • donate to charity,

  • sell them online,

  • organize a garage sale,

  • or simply throw them out.

Still, if you're having second thoughts about getting rid of some stuff forever, consider renting a long-term storage unit. This is an excellent idea if you're struggling with space and have a lot of things that you haven't donated or sold yet. Keeping them safe will make you feel better because you might want to give them another shot someday.

Selling things online is one of the best ways to declutter

If you start re-evaluating your possession early in your moving process, you will have time to put everything up for sale online. No matter how time-consuming this might seem, remember that you will be able to earn some money along the way. You will not have to bargain or underprice your things, like in garage sales, if you take the time to do it right. Be creative while photographing your items. Making the product visually appealing will help you sell it faster and at a higher price.

Naturally, decluttering by selling online is a good option only if you're not tight with time and money at the moment. If you need extra cash right away, you will get less money, but be done with it sooner.

Keep your paperwork tidy at all times

It is important to develop a functional system for your files.

Having order in your home, whether it comes to furniture, cabinets, or paperwork, can save you many inconveniences. Therefore, make sure to keep your essential documents tidy and labeled with easy access to them. Remember, you might need some of them during or after the move. So, keep documentation involved in the process safe and neat, so the entire process is as stress-free as possible.

A word of wisdom

Sometimes we find it hard to keep ourselves and our living space organized. Having chaos in our lives, no matter how small it might seem, could lead to many problems in the future. Hence, finding ways to declutter when you move is crucial for a stress-free and healthy life. You might find it hard to dedicate your time to explore and apply different techniques of organization. But remember - your new home is your new chance for a better and improved life, so make sure to use it!

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