I don’t remember exactly when it was that I realized that my excess “stuff” was dragging me down but I do know that I was absolutely clueless about how to get it out and keep it out for good. I would donate, sell or throw things out but the clutter just kept coming back. I did refer to a couple of simplicity and decluttering experts and their advice helped get me started and reframed how I thought about my things and how I wanted to live my life. I realized I wanted an unfussy and uncomplicated life and I didn’t want the distraction of excess things. I also realized it was okay to let go of things that I may have holding onto for for reasons that didn’t really serve me. It was a good start and certainly better than where I was before but not where I really wanted to be. What I was lacking were strategies that actually worked for me, personally. So, through some trial and error, I learned to develop and tailor techniques for myself that actually stuck. I no longer feel overwhelmed and I finally feel like I am on the other side of what felt like an incredibly insurmountable task. Here’s what I’m doing to live a more simplified and clutter-free life.

My Favorite And Most Effective Tips For A Clutter Free Home

Store It At The Store - This is a concept I heard about somewhere in my decluttering journey and it really resonated with me. At some point in my life, I had fallen into the trap of buying things “just in case.” This included gifts, household supplies, gadgets, food and even clothing. What resulted was the accumulation of a lot things that went forgotten and unused. Then came the burden of storing and eventually having to get rid of those things. Waiting to buy something until I actually needed it made so much more sense. Avoiding the urge to stockpile items freed up space in my home and also lifted a huge weight off of my shoulders. So, now whatever it may be hangs out at the store until I actually need it.

Deal With Items In The Moment - The old me would have put things in a “holding pattern” until I decided what to do with them. Now, I put things where they belong as soon as I possibly can even if it’s being thrown out, donated or sold. This is an easy way to avoid build up of clutter and unwanted items and the frustration of having to take the time to deal with it.

Avoid Buying Items On Final Sale - Final sale is final sale and once it’s in your home, it’s your responsibility even if it ends up being a complete dud. I make exceptions if it’s an item I have purchased before and I know I like it and it’s going to work out. Otherwise, I avoid taking that gamble and also avoid ending up with stuff in my home that I don’t want or need.

A Buying Freeze - Other than certain food items and essentials, it’s likely that I already have everything I need. I find this especially helpful after the holidays when we’ve received gifts and when our pantry and fridge are still full of food. A buying freeze pushes me to use things up and go through what we already have. It also eliminates any new items coming into my home that need managing. A temporary buying freeze is also a nice way to learn to appreciate what you already have.

If It Doesn’t Get Me Excited, I Don’t Buy It And If It Doesn’t Get Me Excited, I Get Rid Of It - This is another great tactic for avoiding unwanted items from even making it into my home in the first place. It’s also a good strategy for getting rid of items I already own. Obviously there are things that aren’t exciting and never will be but we need to have them in our home. My washing machine does not excite me but I’m not going to get rid of it. Clothing is typically the first thing that comes to mind but home decor, accessories and other household items certainly qualify. If it doesn’t excite me, it either doesn't come home with me or it doesn’t stay.

I Evaluate Every New Item That Comes Into My Home - While I have become more conscious of my own purchases, it’s almost impossible to avoid random items making their way into my home. I notice this especially during the holidays when gifting is at its peak. Freebies, hostess gifts, and unsolicited hand-me-downs are other ways things make their way into my home. It probably happens to all of us and the old me would have taken these items and stashed them away without any thought at all. Now, I take every item as it comes in and decide if it stays or goes. The key is to have a system in place for things that you decide to keep, donate and throw away and deal with it as soon as possible.

I Have a System for Cleaning Out - Every item I touch when cleaning out has a place to go. A bin for things that I am going to keep, donate/sell and throw out. Then I deal with the stuff in those bins as soon as possible.