10 Pro Tips to Declutter Your Home

January is the perfect time to kick off the year with a fresh start, and what better way to do that than by decluttering your home? In this blog post, we’ll provide you with 10 pro tips to help you achieve a clutter-free and organized living space. Plus, we’ll guide you on how to make a positive impact by donating your items to Goodwill. Let’s dive in!

1. Set Clear Goals:

Begin your decluttering journey by setting specific goals. Whether it’s organizing a particular room, clearing out your garage, or downsizing your book collection, having clear objectives will keep you focused and motivated. Our free Decluttering Guide template can help you started.

2. Declutter Room by Room:

Tackle one room at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Start with smaller spaces like a bathroom or a home office before moving on to larger areas like the living room or bedroom. Experts advice to find a ‘home’ for each of your belongings, to make picking up and returning items to their designated space that much easier.

3. The Three-Box Method:

When sorting through your belongings, use the three-box method: one box for items to keep, one for donations, and one for items to discard. This method simplifies decision-making and streamlines the decluttering process. If you’re unsure whether to donate or discard, ask yourself this simple question: ‘Could this item still serve another person?’ You can also view a list of items we accept.

4. Donate Unneeded Items:

As you declutter, identify items that you no longer need but are still in good condition. Instead of throwing them away, consider donating to your local Goodwill. Here, your pre-loved items can find new homes and make a positive impact in your community. In 2023 alone, your items helped us serve more than 2300 clients and find jobs for more than 1100 Oklahomans, including 131 formerly incarcerated individuals!

5. Assess Clothing and Accessories:

Take a close look at your wardrobe. If you haven’t worn an item in the past year, it might be time to let it go. An easy tip is to flip your hangers into the opposite direction after you wear an item. This will help you asses how often you truly wear a piece of clothing. Donate gently used clothing and accessories to Goodwill and make space for a more curated and intentional closet – and your next thrift find!

6. Organize with Storage Solutions:

Proper storage can prevent future clutter and make it easier to maintain a tidy home, so invest in storage solutions like bins, baskets, and shelves to keep your newly decluttered spaces organized. If you like to stay on a budget, you can find many affordable storage options at your local Goodwill store.

7. Digitize Paperwork:

Go paperless where possible by digitizing important documents. Scan receipts, bills, and paperwork to reduce physical clutter and create a more streamlined filing system. This will also help safekeep any important family documents or heirlooms. You won’t believe how often we find old family photos, letters and other treasures that were donated on accident!

8. Involve the Whole Family:

Make decluttering a family affair. Get everyone involved in the process, assign tasks, and celebrate small victories together. Turning it into a group effort can make the task more enjoyable. It’s also more fun to celebrate achievements as a group! Acknowledge the hard work everyone put into decluttering and treat yourself to a special experience or reward.

9. Schedule Regular Decluttering Sessions:

Maintain a clutter-free home by scheduling regular decluttering sessions throughout the year. Consistency is key to preventing clutter from accumulating. Did you know? Thanks to the help of our shoppers and donors, Goodwill Central Oklahoma keeps 30 million pounds of items from local landfills each year. That’s almost 10 pounds per person in central Oklahoma! Curious about the impact of your donation? Get a personalized answer from our Donation Value Calculator.

10. Set a Challenge for 2024:

Start the year off right by embracing a decluttering challenge of your choice! This could be to simply buy less (new), discovering and styling clothes you already own in a new way, or following the tried and true ‘one-in-one-out’ rule.

By following these pro tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a more organized and clutter-free home in no time. Don’t forget the positive impact you can make by donating to Goodwill — helping others overcome challenges to employment, all while simplifying your life.

 

About Goodwill Central Oklahoma

Goodwill Central Oklahoma is a community-based, nonprofit agency serving 37 Oklahoma counties with 25 retail stores and 17 attended donation centers, one outlet store, and a Job Connection Center. Goodwill is a sustainable social enterprise that funds job training programs and employment placement services by selling donated clothing and household items.