IT'S back-to-school time, which for some means a bright feeling in the air and the sudden desire to organize your belongings.
Even if you haven't set foot in school in years, fall can bring with it a sense of new beginnings and fresh starts.
What better way to capitalize on those feelings and declutter your house?
To help you get started, housing expert Dan Hnatkovskyy, co-founder and CEO of NewHomesMate — a marketplace for new construction homes — has shared his tips.
This advice will you to turn your messy home into a cozy haven.
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PLAN AHEAD, START SMALL, AND STAY FOCUSED
Decluttering can be a real chore, so start with a small area such as a drawer, shelf, or closet, Hnatkovskyy advised.
Motivation is the biggest challenge to cleaning up and decluttering.
The pro said not to start by committing to cleaning the whole house in one day, as it's easy to get frustrated when you don’t get it all done.
Just focus on one room and if you are successful you can keep going with another.
USE THE "FOUR-BOX METHOD"
This simple method makes it easy to keep track of your decluttering efforts.
Hnatkovskyy advised sorting your belongings into four boxes: keep, donate/sell, trash, and relocate.
You can break it down further by room, separating clothes and homeware, or pile everything together.
The decluttering expert said this encourages quick decisions and prevents you from getting stuck on individual items.
STICK TO THE "RULE OF ONE YEAR"
Hnatkovskyy makes a good point when he said that if you haven’t used or worn something in the past year, will you ever? It’s time to let it go.
This could mean donating clothes that don't fit you any more, or deciding that certain decorative items don't suit your style.
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If you've been storing an item for more than a year without finding a spot for it in your life, it's time to move on and make space for the new, the pro advised.
HOW TO DECLUTTER EACH AREA OF YOUR HOME
Garden and patio
When fall comes, give your gardening tools, lawn equipment, outdoor toys, pillows, and grill a thorough clean, and then put them away along with any unneeded summer decorations and outdoor furniture. Finally, check the outdoor lighting, replace any burnt-out bulbs and clean the fixtures.
Beach and pool gear
Set out your beach bags, pool toys, and swimming gear. Determine what can be reused next year and dispose of any items damaged beyond repair. Deflate inflatables, wash off the sand, then label and store them somewhere easy to find for next summer.
Kitchen
Summer brings a change in cooking and eating habits, so go through your kitchen cabinets, pantry, and refrigerator. Discard condiments, sauces, and perishables that will likely spoil before use.
Kids’ rooms
This is best saved for the end of summer, so you can sort through a vacation’s worth of broken toys and get ready for the new academic year. Unpack backpacks, lunch boxes, and stationery from the previous year. Discard pens that have run out of ink, recycle old notebooks, and donate excess supplies.
Storage rooms
Assess the condition of your summer gear, such as camping, fishing, and sports equipment. Check appliances such as fans, air conditioning units, and dehumidifiers too. Clean, inspect, and store anything you intend to keep, sell, or donate anything you no longer use, and don’t hold on to damaged or outdated goods. The end-of-season sales offer a prime opportunity to buy a new one.
How to dispose of unwanted clutter
Clothes
Donate them to local charities, shelters, or thrift stores, or find a recycling program or textile collection bin.
Electronics
Recycle through a certified e-waste recycling center. Tossing electronics in regular trash can cause substantial environmental harm.
Furniture
Items in usable condition can be sold online or donated to a charity, shelter, or community center. For furniture that’s worse for wear, contact local waste management for disposal guidelines.
Non-perishable food
Reach out to a local food bank, shelter, or community organization, who will all undoubtedly welcome your donations.
