Raise your hands if you're part of the bandwagon that collects non-essentials, only to eventually either give or throw them away. My hands are all the way up in the air. Apart from being a hoarder and never throwing things away, especially clothes, lest they come back in fashion, I also have a difficult time containing my need to buy new things that I have no space to put anywhere in my house. As a result, although I would like my house to look and feel decluttered and beautiful, it ends up looking close to a junkyard; especially certain areas (like my once beautiful room). Not only does collecting things you have no use for around the house lead to your space being cluttered, it also causes a hindrance in your everyday life in small, but significant ways. Here are a few simple ways in which you can maximise space and minimise clutter around your home.
1. Give away anything you haven't used in over a year
We're not talking heirlooms and classic pieces you've collected over the years; we're not so heartless. But when it comes to downsizing, you've got to be a little ruthless. Other than things that actually matter to you and things that you use often, get ready to toss everything else out. From extra pots and pans to shoes you haven't worn in the last year to little knick knacks lying around the house that you know serve no purpose; make a bag and get ready to give away.
2. Know the difference between decoration and clutter
All those little decorative items that you love collecting might not be adding any value if all they're doing is taking up more space. Space that you could actually use for other, more useful things. Multiple items all stored in one place make it impossible to appreciate the aesthetic of any one thing. So if you see more decor than surface area, it's time to clear some stuff out.
3. Control your impulse buys
The first step in actually clearing space around the house is controlling the urge to buy things that you don't need, but want. Every time you feel the need to spend money on something that you know you're going to use just once or probably never, take a deep breath and walk away. Remember, less is more when it comes to the space that you live in.
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