How to Approach Decluttering When I’m Stuck at Home?

Being stuck at home can be boring, but it’s also a chance to do some things you’ve wanted to do for a while but just haven’t gotten around to, like decluttering. If you approach it properly, decluttering your home can even be enjoyable. As you move things around, get rid of what you don’t need, and make space for the things that matter to you, you’ll feel better about your home and all it has to offer. Here’s what to consider, for the highest chance of decluttering success.

1. Plan Out Your Work

You’ll want to break up your tasks by space, such as going room by room, or by time, such as how long each task will take. You might choose to work on only one room until it’s done, or you might do one specific, small task in every room until that task is done. Either way works, depending on the options that are best for your needs. You can pick the way you handle decluttering, as long as you make a good plan to tackle it.

2. Setting Manageable Goals Matters

If you choose goals that work for you and are manageable, you’ll be more likely to declutter your home in a way that feels good and gets the job done. You don’t want to feel completely overwhelmed, or struggle to tackle the work because it seems like an insurmountable task. When you have manageable goals, more will get done and you’ll feel better about it, too. Remember that manageable is based on what you feel comfortable with, and you’re not in a competition with anyone for the level of decluttering you do or how fast it gets done.

3. Focusing on a Room or Part of a Room Can Help

Most people who start a decluttering project when they’re stuck at home focus on one room at a time. If you do that, you’ll have only one area to work on and the task will feel easier. If even one room feels like too much, though, you can start on a smaller level than that. Some people choose just one thing at a time, such as a wardrobe, bookshelf, closet, or cabinet. Reorganizing and decluttering just that one space can give you the focus and energy to do even more.

4. Share Your Journey With Your Friends

If you have a phone call or video call with your friends or family members while you’re working, you can have some fun while you’re getting things done. You might even want to work on organization together, even if you’re apart. You can tell each other what you’re doing, and show one another before and after pictures, along with talking about what you plan to do next so you can keep the momentum going.

5. Get Your Family in on the Fun

The people you live with can help you declutter. If your kids are bored or your spouse doesn’t have anything to do, why not work on things together? Even if it’s not the choice they would typically make for what to do with their time, it can be a good way to spend time with each other. Once you all get involved in the decluttering process, you’ll be excited to see how different your rooms can look and how comfortable they can be.

6. Give Structure to Your Day

Having a routine in place is important. That way you’ll always have something to work for and you can mark the progress you’re making. You might have a “one room a week” plan, or you could be focused on a particular part of a room each day. No matter what kind of plan you come up with, it’s easy to get a lot done in a short period of time if you’re focused and have a goal to work toward.

You don’t have to do all your decluttering in one day, or even get it all done during the time that you’re staying home. But you can get a great start on it and pack up anything you want to donate when you can safely do so. That way your house will be arranged in a way you feel good about, and you’ll have the rooms looking great and feeling even better. That can give you the chance to really relax and enjoy your time at home, with a great feeling of accomplishment to go along with it.