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Clutter isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

Maximalist interiors have recently gained traction in mainstream design spaces.

woman sorting old clothes

However, there comes a point when items weigh us down more than they boost our well-being.

When gone unchecked, clutter can lead to increased stress and insomnia, according toWomen’s Health.

It can even get in the way of relationships and lead to unhealthy eating habits.

hands organize bathroom drawer

Ease into the process

TikTok creator@neat.carolinesuggests starting small.

As she notes, “small steps will lead to big changes over time.”

Concentrate on confined areas like overcrowded cutlery drawers, the linen closet, or your impressive collection of shoes.

expired makeup pink background

That applies whether you’re decluttering your house or building a multimillion-dollar business.

The answer is YES!

Im now going through every little nook and cranny to see what I can get rid of.

hand holding lastswab cotton swab

Clutter is not always obvious.

The more I clear out of my home, the easier it is to keep my spaces clean.

When you have less stuff, you have less to put away.

woman considers items in closet

Here are some things I like to remind myself: Dont put it down, put it away.

If it doesnt fit, it doesnt belong.

Everything should have a place to go!

children’s toys sorted into baskets

For instance, TikTok creator@chicpeachafshows off her impressive accumulation of mugs and cutting boards.

“We always have way more stuff than we even imagine,” professional organizer Maija Diethelm tellsPods Blog.

Because storing items on the ground makes any space feel more crowded,Apartment Therapysuggests wall-mounted shelving.

woman shopping in department store

Make a game out of it

Heres to decluttering and minimizing in 2023.

She also writes numbers 1 through 20, repeating the process three times.

Find a place near you that accept drop-off donations.

woman in mask shopping

Some services even offer free at-home pick-up, perMoving.com.

Alternatively, sell your unwanted clothes on platforms likeAsos Marketplace,Poshmark, orEtsy.

Remember to do your research before posting items online.

woman packing cardboard box

Schedule a day to go through your pantry, refrigerator, and bathroom cabinets.

Schedule a try-on day

Host a mini fashion show in your home.

All you need is yourself, a mirror, and a little patience.

smiling Marie Kondo holds shirt

Rather than purchasing items in boxy packaging, opt for reusable alternatives.

For instance,this LastObject “cotton” swabhas a life expectancy of over 1000 uses.

Dry brushes, as suggested by @neat.caroline, are the ideal loofah replacement.

mother and daughter sort laundry

Interior design expert@everydaygracedesignsadvises flipping your hangers in the “wrong” direction with the tip pointing out.

Have you heard of the ex test?

When you buy something new, get rid of something old

Another day, another box!!

open shelving in kitchen

Some could say Im obsessed, others could say Im just having fun.

I would say both!

Consider what you already have before buying new things.

Organizing is not the same thing as decluttering

Intimidated by the process?

Keep in mind that decluttering a space is not the same as organizing it.

In her words, “Storage experts are hoarders.

Putting things away creates the illusion that the clutter problem has been solved.”

Would you buy it in a store today?

Ask yourself whether an item still fits or if you feel comfortable in it.

Why keep that uncomfortable pair of skinny jeans or heels that are just a few inches too high?

Psychology professor Jennifer Pfeuffer, Psy.D., explains the connection between our wardrobes and mental health toVerywell Mind.

Ultimately, keep items that make you feel confident and discarded the rest.

When it comes to clutter, sentimentality is often our downfall.

Higher Information Groupnotes that digitized documents are preferable for businesses, too.

They’re easier to access, more efficient, and ultimately more secure.

This year, ditch those filing cabinets and store information on your laptop instead.

Along with these items,The Musealso recommends Mr. Clean Magic Erasers.

Not only are at-home solutions effective and space-saving, but they’re also cheaper than specialty products.

According to psychologist Lorna Mograby, the urge to throw away can turn into a compulsion for some.

Decluttering isn’t the same thing as committing to minimalism.

Hold on to things you love.

TikTok creator@declutter.your.lifeexplains the method, starting with putting Washi tape on the items in your kitchen drawer.

Every time you use an item, peel it off.

She also notes that this punch in of storage discourages clutter because everything is on full display.