Decluttering your home can seem daunting, but with a few simple steps, it becomes much easier. Whether you’re clearing out to make more space, downsizing, or just looking to reduce clutter, knowing what to keep and what to let go of is key.

Here’s a straightforward guide for Australians to help you decide what to keep when decluttering.

1. Set Clear Goals

Before you start pulling things out of cupboards and drawers, take a moment to set clear goals. Are you decluttering to create more space, preparing for a house move, or simply wanting to tidy up your home?

Having a clear purpose will make it easier to decide what stays and what goes. Your goals can also help you stay on track when the process gets overwhelming.

2. Sort Items Into Categories

Start by grouping your belongings into categories like clothing, kitchenware, books, or sentimental items. Tackling one category at a time helps break down the task into manageable chunks and makes it less overwhelming.

For example, start with your wardrobe, then move to your kitchen. Sorting items in this way allows you to see what you have and make clearer decisions.

3. Use the “One-Year Rule”

A good rule of thumb when deciding what to keep is the “one-year rule.” If you haven’t used an item in the past year, it’s probably time to let it go—unless it holds significant sentimental value.

This approach can help you quickly and easily decide on items that are simply taking up space.

4. Consider Sentimental Value

It’s often the sentimental items that are hardest to part with. When deciding what to keep, ask yourself if the item brings you joy or serves a purpose in your life.

Sometimes, it’s enough to take a photo of sentimental items for memory’s sake and then let the physical object go. That way, you can still remember the item without holding onto things you no longer need.

5. Assess Condition and Usefulness

Another practical step is to evaluate the condition and functionality of each item. Is it broken, worn out, or no longer serving its intended purpose?

If so, it’s time to discard or recycle it. There’s no use holding onto things that are no longer functional or useful.

6. Create Keep, Donate, and Discard Piles

As you go through your belongings, create three piles:

• Keep
• Donate (or sell)
• Discard

Having these piles laid out helps you make decisions on the spot, reducing the chances of second-guessing yourself later. The donate pile is great for items that are still in good condition but no longer needed, while the discard pile is for anything that’s broken or no longer functional.

7. Ask for a Second Opinion

Sometimes it’s hard to make decisions on your own. If you’re feeling unsure about what to keep, ask a friend or family member to help.

They can offer an outside perspective, helping you make decisions more easily.

8. Limit Your Storage Space

Once you’ve decided what to keep, think about where those items will live in your home. Limiting your storage space is a great way to avoid accumulating unnecessary items again.

Designate specific areas for each type of item, and be mindful not to let these areas overflow.

9. Make Decluttering a Regular Habit

Decluttering isn’t a one-time event. Make it a habit to reassess your belongings every six months or so.

Regularly clearing out unnecessary items will help maintain an organised and stress-free living environment.

How Hiring a Skip Bin Can Help When Decluttering

If you’re doing a big declutter in Western Australia, hiring a skip bin can make the process easier. A skip bin gives you a convenient and cost-effective way to dispose of unwanted items.

Rather than making multiple trips to the tip, you can simply fill the skip and have it taken away when you’re done. Skip bins come in different sizes, so whether you’re doing a small cleanout or a whole house declutter, there’s a size to suit your needs.

Most importantly, many skip bin services in WA prioritise environmentally friendly disposal, ensuring that items that can be recycled don’t end up in landfills.

Benefits of Using a Skip Bin for Decluttering

• Convenience: Skip bins are delivered and picked up on your schedule, saving you multiple trips to the tip.
• Cost-effective: Hiring a skip bin can save you money on fuel and tip fees, especially if you’re decluttering a large amount.
• Environmentally responsible: Many skip bin services sort through items to recycle what they can, reducing waste going to landfill.
• Saves time: With a skip bin, you can dispose of everything in one go, making your decluttering process much faster and easier.

Decluttering your home doesn’t have to be stressful. By setting clear goals, using simple rules like the one-year rule, and taking time to clean the garage floor and other spaces, you’ll create a more organised and peaceful environment to enjoy.

And if you’re decluttering in WA, hiring a skip bin is a convenient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly way to manage your waste. For easy disposal, you can find skip bins near me with Ezyskips Online and get started on your decluttering journey today.

Contact them today to make the process simple and hassle-free!