How to Maximise Home Space? How Do I Declutter if I Don’t Have Space? Are There Any Decluttering Rules?
House & Garden, LifeStyle Feb 03, 2023
Maximising your home space can seem like an overwhelming task, but with a clear set of rules and guidelines, it can become an easier, more manageable and effective process.
By being mindful of what items you bring into your home, utilising wall space, and considering alternative storage options, you can maximise your home space and improve your quality of life.
Follow these tips, and you will streamline the decluttering process and create a more organised and functional living space.
How to maximise home space?
Maximising home space is a common goal for many homeowners, especially those living in smaller homes. The key to maximising home space is to be creative, organised, and efficient in the use of space. Here are some tips for making the most of your living space:
- Make use of vertical space: Vertical space is often overlooked, but it can be a great way to maximise home space. Install shelves and bookcases to store items, and use stacking containers to make the most of your cabinet and pantry space.
- Get creative with storage: When it comes to storage, you need to think outside the box. Use the space under your bed, in the back of your closet, and in other areas that are not typically used for storage. Consider installing pull-out drawers in your cabinets, or using over-the-door organisers to make the most of your space.
- Use multi-functional furniture: Furniture that serves multiple purposes can help you save space. For example, a bed with built-in drawers for storage or a coffee table with a lift-top surface that doubles as a desk.
- Embrace minimalism: A minimalist approach to decorating can help you maximise home space. Stick to a neutral colour palette and limit the number of decorative items you have in each room. Choose furniture with clean lines, and avoid large, bulky pieces.
- Make use of natural light: Natural light can make a small space feel larger and more open. Open your curtains and blinds during the day, and consider adding mirrors to your space to reflect light and create the illusion of more space.
- Create a functional layout: A functional layout is key to maximising home space. Arrange your furniture in a way that allows for easy traffic flow and maximises the use of space. Separate partitions so everything seems to be organised.
- Use a wall-mounted TV: A wall-mounted TV not only saves floor space but also helps create a more spacious look in your living room.
- Declutter: One of the most effective steps to maximising home space is to declutter. This means getting rid of items that you no longer use or need. You can sell or donate items that are in good condition, and dispose of items that are beyond repair.
Maximising home space is all about being creative and making the most of the space you have. By using vertical space, getting creative with storage, using multi-functional furniture, embracing minimalism, making use of natural light, creating a functional layout, or using a wall-mounted TV, you can transform your small home into a spacious and functional living space.
Especially decluttering technique which is considered one of the best ways to gain space for your home. Let’s talk about it a litter more in the next chapter
How do I declutter if I don’t have space?
Decluttering can be a challenging task, especially if you don’t have enough space to store the items you want to keep. However, with a little creativity and organisation, you can declutter your home even if you have limited space. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Start with one room at a time: Rather than trying to declutter your entire home at once, focus on one room at a time. This will make the process less overwhelming and give you a sense of accomplishment as you make progress.
- Sort items into categories: As you declutter, sort items into categories such as keep, donate, sell, and throw away. This will make the process more organised and efficient.
- Use clear containers: Clear containers are a great way to store items that you want to keep but don’t have space for. Label the containers and stack them in a closet or under a bed.
- Rent a storage unit: If you have items that you don’t need on a regular basis but still want to keep, consider renting a storage unit. This will give you a place to store these items without taking up valuable space in your home.
- Donate items in good condition: Donating items in good condition to a local charity or non-profit organisation is a great way to clear clutter and make a difference in your community.
- Sell items of value: If you have items of value that you no longer need or want, consider selling them. You can sell items online or at a yard sale. This will not only clear clutter but also generate some extra cash.
- Utilise wall space: Don’t forget to make use of wall space when decluttering. Consider installing shelves or hooks to store items, freeing up floor space in the process.
- Be mindful of what you bring into your home: The key to maintaining a clutter-free home is to be mindful of what you bring into it. Before buying new items, consider whether you have the space to store them and whether they are truly necessary.
Decluttering might be a boring and daunting task to do, but with some creativity and organisation, it is possible. With these tips, maximising your home space isn’t a difficult task any more.
Are there any decluttering rules?
Like anything else, there are rules to simplify your task. In this case, it helps you decide which one you should throw away or which one to keep. Let’s take a look at how you can do it.
decluttering rules:
- One item in, one item out: This rule states that for every new item you bring into your home, you must remove an equivalent item. This helps to prevent clutter from accumulating over time.
- The six-month rule: The six-month rule states that if you haven’t used an item in the past six months or going to use it in the next six months, it’s time to get rid of it. This rule applies to clothing, kitchen gadgets, and other items that are not used frequently.
- The one-year rule: Just like this six-month rule, the one-year rule states that if you haven’t worn an item of clothing in the past year, it’s time to donate or sell it. This rule helps to keep your closet organised and prevents clothing from taking up valuable space.
- The 20/20 rule: This rule suggests that, if you are hesitating to throw anything away, try thinking that if the thing costs less than $20 and takes less than 20 minutes to replace, then there’s no need to keep it.
- The joy rule: The joy rule states that if an item doesn’t bring you joy, it’s time to get rid of it. This rule helps to create a home environment that is filled with things that you love and that bring you happiness.
- The ‘ask yourself why’ rule: Before keeping an item, you should ask yourself why you want to keep it. If you can’t come up with a good reason, then why are you keeping it?
- The sentimental rule: The sentimental rule states that sentimental items should be kept to a minimum. You should only keep items that hold true sentimental value and that you can display in your home.
These decluttering rules can help you streamline the process of decluttering your home. Remember that decluttering is not about getting rid of everything, but about creating a home environment that is functional, organised, and filled with things that you actually need and/or bring you joy.
Final Thought
Decluttering your home is an important step in creating a functional, organised, and stress-free living environment. By following a set of rules and guidelines, you can make the most of your space and create a home that is filled with necessary items.
Remember, decluttering is a process and not a one-time event. Maintaining a clutter-free home requires consistent effort, but the benefits are well worth it. So take the time to go through your belongings, apply the decluttering rules, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a well-organised home.