Declutter Before Deep Cleaning Strategy
Professional organizers recommend decluttering six key areas before deep cleaning: kitchen drawers, bathroom cabinets, bedroom closets, entryway tables, under-sink spaces, and nightstands. Tackling these trouble spots first makes cleaning easier and helps maintain a tidy home long-term. For desk organization, experts suggest tossing duplicate supplies, tangled cords, old paperwork, and random trinkets for a more productive workspace.
- A cluttered home can lead to increased levels of cortisol, the body's primary stress hormone, while a well-organized space can reduce tension and promote a sense of calm. For women in particular, a cluttered environment is more likely to cause a depressed mood as the day goes on. - The process of decluttering can reduce housework by up to 40%, freeing up time and energy. This is significant, as 80% of U.S. adults perform about two hours of household duties on an average day. - Several popular decluttering philosophies exist, each with a different focus. The KonMari Method, created by Marie Kondo, centers on keeping items that "spark joy", while the Swedish Death Cleaning method encourages considering if an item will be a burden to loved ones in the future. - Professional organizers sometimes use a "purgatory box" for items that are difficult to make a decision about. The items are stored out of sight for a set period, and if they are not needed or missed during that time, it becomes easier to let them go. - Statistics show the scale of the clutter problem, with 54% of Americans feeling overwhelmed by the clutter in their homes and 78% admitting they have no clear idea how to manage it. - Decluttering has a direct environmental impact, as discarded items often end up in landfills. For instance, in 2016, 347 kilotonnes of textiles ended up in Canadian landfills. Sustainable decluttering prioritizes donating, recycling, and repurposing to minimize waste. - A disorganized environment can negatively affect focus and productivity by creating visual distractions that make it harder for the brain to concentrate. Studies have also linked clutter to a lower sense of well-being and life satisfaction. - To tackle decluttering in a structured way, some people use gamified challenges. The "Minimalist Game" involves getting rid of one item on the first day of the month, two on the second, and so on, resulting in nearly 500 discarded items in a 31-day month.
