Decluttering your home doesn't have to be a daunting task. With a little organisation, creativity, and maybe even a bit of fun, you can transform your living space into a serene, clutter-free haven. 

Investing in a storage unit for hire is a great way to streamline your home’s clutter, starting your New Year off on the right foot. Let’s start by taking a look at a few tips so you can declutter and organise your home effectively.

1. Start small and simple 

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, and the same goes for decluttering. It’s always best to start with something small like a drawer or a shelf. This approach makes the task less overwhelming and can also give you a sense of accomplishment, fueling your motivation to tackle bigger, more time-consuming areas of your home. 

2. Use the four-box method 

Simplicity is key when decluttering. The four-box method is a classic strategy: get four storage boxes and label them as: keep, donate or sell, put to storage, or bin As you sort through your items, decide which box they belong in. This system forces you to make a conscious decision about each item, preventing the iconic "I'll decide later" trap. 

3. Embrace the one-year rule 

If you haven't used an item in a year, it's likely that you don't need it at all. This rule is particularly effective for clothes, kitchen gadgets, and other household items. If you're struggling to let go, ask yourself if the item brings value to your life. If not, it might be time to say goodbye. 

4. Hire a storage unit 

Sometimes, we have items that we can't keep in our homes but aren't ready to part with. In such cases, why not hire a storage unit? It's an excellent solution for seasonal items, sentimental belongings, clothes, or things you plan to use in the future but don't currently have space for. 

Hiring a storage unit keeps your home clutter-free while giving you peace of mind that your items are safe, just make sure that you browse nearby storage unit locations so that your belongings are safe and easily accessible. 

5. Digitise where possible 

In our digital age, there's no need for physical copies of everything. Scan important documents and save them to the cloud. Convert your CD and DVD collections to digital formats. Not only does this save physical space, but it also makes your items more accessible and less prone to damage in the long run. Need to keep your physical copies of documents? Store them securely in a weatherproof storage container for when you need them. 

6. Tackle one room at a time 

Resist the urge to declutter your entire home in one go. After all, Rome wasn’t built in a day. Instead, focus on one room at a time. This approach is less overwhelming and allows you to see progress more quickly, which can be incredibly motivating. We’d suggest starting with the easiest room to declutter as early success can help build momentum. 

7. Set decluttering goals 

Setting specific goals can help keep you on track. Whether it's decluttering a certain number of items each day or aiming to have a specific room done by a certain date, goals provide direction and a sense of purpose in your decluttering journey. 

8. Implement the one-in, one-out rule 

To maintain a decluttered home, adopt the "one in, one out" rule. For every new item that comes into your home, one should go out. This practice helps you stay mindful of what you bring into your space and keeps mindless clutter at bay. 

9. Involve the whole family 

Decluttering can be a family affair, and it’s a great way to get everyone involved in the process. It also avoids the issue of throwing away things that some family members may wish to keep. 

Assign tasks based on age and ability, and make it fun. You could even set up a reward system for completed tasks. This not only lightens your load but also teaches everyone the importance of maintaining a clutter-free space. 

10. Regularly review and revise 

In our eyes, decluttering shouldn’t be treated as a one-time event. To keep up with your tidying needs, why not pencil in an hour every week or two dedicated to decluttering? During this time, you can review your space and get rid of items that no longer serve a purpose. 

Streamline your clutter with Bluebox Storage 

Decluttering your home can transform your living space into a peaceful haven, but we understand that you may sometimes need a bit of help to manage your belongings. 

Our team at Bluebox Storage is here to provide you with premium self-storage solutions across the North East, with storage units in Gateshead, Stockton, South Shields, Middlesbrough and more. Spot your nearest location? We're your reliable ally in conquering clutter and reclaiming your space. 

Contact our Bluebox Storage experts, browse our storage unit prices, and take the first step towards a decluttered, serene home today.