Decluttering Your Home: 3 Things That’ll Help Stop The Mess From Coming Back

Your home probably has a lot of clutter to it. Don’t worry – 99% of homes do. When you live there day in and day out, and you’ve got a partner and kids in the space with you, things are going to be left and mess is going to pile up. 

However, there often comes a time when you just can’t deal with the clutter anymore. This is especially a problem when there’s actual trash on the floor and/or in the corners, and you can’t be sure when you even dusted last! 

But there’s no need to feel embarrassed or judge yourself here. It’s all part of that home maintenance cycle we all have to go through! You can have a tidy up, you can shift the mess, and you can do a few things to make sure it doesn’t come back again. 

Set a Rule: Nothing Belongs on the Floor

If this is a family household and a lot of the clutter originates with the kids, this is the number one rule to start using in your home. Nothing belongs on the floor, and anything left on the floor must have a good reason for still being there. If someone just needed to use the toilet, for example – we’re not trying to be cruel here! 

But you do need to be firm about this rule and when and where it applies. If toys are left for a few minutes while your child does something else, that’s fine. If toys are left out all night long, it’s unacceptable. 

Make sure this rule has consequences of some kind as well, such as removing access to something for a while if it has been left out unnecessarily. You don’t want the kids to get lazy about leaving their stuff everywhere! 

If You Can Shut the Door, it’s Fine

This rule is for the kids’ bedrooms. These are spaces that belong to them and as such, they can get quite messy – and really, they have every right to put their toys and games where they like. You can head in every now and then and encourage them to clean up, but as long as nothing is getting broken or lost, it’s OK. 

That’s why abiding by the shut door rule can make a difference in your home. If the clutter is pouring out of the room, or the door can’t quite be shut because there’s stuff in the way, then the bedroom needs tidying up. But if your child is able to keep their doorway clear and you only spot a few clothes on the floor, pulling it shut when it’s not in use will make your home feel cleaner. 

It’ll also mean you’ll be happier decorating and furnishing the upstairs hallway – if you’ve got the room for it. 

Don’t Rely on Yourself To Get Rid of the Clutter

We’ve all been there. Bags full of items that need donating in the trunk of the car, a garden that’s half taken over by bulky furniture that needs taking to a recycling center, an attic that’s never quite been decluttered entirely because taking everything down the ladder is hard work. These are all everyday situations that mean the clutter just sticks around and makes us feel worse about our homes! 

That’s why you should never rely on yourself alone to finally shift it all out of the house. Get a professional to take care of that for you. Hire a junk removal service to come along and clear out the bags and boxes you’ve packaged, as well as anything else you just don’t want to deal with anymore, and finally say goodbye to the mess in your home. 

And sure, it may be a little pricier that way, but the convenience will make such a difference to your home, usable space, and perception of your surroundings. When it looks and feels clean, you’ll finally be able to unload the stress (and maybe even the shame) you’re carrying. 

Permanent Decluttering: What to Remember

If you want to declutter your home for the last time, these are the kinds of things to try out. Of course, you’re never going to be without a bit of mess in your home, but you can ensure it never piles up on you again. Take your time going round the house, make sure you’re happy with the way it looks, and never be afraid to call out a professional to get the work done for you.