Make a Plan
The first step to effectively cleaning and organizing your home is to make a plan. This will help you stay focused and tackle everything that needs to be done in an efficient manner.
Set Goals
Decide what your main goals are. Do you want to fully declutter and organize just one room like the kitchen? Or do you aim to do a deep clean of the entire house? Write down specifically what you want to accomplish.
Gather Supplies
Make a list of all the cleaning supplies, tools, containers, etc. you’ll need to complete the tasks on your list. Having everything ready ahead of time will help the process go much more smoothly.
Designate Areas
Figure out which areas you want to tackle first, second, third and so on. Generally it’s best to start with more manageable spaces before moving onto larger projects.
Schedule Time
Realistically look at your calendar and block out time dedicated solely to cleaning and organizing. Respecting your schedule will ensure you don’t take on too much at once and burn out quickly.
Declutter Room by Room
The next key step is to declutter each area systematically. This process can take time but is essential for creating a tidy home.
Start with Surfaces
Begin by clearing flat surfaces like tables, desks, countertops, dressers, etc. Sort items into piles: trash, donate, relocate or store.
Tackle Drawers and Cabinets
Move everything out of drawers and cabinets onto flat surfaces or the floor. Go through each item and make decisions about what to keep or discard.
Assess Shelves and Closets
Remove everything off of open shelves and out of closets. Eliminate anything you don’t need or use. Group like items together to put back.
Handle Hidden Clutter
Look under beds, in basements, attics, garages, etc. for any “out of sight, out of mind” clutter. If you’ve forgotten about it, it’s probably time to get rid of it.
Be Ruthless
If you’re struggling to decide about an item ask yourself – have I used this in the last year? Does it spark joy? If the answer is no, let it go.
Organize with Purpose
Once decluttered, it’s time to organize what remains with intention and purpose. Make the most of your space.
Use Bins and Baskets
Clear plastic bins and woven baskets are great for holding items while keeping them visible. Label the front so you know exactly what’s inside.
Try Shelving Units
Installing shelving units, racks, pegboards, etc. takes advantage of vertical space. Arrange items from largest to smallest.
Sort Drawers Smartly
Divide drawers using compartments and trays to designate spaces for different items like socks, underwear, tools, etc.
Categorize Closet Items
Group like items together in closets – sweaters, pants, t-shirts, dresses. Use shelves for folded items and hangers for hanging items.
Maintain as You Go
Put things back in their designated spot after using to avoid new clutter accumulation. A little bit of daily upkeep goes a long way.
With a solid plan, some dedicated time and lots of effort, you can make your home much more clean, organized and livable. Just take it one step and one room at a time. For larger projects like cleaning out the garage, you may want to consider renting a dumpster from Las Vegas dumpster for easy waste disposal. But start small and work your way up to the bigger spaces. You’ve got this!