Let's get it straight. One thing that's painful when decluttering is not the amount of time and effort we need to exert during the process. It is the number of things we have to let go of to make decluttering successful. When we have so many possessions on hand, we find it hard to weigh what needs to be kept and what needs to go away.
While it is easy to shop online in Singapore, it's hard to strategise your organisation. In the end, items just pile up, but your living space doesn't get any bigger. But how do you maintain a cosy and organised home? When organising your flat, it is important to be mindful of what you add to your space and be firm about letting go of items you don't necessarily need.
Here are some ways you can approach your next HDB decluttering process.
Surround Yourself with Items You Love
We all have our sentimental sides when it comes to the items that we see in our homes. The presents that we receive that we barely use—mementos, gift cards, receipts, stationery, even old clothes that we don't wear anymore—are often hard to let go of. As we cherish these things, we contribute to the clutter in our space.
To make your flat neat, start discarding the items that are less to your liking. Empty your shelves and start looking for old items that you don't use anymore. Think about the old clothes that you no longer wear and the shoes that don't fit anymore. If your kids have grown out of their toys, consider donating some and keeping those they still need.
When you have to face a lot of items all at once, it is good to plan your space and create a list to make sure that you are on the right track. Here are some inputs that you may consider:
- Think about function. (What do I want to do with my room?)
- Think about your lifestyle. (How do I want this room to support my daily needs?)
- Think about value. (How can I make this room a part of my home?)
You can now list the things that support your goals.
Once your plan is done and your list is made, you may start assessing your items. Chucking out things that you don't need is the longest process, but once you get this right, organising your flat will be such a breeze. The fewer items that remain, the fewer items to maintain.
Here is a quick list that you can refer to when segregating your items:
Living Room
|
Bedroom
|
Bathroom
|
Kitchen and Dining Room
|
Home Office
|
You do not need to throw away all the things that you won’t use in your home. You can always donate usable items to those who can make good use of them. When decluttering, set up a box for donations and a separate one for those you need to toss away.
Categorise Your Items
You might be surprised to see how many items are located somewhere they don't belong. When you categorise your remaining items, you get a clear view of their functions and places where you can maximise their use. You don't have to go through a big, one-time decluttering process. You can go from room to room to make sure that you accomplish one thing at a time. Your list will come in handy when categorising your items. You can narrow down your list by classifying and sub-classifying the items in your home.
Get the Proper Storage Solutions
Do not pre-purchase your storage. This is one of the major mistakes you must avoid when organising your home. Pre-purchasing your storage furniture and containers might make your home more cluttered than organised since you have to deal with too many or unfitted storage containers. Your home storage solutions should work based on your storage needs, not the other way around. Purchasing storage solutions with a clear purpose in mind helps you save money and space. If you plan to get a new drawer cabinet, make sure that its size and configuration match the items you will use it for. When using shelves or bookcases, utilise baskets, gift boxes, or repurposed containers to further arrange your items. Maximise your foyer's space by doubling your shoe cabinet's purpose. Add some decorative boxes and baskets on top of your shoe cabinet, which will work as additional storage for items you immediately need before you go out.
When organising your bedroom, dedicate separate storage for smaller items like hair clips and accessories, rubber bands, hygiene products, and jewelry. If you store these inside your wardrobe, you can arrange mini organisers that can help you keep smaller items in place and accessible. Welcome a tall chest of drawers for folded clothes, linens, and medium sized to smaller items in your bedroom. Always measure and plan things out before buying your storage furniture.
Utilise Vertical Space
As much as possible, avoid stacking up containers, as it makes it harder to access your items. Use vertical storage solutions like a tall pull-out drawer cabinet, open bookshelf, or a storage rack. You may also install a built-in storage nook in an unused corner of your room. Use hooks or pegboards at the back of your door or in your entryway to hang your hats or bags. Create zones and arrange your items by category, positioning the bigger and heavier ones at the bottom, the ones you use often in the middle, and some lightweight, rarely used items at the top.
Declutter with Someone
It is vital to have other members of your household involved in decluttering and organising. This does not only make the work faster, but it also helps them be informed about the changes in your space. It also prevents you from disposing of items that might be functional for other members of your family. When decluttering together, one thing to note is to collectively make a firm decision to remove what is supposed to be removed.
Keep Your Home Personal
Oraganising your flat is easier when you keep the items that matter most. Having only the things that you love in your home makes it more cosy and inviting. It will also be easier to add personal touches when decorating your space if you only keep what is desirable.
Decluttering and organising might not be your favourite household task, but it is rewarding when you finally see the results. Enjoy a comfortable and functional home with the people that you love and the things that matter.