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Here at Ustoreit we know that a clutter free space is an important part of living a stress free home life and we are always on hand to offer helpful information and solutions.

This article discusses the process of decluttering your home in easy to follow steps, should your require further information or wish to explore storage space outside your home at an affordable cost, please get in touch with a member of the Ustoreit team who will be happy to provide you with all the information you need.

 

Decluttering Step 1: Taking stock

The first step to successfully decluttering your home is to take stock of the items you have and decide whether you truly need them in your home or not. Start with one room in your house that requires attention and work your way through the room, listing every item as you go. Repeat this step throughout every room in your home. Then pop the kettle on to boil and sit down with your list and a highlighter pen. Make your way through the list and decide there and then what items you need to say goodbye to, highlight these items as you proceed through the list. You could make some of your decisions based on the following pointers:

 

  • Broken items: Is the item still functional or in good working order? If not, then it really shouldn’t be taking up space in your home. Broken items are an easy one to discard immediately.
  • Unused items: Every home has a mass of items that are rarely if ever used, if you find any items on your list that fit into this category then it’s time they went to someone who will use them.
  • Outdated items: Are you one of those people who has a drawer full of old mobile phones or keys to doors that no longer exist? If so, it’s time to say goodbye!
  • Clothing: The common consensus on clothing is if you haven’t worn it in the last 6 months then it’s time to remove it from your wardrobe. For storage of clothing items that you may want to retain but keep in storage, our wardrobe boxes are an ideal solution.

 

Decluttering Step 2: Prepare for removal of items

Before you start physically removing the items from your home, make another list of where these items are going. You may have items that are suited only for the bin, however it is likely that you can find a good home for many of your unwanted clutter. Try some of the following options:

 

  • Clothing – check your local directory for charities in your area who may be accepting donations. Alternatively if there is a clothes bank near you this will ensure that others who are less fortunate will benefit from your decluttering. Please ensure all clothing and bedding is clean before donation.
  • Mobile phones or gadgets – there are a number of Irish foundations that regularly look for donations of old mobile phones or tablets. Search online for charities that will be happy to receive that drawer full of old technology!
  • Bedding – Charities nationwide cannot get enough warm bedding, donate yours.
  • eBay – One man’s trash is another mans treasure, check out eBay to get an idea of what sells and set up your own online store.
  • Recycle – Newspapers, magazines, glass items & electrical equipment can all be recycled, try to ensure you’re thinking about the environment during the declutter.
  • Large items – you may have some large items that you’re not quite ready to part with or don’t have room for at the moment. Get in touch with a member of the team here at Ustoreit and we will provide you with a number of options to suit your need and budget.

 

Decluttering Step 3 – the hard bit!

So now that you know what you need to remove from your home and have a good idea of where it’s going, it’s time to start the declutter. Make things easier for yourself by being as well prepared as possible. Do one room at a time and try to have the following essentials ready to go:

 

  • Sturdy cardboard boxes
  • Box tape
  • A black permanent marker
  • The list you made earlier
  • Bubble wrap
  • Box cutter/knife
  • Heavy duty garbage bags (for clothing and bedding)
  • Labels or paper that you can use to tag bags

 

Starting with the 1st room on your list, methodically work your way through the inventory and start bagging and boxing as you go. Each box you pack should be taped up and labeled clearly. Use the black marker to write the contents on each box and it’s destination.

 

e.g.

Box 1

Contains: Books

Destination: Local charity shop

 

Once you’ve completed all of your packing it’s a good idea to sit down with your list and double check everything again. Make sure that you are happy with the contents of each bag, box and destination.

 

Breathe……

 

Decluttering Step 4: Transportation

A lot of your items will need to be transported to their intended destination. If you do not have transport of your own, you may want to contact some friends and family and ask them to rally around! Then off you go to deliver your clutter to people who will truly appreciate it.

Any items that you plan on selling on eBay or through other channels should be photographed and boxed up until sold.

 

Decluttering Step 5: Relax

Sit back and enjoy your decluttered home and give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done!

 

Should you wish to discuss storage options for large items in your home, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us at any time. Storing your items with Ustoreit couldn’t be easier! We provide solutions for:

 

Home storage

Commercial storage

Packaging

Document storage

And much, much more…