Decluttering Tips for Keeping Your Apartment Organized

The idea of decluttering may seem overwhelming at first, but with the right approach, it can be a stress-free way to transform your downtown Chicago apartment. Try these seven tips to create the organized and put-together living space that you deserve:

The tortoise and the hare:

Give yourself a start date, but take your time. Do a little each day. If you have extra free time one day, dedicate it to clearing out your apartment, but don’t try to finish too quickly. You’ll do a more efficient job if you work slowly.

Front Door Method:

Start at the front door and move through your place from room to room, giving your full attention to one room at a time. Doing a little work in each room won’t accomplish as much as concentrated effort in smaller spaces.

Out with the old:

While buying fun and new organizing gadgets at first is tempting, you’re just further contributing to the problem of owning too much stuff without the space to hold it. Don’t buy new things for organizing until you cut down on what you already own.

One bag at a time:

Take one bag and fill it with stuff you don’t need. If you’re cutting clothes, use the 12 12 12 rule. Pick 12 items to throw out, 12 items to donate, and 12 items to keep.

Create a maybe box:

There are always things that you’re unsure of keeping.  While going through the items you’d like to dispose of, and the ones you’d like to keep, set aside the items you’re unsure about into a box. Label the box, put it away for a few months and then remind yourself to open it later to assess what you really need.

After you’ve cleared, then add:

Certain gadgets can be very helpful for staying organized after clearing out things you don’t want such as drawer organizers, a vertical wine rack, and extra shelving!

Stay organized:

Make sure that your decluttering isn’t a one-time event. It takes 21 days to form a new habit, so try to remind yourself of little things that can keep your apartment organized every day. Dedicate extra time to folding and putting away clothes, and rather than procrastinating tasks, try to complete them right away. You’ll thank yourself later.

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