Top 10 Tips to Declutter Your Home (Serving St. Helens & Surrounding Areas)
Spring is in the air! As the days lengthen and the first signs of new life emerge, it’s the perfect
time to refresh not just your surroundings, but also the space you call home. A cluttered home
can lead to a cluttered mind, making it harder to relax, focus, and truly enjoy your living
environment. This spring, why not embark on a decluttering journey that will leave your home
feeling lighter, brighter, and more inviting?
At North West Waste Consultants, we understand the importance of a clean and organised
environment. While our focus is on helping businesses in St. Helens and the wider North West
reduce landfill waste and boost recycling, we believe the principles of mindful consumption and
waste reduction start at home. A good declutter isn’t just about tidiness; it’s about taking stock of
what you own, letting go of what no longer serves you, and ultimately reducing the amount of
waste that ends up in landfill.
So, grab your gloves, open your windows, and get ready to transform your home with our top 10
tips for a successful spring declutter:
1. Start Small and Conquer One Area at a Time:
The thought of decluttering your entire home can feel overwhelming. Avoid burnout by tackling
one manageable area at a time. This could be a single drawer, a shelf, a corner of a room, or
even just your wardrobe. Completing a smaller task provides a sense of accomplishment and
motivates you to move onto the next. Consider starting with a high-impact but relatively
contained space like a hallway closet or a bathroom cabinet. Seeing the immediate difference
will fuel your decluttering momentum.
2. The Four-Box Method: Your Decluttering Toolkit:
To make the decision-making process easier, equip yourself with four boxes (or bags):
● Keep: Items you use regularly and truly love.
● Donate/Sell: Items in good condition that you no longer need but could benefit someone
else.
● Recycle: Items that are no longer usable but can be recycled.
● Trash: Items that are broken, damaged beyond repair, or genuinely have no other use.
As you go through each item, make a decisive choice and place it in the corresponding box.
This structured approach helps to avoid getting bogged down in indecision.
3. The 12-Month Rule: When Was the Last Time You Used It?
A simple yet effective rule for decluttering is to ask yourself when you last used an item. If you
haven’t used it in the past 12 months (with the exception of seasonal items), chances are you
don’t need it. Be honest with yourself. Holding onto things “just in case” can quickly lead to
clutter. If you haven’t needed it for a year, the likelihood of needing it in the future is slim.
4. Focus on Functionality and Necessity:
Go through your belongings with a critical eye. Does this item serve a purpose in your life? Do
you use it regularly? Does it bring you joy? If the answer to these questions is consistently “no,”
it’s a strong indicator that the item can be let go. This is particularly helpful in areas like the
kitchen (unused gadgets), the linen closet (excessive bedding), and the office (old documents).
5. Tackle the Trouble Spots First:
Every home has those notorious areas where clutter tends to accumulate – the junk drawer, the
spare room, the overflowing laundry basket. While it might seem daunting, tackling these trouble
spots early can provide a significant sense of relief and make the rest of the decluttering
process feel easier. Once you conquer these challenging areas, the rest will feel like a breeze.
6. One In, One Out: A Sustainable Approach:
Once you’ve decluttered, adopt the “one in, one out” rule. This means that for every new item
you bring into your home, you get rid of a similar item. This helps to prevent clutter from building
up again over time and encourages more mindful purchasing habits. This principle aligns
perfectly with North West Waste Consultants’ commitment to reducing waste generation.
7. Digitise and Declutter Paperwork:
In today’s digital age, much of our paperwork can be stored electronically. Invest in a scanner or
use a scanning app on your phone to digitise important documents, bills, and receipts. Once
scanned and backed up, shred and recycle the physical copies (ensuring you dispose of
sensitive information securely). This can significantly reduce paper clutter and free up valuable
storage space.
8. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help (or a Second Opinion):
If you’re struggling to let go of certain items, consider asking a trusted friend or family member
for a fresh perspective. Sometimes, an objective viewpoint can help you see things more clearly.
They might be able to offer practical advice or simply provide the encouragement you need to
make a decision.
9. Make Decluttering a Regular Habit:
Decluttering shouldn’t be a once-a-year event. Incorporate small decluttering tasks into your
regular routine. Spend 15 minutes each week tidying a specific area, or do a quick sweep
before putting away groceries. Regular maintenance will prevent clutter from accumulating and
make future deep declutters much less overwhelming.
10. Dispose of Unwanted Items Responsibly (Think Beyond the Bin):
As North West Waste Consultants advocates for minimising landfill waste, be mindful of how
you dispose of your unwanted items.
● Donate: Clothes, furniture, books, and household goods in good condition can be
donated to local charities in St. Helens and surrounding areas. This gives your items a
new life and supports a good cause.
● Sell: Items of value can be sold online, at car boot sales, or through local classifieds.
● Recycle: Ensure you are properly recycling all eligible materials according to your local
council’s guidelines. Check the St. Helens Council website for information on kerbside
collections and recycling centres.
● Responsible Waste Disposal: For items that cannot be donated or recycled, ensure
they are disposed of responsibly. Consider using local waste management services that
prioritise waste diversion from landfill, like the principles North West Waste Consultants
champions for businesses.
Bringing it All Together:
Decluttering your home this spring is an investment in your well-being. By following these tips,
you can create a more organised, functional, and peaceful living space. Remember that every
item you choose to let go of is a step towards a lighter and more intentional way of living.
Just as North West Waste Consultants helps businesses in St. Helens and beyond streamline
their waste management and reduce their environmental impact, you too can make conscious
choices about the items you bring into your home and how you dispose of those you no longer
need. Embrace the spring cleaning spirit and enjoy the benefits of a decluttered home!
