Redecorating? Start by decluttering

Before you set out to redecorate your home, it’s always a good idea to start with a clean slate. That means getting rid of all the junk that’s been accumulating in your home for however long. Studies have shown that a living space free of clutter is beneficial to our psychological health plus it will allow your furnishings to stand out more since they aren’t surrounded by too much stuff.

Start with a goal

The minimalist approach to interior decorating has become extremely popular in recent years but it isn’t for everybody. Before you even start, have a clear goal in mind of what you want the finished product to look like. If you’re going for a minimalist look then you’ll have to be even more judicious about which things to keep and a lot more liberal about throwing stuff out. How much stuff is too much is up to you to decide.

One room at a time

Whatever you do, don’t attempt to declutter the entire home in a single go. If you try to do too much, you’re sure to get burned out quickly and that will only serve to discourage you the next time you consider starting again. Treat the decluttering process as a series of smaller projects where each room is a single project. Never do more than one room in a week unless you really feel up to it. Depending on how much stuff you have to get rid of, even the thought of one room might be too much for you. If that’s the case, set a timer on your phone for 20 or thirty minutes and spend just that much time each day. Even if you’re only getting through one drawer or box a day, it will feel like progress and you’ll have the stamina to keep going.

Be realistic

As you start to declutter you’ll inevitably stumble across things you haven’t used in years but you’ll be hesitant to throw it out. After all, maybe this is the year you’ll need it. Be honest with yourself and consider the likelihood you’ll use it and then get rid of it.

When you’re finished

When the clutter has been gone through and gotten rid of, a final step is to prep your home for redecorating. A white or off-white base is usually the easiest to work with. Repaint your interior, clean or replace your carpets, and install some white baseboard heater covers and you’re ready to introduce color and texture through furnishings that will really stand out.

 

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