It’s easy to allow clutter to pile up, and over time this increase of “stuff” will have you feeling overwhelmed and stuck. A simple home decor declutter and refresh will have you wanting to bring friends and family around, too, to show off your beautiful surroundings and home design.
If you get overwhelmed at the thought of home organizing, but can’t get an appointment with Marie Kondo, or fly in the duo from The Edit, then I’ve got the next best thing: a personalized strategy that is both practical and simple to implement at home.
Ensuring your space is clean and clutter free will also help foster productivity, and improve your well-being!
So let’s begin with our top tips to get your space feeling organized, welcoming and serene again.
1. Create a Plan and Start Small
Decluttering and reorganizing can be overwhelming. Create a list of the top rooms or spaces you want to address, and then prioritize starting with the most difficult room first. Best to get it out of the way! Typically, it’s the kitchen, or storage room and basement. Room by room, or closet by closet, having a clear plan will help the process feel less anxiety-inducing, and you’ll be less likely to give up part way through.
Michelle’s Tip: Once you have your plan, start small. Rather than diving into decluttering every kitchen cabinet and drawer at once, start with one drawer or shelf that you use regularly. This will provide you a quick win and generate a sense of accomplishment and motivate you to continue organizing.
2. Keep, Donate or Discard
As you declutter, determine what items are automatically going into the “keep” pile, which need to be donated or sold (items in good condition with minimal wear), and what needs to be thrown out or recycled (items that are broken, unusable, or in bad condition with lots of wear). Make sure the items in the donate, sell, or throw away pile actually leave the premises. You don’t want them to end up in a box in your garage or storage room taking up valuable space.
Michelle’s Tip: At Foxglove Design, we donate goods and funds to Abuse Hurts in Newmarket, Ontario. Learn more about the incredible work of this non-profit that works to significantly reduce the incidence and impact of abuse through education and public awareness.
3. Digital Decluttering
Your linen closet isn’t the only space that needs editing. Organize your computer files, clean out your email inbox, and delete unused apps on your devices. A tidy digital space complements a decluttered physical environment and will provide serenity during work or study.
Michelle’s Tip: Work hybrid or full-time from home? Declutter and organize your desk to free up more space. Filing away loose documents, creating and labeling folders, scanning documents and shredding that which you no longer need not only opens up your desk space. Free your mind from physical and digital distractions when you log on to work.
4. Renew
Once you have cleared out the old, it may be time to introduce some new home decor! Is your space feeling a little cold or unwelcoming? A new area rug or colourful throw can be a fantastic way to add life back to your space. Ready for a more drastic change? Why not take advantage of your new clear space to repaint?
Michelle’s Tip: It doesn’t have to cost a lot of money to give a space a new look, even just a few new accessories or plants can do the trick. A fresh coat of paint is the most cost-effective way to increase the resale value of your home and improve your interior decor.
5. Refresh
Not looking to add something new? Rearranging existing furniture or accessories can be a fantastic way to breathe new life into your space without spending a dime! Maybe an accent chair can be swapped from living to dining room. Or move around some of your plants, paintings for renewed vibrance. Another simple solution is to frame photography from your personal travels either in black in white or colour to lift the mood of your space.
Michelle’s Tip: I love swapping accent cushions from the living room couch to beds. This is a simple way to refresh the decor in two spaces at once.
Taking time to declutter and refresh your home is an easy way to bring positive energy into your home. By prioritizing keeping your home clear and organized, you will find clarity, motivation and calm in other areas of your life (just think of how much easier it is to clean your newly decluttered space!). Here at Foxglove Design, we hope these tips help you see your space in a new light, and fall in love with your home all over again!
