You may have heard of both terms before, but you’re not sure what they cover and why you need to do both.

In fact, you may have stumbled upon this article because you’re thinking of hiring professional cleaners and you can’t decide which service to book.

Don’t worry, I’m not a cleaning provider and I’m not here to offer any cleaning services.

Like you, I’ve wondered about both terms and decided to do some research to understand more about them.

Keep reading to discover the differences between regular cleaning vs deep cleaning and the pros and cons of deep cleaning.

I’ve even included a list of recommended cleaning tools and materials, so all you have to do is read till the end!

Related: How To Make Your House Smell Like A Hotel In 9 Simple Steps

*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links that are at no additional cost to you, and I may earn a small commission if you purchase any products via my links. Read the full privacy policy here.

What Is Regular Cleaning?

Regular cleaning is also known as standard cleaning or basic cleaning. It consists of all the tasks you should do regularly to keep your house hygienic and fresh (don’t miss my regular cleaning checklist below!).

Typically, regular cleaning is done at least once a week to help maintain a level of cleanliness around the house.

Some people prefer to have a Sunday reset, where they dedicate their entire Sunday around household cleaning and errand running so they can get organized for the upcoming week.

If spending a whole day cleaning sounds daunting, you can also break these tasks up and do a couple of things each day. After all, it’s your home so choose a schedule that works for YOU.

These cleaning tasks generally don’t take that long to complete; however, they are essential to keep your home free from dust, dirt, and grime.

Regular Cleaning Checklist

A regular cleaning will usually include most or all of the following: 

General

• Cleaning, sweeping/vacuuming, and mopping floors in each room
• Vacuuming carpets and rugs
• Wiping down mirrors and windows in each room
• General dusting (e.g. removing cobwebs/dust/debris on furniture, surfaces, light fixtures, doors, windows, and vents)
• Doing the laundry
• Taking out the trash from each room
• General tidying and organizing in each room

Kitchen

• Washing dishes and putting dishes away
• Scrubbing the sink
• Wiping the countertops and appliances such as cooktops, refrigerators, and microwaves
• Washing kitchen towels, dish rags, aprons, and other linens

Bathroom(s)

• Cleaning and disinfecting bathroom fixtures e.g. shower stalls, sinks, toilets, and bathtubs

Bedroom(s)

• Making the bed
• Changing bed linens

What Is Deep Cleaning?

Some people assume deep cleaning means taking care of the things you didn’t do during regular cleaning.

Yes, this is partially true because we may not have sufficient time to tackle every task. Some chores like cleaning the oven and scrubbing grout take a long time.

Therefore, a deep cleaning is required to complete the tasks we miss during regular cleaning.

However, deep cleaning also includes doing regular cleaning duties but more thoroughly.

Things that are hard to reach or neglected are hand-wiped or scrubbed to get rid of dirt, grime, soap scum, and more. Additionally, sanitizing and disinfecting are also carried out during a deep cleaning session.

The biggest difference between regular cleaning vs deep cleaning lies in the attention to detail. Deep cleaning is more comprehensive than regular cleaning. As a result, it takes more time and effort. Plus, it costs more if outsourced.

It is necessary to deep clean at least two or three times a year, as deep cleaning creates a healthy and hygienic environment for your family. Deep cleaning helps to get rid of germs like bacteria and viruses that can make your family ill. Not to mention, your home will look spotless and smell fresh.

Related: How To Make Your House Smell Like A Spa With 10 Simple Tips

Deep Cleaning Checklist

Besides regular cleaning chores, a deep cleaning session will usually include most or all of the following: 

General

• Vacuuming upholstery like couches, curtains, rugs, etc.
• Cleaning and removing any marks on baseboards, window frames, window sills, doors, and door frames
• Vacuuming vent covers
• Cleaning under and on top of furniture and household appliances like TVs, washing machines, dryers
• Wet cleaning of all types of furniture including interior surfaces
• Wiping down ceiling fans and light fixtures including lampshades
• Dusting decorative items
• Dusting and wiping down blinds and shutters
• Cleaning interior and exterior windows and doors
• Removing dust from walls, ceilings, air conditioners, fans, and other hard-to-reach spots
• Washing the wall to remove any stains and streaks
• Washing and sanitizing trash cans
• Cleaning inside household appliances like washing machines and dryers

Kitchen

• Cleaning inside appliances, including the oven, refrigerator, microwave, toaster, coffee machine, etc.
• Scrubbing the stovetop
• Interior range hood and filter cleaning
• Cleaning the areas behind and under appliances
• Cleaning and organizing inside cabinets, drawers, and pantry
• Scrubbing grout lines on countertops or backsplashes
• Washing the sink and wiping down the faucet
• Wiping down and disinfecting countertops
• Disinfecting knobs and switches
• Polishing stainless steel appliances

Bathroom(s)

• Deep cleaning shower stalls, doors, tubs, sinks, and curtains
• Cleaning and disinfecting toilet seat, base, and bowl
• Removing limescale and soap scum on bathroom fixtures like shower heads, taps, etc.
• Scrubbing grout on bathroom tiles
• Wiping down cabinets
• Decluttering and cleaning inside vanities and medicine cabinets
• Wiping mirrors and shower screens
• Disinfecting knobs and switches
• Cleaning toothbrush holders
• Washing and sanitizing trash cans

Bedroom(s)

• Vacuuming mattresses
• Flipping mattresses
• Washing all bedding and pillows
• Spot-treating any stains on mattresses, bedding, and pillows
• Wiping down and cleaning inside furniture including cabinets, dressers, and nightstands
• Decluttering and organizing closet/wardrobe

Regular Cleaning vs Deep Cleaning – What’s The Difference?

There are 4 main differences between regular cleaning vs deep cleaning.

Attention to detail

Deep cleaning is extensive compared to regular cleaning. Deep cleaning pays attention to every little detail. Cleaning will take place from top to bottom, left to right, and in every nook and cranny in each room.

Frequency

Regular cleaning is done at least once a week whereas deep cleaning can be done two to three times a year.

Duration

Deep cleaning takes a much longer time to complete compared to regular cleaning. Regular cleaning usually takes a few hours. On the other hand, deep cleaning can span over one or two days.

Cost

Want to outsource both regular and deep cleaning? Bear in mind that deep cleaning will set you back more money than regular cleaning. Deep cleaning can cost up to three times more than regular cleaning.

Pros and Cons of Deep Cleaning

Pros

Creates a healthy and hygienic environment

A dirty and cluttered home can lead to the presence of dust mites, mold, and germs. All of these can lead to harmful viruses, which can affect you and your family’s health. Deep cleaning can help to eliminate these damaging health risks.

Provides a welcoming ambience

A clean home is an inviting home. Once you’ve deep cleaned your home, you won’t feel embarrassed to invite family and friends over. The state of your home also affects your mental health. The cleaner your home, the happier you’ll feel.

Related: 10 Easy Ways To Create A Positive Atmosphere At Home

Saves you time and money in the long run

The longer you put off deep cleaning, the dirtier your home will be. If your home reaches this dreadful state, I’m afraid it will cost you even more time and money to clean your home.

Cons

Time-consuming

Deep cleaning is a labor-intensive process, which requires a lot of time, especially if you haven’t done it in a while. If you have a busy schedule, you may find deep cleaning difficult and overwhelming.

If you have the budget for it, I recommend hiring a cleaning service. Some cleaning providers require a deep clean for first-time customers. Once you’ve had a deep cleaning session, you should keep up with your regular cleaning to make deep cleaning easier for you next time.

Stressful

Deep cleaning can be a stressful and exhausting experience, especially if you’re also juggling work and childcare. Not only does it take up a lot of time, but it calls for a lot of effort and energy.

Expensive

Don’t have time or energy to deep clean? You can always book a cleaning service. A deep clean is usually more expensive than a standard clean. Depending on the size of your home, deep cleaning services can range from $300 – $1,000.

When Should You Deep Clean?

You should deep clean at least once a year. I recommend 2-3 times a year if you or anyone in your household has allergies.

Other times include when…

• Moving out of a rental
• Moving into a new home
• When selling your home
• Your home needs spring cleaning

Recommended Cleaning Tools & Materials

Looking for a complete list of cleaning tools and materials? I’ve got you covered. Here’s a list of my 14 cleaning essentials.

1. Vacuum

A vacuum cleans more than just floors. It’s particularly useful for cleaning upholstery like curtains, furniture, rugs, and mattresses.

The Dyson V15 Detect Cordless Vacuum Cleaner works great on both carpet and hardwood floors.

In addition to being lightweight and easy to use, the laser makes hard-to-see dust and pet fur visible, so you don’t miss anything. Plus, it converts to a handheld vacuum so you can use it for cars, stairs, and upholstery.

It comes with a 2-year warranty and lifetime Dyson support. I highly recommend this vacuum especially if you have children or pets.

2. Microfiber Cloth

A microfiber cloth is a game-changer because it picks up and absorbs dirt and dust better than anything else.

Try the MR.SIGA Microfiber Cleaning Cloth – they are ultra soft, non-abrasive, reusable, and durable. They do not leave lint or streaks behind and can be used with or without water.

The best part? They make the perfect dish rags because they don’t smell.

3. Dish Towel

I can’t live without a dish towel in my kitchen.

Not only are they useful for drying dinnerware and hands, but they’re also good at wiping countertops and spills.

The Homaxy 100% Cotton Waffle Weave Kitchen Dishcloths are well-loved because they are ultra-soft, lightweight, and super absorbent. They come with a hanging hook design that makes it easy to place and dry.

4. Sponge

I swear by Scrub Daddy’s Sponge Daddy. I stopped using other sponges to wash my dishes after I discovered Sponge Daddy.

Compared to other sponges, the Sponge Daddy is a beast. It is durable yet it is completely scratch-free and safe to use on over 20 different surfaces.

I bought the Style Collection, which comes in grey and white. Perfect for modern minimalist homes!

5. Squeegee

A good-quality squeegee is a must-have to clean shower doors, windows, and mirrors.

The HIWARE All-Purpose Stainless Steel Shower Squeegee is amazing because of its ergonomic design, which allows for convenient cleaning and quick-drying action. Furthermore, the 10-inch wide rubber blade prevents streaks and squeaks.

This comes with a set of waterproof adhesive hooks for quick access and easy use. P/S: Love that it comes in brass!

6. Extendable Duster

While microfiber cloths are great for removing dust on surfaces, extendable dusters are essential for cleaning hard-to-reach spots like the tops of cabinets and ceiling fans, door frames, and baseboards.

The MR.SIGA Flexible Microfiber Long Duster extends from 46.9″ to 65.7″, which makes it useful for different cleaning tasks. Moreover, it has an extra long and bendable duster head, which is also reusable and machine washable.

7. Broom and Dustpan

Even though I have a vacuum cleaner, I still need a broom and dustpan set. I find that they are easier to use in smaller and hard-to-reach areas.

The all-white Jade Active Broom and Dustpan Set is longer than the average broom. In addition, it comes with a handy snap-on clip that clips the broom and dustpan together, making it easy to put away.

The dustpan also has handy teeth to comb out any dust or hair that is often stuck in broom bristles. How convenient!

8. Toilet brush

Everyone needs a good toilet brush, and the OXO Good Grips Compact Toilet Brush & Canister is one of the best in the market.

The canister door opens and closes automatically so you can remove and replace the brush easily.

According to one reviewer, the bristles clean easily even under the rim. The canister also has a drip tray that features ventilation slots, allowing water to quickly evaporate.

9. Scrub

My go-to scrub is none other than the Scrub Daddy.

Unlike other scrubs, they don’t look worn despite lasting so long. They truly retain their shape even after many washes.

From scrubbing kitchen pots and pans to removing limescale from bathroom tiles, they can be used for many purposes.

10. Mop

A mop is necessary if you have laminate, hardwood, ceramic, or marble flooring.

I used to hate mopping but that has changed after I got my hands on the Beyoco Microfiber Spray Mop.

Now, mopping is much easier because all I need to do is press the trigger on the handle to get the water out to clean my floors. This nifty tool comes with a flexible mop head and three microfiber washable pads too.

11. Spray bottle

Spray bottles are great because they help to evenly distribute cleaning solutions.

I’m a fan of glass spray bottles because they are more resistant and sustainable than plastic. Plus, they help to preserve cleaning solutions.

Sally’s Organics Store Amber Glass Spray Bottles come with a lifetime warranty and have fewer returns than average compared to similar products.

12. Baking Soda

Baking soda is essential in my household because it is an effective and non-toxic cleaning agent. Nothing else works as well as baking soda, especially when cleaning my oven.

13. Gloves

A pair of thick rubber gloves will protect your hands from dirt, grime, and harsh cleaning chemicals when you clean your home.

The DABOGOSA Mamison Reusable Waterproof Cleaning Rubber Gloves are a bestseller on Amazon for a reason. Reviews show that these gloves are of good quality and last long. They fit well and have a good grip too.

14. Cleaning Caddy

A cleaning caddy makes cleaning easier. Place your cleaning products in it and carry them around the house with ease. The JiatuA Large Cleaning Supplies Organizer with Handle is lightweight, stackable, and easy to clean.

Conclusion

There, you have it! I hope you’ve learned to differentiate regular cleaning vs deep cleaning after reading this post.

It is equally important to clean regularly and deep clean, as a clean home is beneficial for your physical and mental health.

If you’re a newbie to deep cleaning, you may want to hire a professional cleaner to help you first.

After that, you can work on weekly regular cleaning sessions and biannual deep cleaning sessions.

Happy cleaning!

The post Regular Cleaning vs Deep Cleaning Your Home – Which Is More Important? appeared first on That Isle Life.

I hear you, I had the same struggle when I got a standing desk.

Now, you might be thinking: How can I organize a desk without drawers? Where can I store ALL of my stuff? How can I make my work desk tidy and clutter-free?

Organizing a desk without drawers may seem daunting, but it’s NOT impossible.

Since I faced the same issue, I did the research and found 15 simple solutions to help you organize a desk without drawers.

I’ve already tried a few of them, and I’m happy to report that they work perfectly!

Don’t worry, you don’t have to implement all of them.

Choose a few methods that work for you so you can keep your desk organized, minimize distractions, and focus on having a productive workday.

Keep reading to discover how to organize a desk without drawers in 15 easy steps.

*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links that are at no additional cost to you, and I may earn a small commission if you purchase any products via my links. Read the full privacy policy here.

Related: How To Organize Your Life In One Week (Tried & Tested!)

How To Organize A Desk Without Drawers In 15 Easy Steps

1. Use a monitor stand

Monitors can take up a lot of space, especially if you have a small desk.

One easy way to increase desk space is to put your computer on a monitor stand or riser.

My favorite monitor stands are the ones that come with storage.

If you work with multiple electronic devices, you’re going to love the sleek Klearlook Foldable Computer Monitor Riser.

This all-white monitor riser is equipped with a hidden built-in tablet/phone holder and a storage drawer for your office essentials.

Klearlook Monitor Stand Riser

$32.99 $29.99

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11/03/2025 05:01 am GMT

If you’re looking for more storage, I highly recommend the Simple Houseware Desk Monitor Stand Riser.

This riser offers a shelf to place your keyboard and mouse and side caddies to store stationery like pens, Post-It notes, a stapler, scissors, etc.

Plus, there’s a slot to hold your smartphone or tablet.

It also comes in 7 neutral colors that will complement most home offices.

Simple Houseware Desk Monitor Stand Riser with Adjustable Organizer Tray

$39.99 $29.97

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11/03/2025 05:01 am GMT

2. Use a monitor arm

Got more than one monitor? Choose a monitor arm for your setup instead.

Monitor arms will free up precious desk space that your monitors take.

More importantly, a monitor arm is more flexible.

You can easily adjust the height, angle, and tilt of your monitor to the most comfortable position.

This will help your ergonomic posture in the long run and reduce back and neck pain.

The VIVO Dual Monitor Desk Mount is great if you have two monitors.

It is space-saving, sturdy, and sleek.

Additionally, it’s easy to install and comes with a 3-year manufacturer warranty.

VIVO Dual Monitor Desk Mount

$34.99

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11/03/2025 05:01 am GMT

3. Get a laptop stand

If you only have a laptop, consider getting a laptop stand.

Like a monitor arm, a laptop stand will clear desk space and give you more comfort as you work.

The BESIGN LS03 Aluminum Laptop Stand is compatible with all 10″- 15.6″ laptops like the MacBook Air 13, MacBook Air Pro 13 & 15, Lenovo ThinkPad, Dell, HP, ASUS, and Chromebook.

Made of premium aluminum alloy, this stand supports up to 8.8 lbs (4kg) and has sticky rubber on the holder’s hands to ensure full stability.

Plus, the open aluminum design allows airflow to prevent your laptop from overheating.

The best part?

This laptop stand is easily assembled with just three steps and it folds flat if you need to store it.

No wonder it is the best-selling laptop stand on Amazon!

BESIGN LS03 Aluminum Laptop Stand

$19.99

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11/03/2025 05:03 am GMT

4. Purchase a Vertical Charging Station

Are your phones, tablets, and AirPods scattered all over your desk?

Keep your electronic devices organized by using a vertical charging station like the Prosumer’s Choice Natural Bamboo Charging Station Rack.

Made of 100% natural bamboo, this multi-device organizer houses up to five smartphones or tablets and comes with removable divider slots.

In addition, it comes with cable management slots to keep power strips and surge protectors out of sight.

Furthermore, its anti-slip rubber legs ensure it is securely fixed on your desk.

With a low-profile design and six color options to choose from, this bamboo piece fits easily on any desk.

Prosumer's Choice Natural Bamboo Charging Station Organizer

$29.99

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11/03/2025 05:01 am GMT

5. Get a desk organizer

Looking for a fuss-free desk organizer to store all of your work essentials?

The DALTACK 4-Tier Mesh Desk Organizer has my heart.

This organizer has:

• 1 sliding drawer for Post-It notes, staples, paper clips, etc.
• 1 business card holder/phone stand
• 2 pen holders for stationery e.g. pens, markers, scissors, stapler, etc.
• 4 paper trays for A4 paper, files, mail, etc.

Made with an industrial-strength steel frame and wire mesh, this desk organizer is sturdy and durable.

I must admit it’s not the prettiest option in the market, but it does come in white, which looks nice on most desks.

DALTACK Mesh Desk Organizer

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Related: How To Organize A Small Kitchen Without A Pantry Effectively

6. Try a Side of the Desk Organizer

If you require a lot of desk space for planning or drawing, then a side of the desk organizer is perfect so you can keep your desk bare.

That’s where the Luketure Side Hanging Desk Organizer comes in.

It may not fit a lot compared to a traditional desk organizer, but it’s sufficient to store a laptop, tablet, documents, and notebooks.

It also has a matching magnetic pen holder for stationery and remote controls.

Made from rust-resistant stainless steel, this organizer is super easy to install (no drilling required!).

Curious about the holes on the organizer? It’s a safety feature that prevents dust and heat from accumulating. Now, that’s what I call smart design!

LUKETURE Desk Side Storage

$29.99

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11/03/2025 05:03 am GMT

7. Install under-desk drawers

If you have a wide desk and a side desk organizer is out of reach, try installing under-desk drawers instead.

I love the TooCust 2 Pack Under Desk Slide Out Drawers because they come in two different sizes – medium and large.

They may not be large enough to fit A4 papers or files, but they can accommodate smaller things like stationery, small notebooks, and small electronic devices.

These sturdy drawers can be installed on smooth panels using strong self-adhesive tapes.

Just remember to wait for 24 hours before using them!

Toocust 2 Pack Under Desk Drawer

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8. Conceal Cables With an Under Desk Management System

Chances are, your desk is overrun by a million cables. Been there, done that!

After I got my standing desk, I started using an under-desk cable management system, and voila!

No more messy cables in sight and finally a clean and tidy desk!

My cable management tray is very similar to the PAMO Under Desk Cable Management.

According to one reviewer, this product helped him to organize a 12 port power strip and all of the cables e.g. printer, PC, audio, monitor, etc.

The reusable cable ties are super helpful for organizing long cords too.

PAMO Under Desk Cable Management

$35.99

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11/03/2025 05:04 am GMT

9. Use a Peg Board

Is your desk facing a blank wall? If you answered yes, it’s a sign for you to get a pegboard.

A pegboard is a great way to organize a desk with no drawers because you can literally hang your things on a wall and see everything you own.

I love pegboards because they are so versatile and can be easily customized to suit any setup.

The VUSIGN Pegboard Combination Wall Organizer Kit contains 4 pegboards and 17 pegboard accessories including a letter holder, shelves, containers, hooks, and clips.

With this, you can get creative and configure a setup that works for your needs.

VUSIGN Pegboard Combination Wall Organizer Kit

$39.99

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11/03/2025 05:03 am GMT

10. Take Advantage of Vertical Wall Space

If you live in a rental and are not allowed to stick or drill anything into your walls, don’t worry, I’ve got another solution for you.

You can still take advantage of vertical wall space by using an adjustable wood display shelf like this Jean & Maggie desktop organizer.

This shelf comes in two separate parts and can be arranged in two ways:

• Close together to create a small shelf rack or
• Arranged further apart to create a longer shelf

Either way, you’ll have loads of room to stack and organize office supplies, books, and even decorative items.

Jerry & Maggie Desktop Organizer

$25.99

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11/03/2025 05:02 am GMT

Related: How To Organize A Hall Closet Like A Pro

11. Use a Rolling Cart

I am a huge fan of rolling carts because they are so multifunctional and can be used anywhere in a home.

The rolling cart is especially handy in a home office since it allows you to keep your work desk free from clutter.

A perfect storage solution for a desk with no drawers!

The Amazon Basics 3-Tier Rolling Utility Cart is a bestseller for good reason!

It includes 3 horizontally stacked recessed bins, where you can store all of your office essentials inside.

Plus, this version is slim enough to tuck away beneath the desk when it’s not in use.

Want a cart that can hold a printer? Try the VEDECASA 2-Tier Modern White Under Desk Printer Stand.

Amazon Basics 3-Tier Rolling Utility or Kitchen Cart

$34.39

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11/03/2025 05:03 am GMT

VEDECASA 2 Tier Modern White Wooden Under Desk Printer Stand

$43.89

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11/03/2025 05:02 am GMT

12. Use a Separate Storage Cabinet

Do you have a lot of stuff that won’t fit any of the organizers above?

Try using a separate storage cabinet instead.

I recommend the CuHome 2-drawer Mobile Filing Cabinet with Lock and Casters because it has a stationery drawer and a file drawer.

Additionally, the surface is spacious enough to hold a pen tray and a small printer.

Despite its spacious storage, it is compact enough to fit under most desks.

It also comes with 5 flexible casters so you can move it around easily.

Don’t like assembling furniture? P/S: This comes fully assembled!

13. Place a Trash Can Underneath Your Desk

This may sound like a no-brainer, but a trash can is a non-negotiable in a home office!

Place the trash can underneath your desk, so you have no excuses to get rid of paper clutter.

The Amazon Basics Round Cylindrical Soft-Close Small Trash Can is made from smudge-resistant stainless steel and comes with a removable heavy-duty plastic inner bucket.

I love how convenient the manual foot lever is, and how quiet it opens and closes.

If you prefer an open-top trash can, I adore the mDesign Small Metal Oval in brass. It’s beautiful and well-made.

Amazon Basics Round Cylindrical Soft-Close Small Trash Can

$43.88

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11/03/2025 05:02 am GMT

14. Use A Desk Mat

I can’t live without my desk mat ever since I purchased mine last year.

A desk mat may not be an obvious organizational tool, but it is helpful for keeping your things in order.

A desk mat helps to divide your desk into two separate areas.

If you have a bunch of things scattered all over your desk, a desk mat can set aside a specific area that’s just for work.

For example, I use my desk mat for my laptop, keyboard, and mouse.

The K KNODEL Desk Mat is durable, waterproof, and easy to clean. It comes in 14 colors and 3 sizes and is made from premium PU leather.

K KNODEL Large Desk Mat

$12.99 $9.49

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11/03/2025 05:03 am GMT

15. Utilize Digital Storage

Do you have a bunch of paperwork you don’t need to keep original copies of?

Get rid of your paper clutter by scanning important paperwork and keeping it in a cloud system like Google Drive.

When you’re done, you can shred or toss it away.

Related: How To Organize Your Under Kitchen Sink Storage Like A Pro

What Should You Keep On Your Desk?

Having a clutter-free desk is important as this eliminates distractions and increases productivity.

These are the main items that everyone should keep on their desk:

• Computer
• Keyboard
• Mouse
• Tablet (if it’s required for work)
• Phone
• Stationery
• Notebook
• Calendar
• Calculator
• Clock

Related: How To Organize A Fridge To Promote Healthy Eating

How To Keep Your Desk Organized At All Times

Here are four tips to keep your desk organized at all times:

1. Keep personal and unrelated items away from your workspace

It’s tempting to chuck everything on an empty desk, especially during busy days.

But, this will only lead to more clutter, which is a no-no!

You don’t need to have your makeup, nail tools, and random bits and bobs on your desk.

If it doesn’t have anything to do with your work, it doesn’t belong on your work desk.

2. Tidy up after work daily

Take 5-10 minutes daily to tidy up after work.

Not only will this keep your desk organized, but this will also give you a fresh start for the next day.

Start by clearing your desk. Place stationery back where it belongs. Toss paper clutter away.

Empty the trash can. Take coffee mugs and water bottles to the kitchen for a rinse. Close your laptop.

3. Declutter once a week

You may not have time to declutter daily and that’s OK.

Make it a point to declutter at least once a week though.

If you do this weekly, each session should take you about 15-20 minutes.

Go through your paperwork and see if there’s anything you can scan, file, or shred/toss.

Give your computer screen, keyboard, and mouse a good wipe-down.

Clean your desk and arrange your essentials neatly.

4. Create an organizing system that works for you

Done with decluttering? Great! It’s time to start organizing.

The key to an effective organization system is to make sure each item on your desk has a place to call home.

For instance, pens and pencils go into a stationery caddy. Files go into a storage cabinet. Electronics go into a desk organizer.

Implementing this method means you’ll know exactly where to store things when you don’t need them anymore.

And, you can find things quickly and easily when you need them.

Besides that, it is crucial to have a filing system that works for you.

Personally, I put a Post-It note on every document that I receive.

If I don’t need it anymore by the end of the workday, I’ll throw it away.

If it’s important and can be digitized, I will scan it and save it on my Google Drive.

However, if I need the physical copy, I will file it.

I keep a few binders that are labeled, and this helps me to sort and keep any important paperwork.

It sounds tedious, but it’s easy to execute once you stick to a system that works for you.

Conclusion

I hope these 15 tips will teach you a thing or two about how to organize a desk without drawers.

Let me know which suggestions worked for you in the comments below.

Happy organizing!

The post How To Organize A Desk Without Drawers In 15 Easy Steps appeared first on That Isle Life.

Since I started sharing snippets of my home on social media, one of the questions I get asked most frequently is “Where’s your pantry?”

Well, I don’t have one!

When we renovated our home five years ago, we didn’t have a budget for a pantry.

Plus, we were very busy with our jobs and barely had the time nor the energy to whip up meals in the kitchen! As a result, we didn’t see the need for a pantry at that time.

However, a lot has changed since then. The kitchen is one of our most-used spaces since the pandemic.

At first, it was challenging to think of ways to organize our kitchen since we don’t have a pantry.

To top it off, we don’t have much counter space and we have a limited number of drawers and cabinets.

It took us some trial and error, but we finally figured out a few tips and tricks to organize our kitchen without a pantry.

Disclaimer: Our organization methods may not work for you if you own a ton of things in the kitchen! My husband and I don’t like clutter, so we only kept the minimal kitchen essentials.

If you’re like us, here’s how you can organize a small kitchen without a pantry:

• Use a kitchen cart
• Install wall shelving
• Build a spice wall
• Take advantage of vertical storage
• Organize kitchen cabinets and drawers
• Repurpose a bookcase
• Try a sideboard/hutch/credenza
• Utilize fridge space
• Maximize storage on your kitchen island

Related: How To Organize Your Under Kitchen Sink Storage Like A Pro

8 Ways To Organize Your Small Kitchen Without A Pantry

1. Use a kitchen cart

If you have a small kitchen, you NEED to invest in a kitchen cart.

Kitchen/pantry/utility/bar carts are perfect to store frequently used ingredients like spices and canned goods.

But, don’t be fooled by their compact sizes! They are usually spacious enough to store a whole bunch of things without taking up much space.

The best part? They are mobile! They can be wheeled around everywhere, which makes them so convenient in the kitchen.

Not only are kitchen carts inexpensive, but they come in a wide variety of designs and materials. Our is a stainless steel version from Ikea, which we fill with spices and dry goods we use daily.

I prefer displaying all my spices because I know I won’t use them if I don’t see them!

2. Install wall shelving

Want to organize a kitchen but don’t have a pantry? Wall shelving is the answer to your problem!

Not only is wall shelving practical, but it looks stunning in a kitchen. Plus, wall shelving is affordable and super easy to install!

With a small kitchen, too many built-in cabinets can make the room look and feel even smaller. That’s why we opted for exposed wall shelving instead.

Some people think open shelving can appear more cluttered, but the trick is to display beautiful things on them and save the cabinet space for less attractive items like half-open boxes of cereal.

Otherwise, you can always conceal your everyday pantry items in baskets, which will help to maximize space and make it look pretty.

3. Build a spice wall

If your kitchen is too small to accommodate a rolling cart, consider building a spice wall instead.

The great thing about a spice wall is that you don’t need a lot of space. You can fit a few shelves in a little alcove or nook in the kitchen.

Plus, there are so many options available in the market. You can choose from stainless steel, wood, and even acrylic shelves (my favorite!) You can even find magnetic shelves to stick on your fridge!

Here’s a tip: allocate a taller height between shelves so you can fit oil/sauce dispensers on the rack too!

4. Take advantage of vertical storage

The one spot people often neglect is unused wall space. When organizing in a small kitchen with no pantry, it’s crucial to take advantage of vertical storage!

Here are some great wall storage ideas:

• Hang magnetic strips for knives
• Hang a metal rod or a wire rack that can hold baskets of fruit, utensils, tea towels, pots, pans, etc.
• Use a pegboard to store utensils, pots, spices, etc.

Organize kitchen cabinets and drawers

The key to organizing a kitchen without a pantry is to make sure your existing kitchen cabinets and drawers stay organized.

Drawers and cabinets offer plenty of storage space but they can be very cluttered if not organized well. As a result, they may not be utilized effectively.

Use bins, baskets, or drawer dividers to group and organize similar items.

Other space-saving fittings for cabinets and drawers are:

• Interior drawers or pull-outs
• Raised cabinet racks/stands
• Mug hooks
• Lazy Susans/turntables

Besides these tips, here are some other ways you can organize a small kitchen without a pantry.

Repurpose a bookcase

Got extra space in your kitchen? Create your pantry by repurposing a bookcase!

Ikea’s Billy bookcase is a great alternative to a pantry. You can customize the color of the bookcase and the type of doors to make it uniquely yours.

The best thing about a bookcase is the ample storage it provides. You can store anything from dinnerware to pantry staples in clear bins. In addition, you can also store baskets and other decorative items like plants and candles.

Use a sideboard/hutch/credenza

Sometimes we have to think outside the box. In this case, try thinking outside the kitchen!

If you have extra space in your living or dining room, try using a sideboard, a hutch, or a credenza to store your kitchen essentials.

Although they are typically used for dinnerware and table linens, you can use them to keep anything you want because of the hidden storage.

Utilize fridge space

Don’t have a pantry? No worries!

Did you know you can utilize both your fridge’s interior and exterior space?

You can fully utilize your fridge’s interior space if you organize it well.

As for the exterior, many magnetic organizers can hold a kitchen towel roll, oven mitts, cling wrap, and aluminum foil dispensers.

You can also store baskets on top of your fridge!

Maximize storage on your kitchen island

This is a great tip for new homeowners who are starting their renovation plans.

If you have no space for a pantry, consider building a bigger island with storage! You can use the island to store tableware, cookware, and other kitchen appliances too.

These tips have taught us that we don’t need a pantry to organize a small kitchen. I think we’ve done well considering we don’t have a pantry. The kitchen always looks organized and clutter-free, which I LOVE.

I hope these tips will help to organize a small kitchen without a pantry. Let me know if you have other no-pantry storage solutions to share!

The post How To Organize A Small Kitchen Without A Pantry Effectively appeared first on That Isle Life.

Do you love traveling but can’t stand packing? Me too!

If you look forward to everything about traveling except for the packing bit, I got you.

After many years of traveling and overpacking, I have finally nailed the perfect way to pack a suitcase to maximize space.

And, I’m going to share everything I know with you!

This is important if you love traveling because an overweight suitcase is super-heavy to lug around.

Plus, it can cost you additional money if you have to pay for excess baggage fees.

Keep reading to discover 13 easy steps to maximize space in your suitcase.

By the end of this post, you’ll be able to pack lighter and more efficiently while bringing everything you need.

Let’s dive in!

*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links that are at no additional cost to you. I may earn a small commission. Read the full privacy policy here.

How To Pack A Suitcase To Maximize Space – 13 Practical Tips That Work

1. Use Packing Cubes

I used packing cubes for the first time this year, and all I can say is they’re LIFE-CHANGING.

Did you know you can pack more clothes in packing cubes?

That’s because its soft material allows you to compress as much as you can.

Once it’s filled to the brim, you can zip the cube to lock everything in.

Besides that, packing cubes are usually designed to fit every nook and cranny in a suitcase.

This means you can stack or pack the cubes side-by-side or next to each other without wasting any space in between!

And, if you like things to be in order like me, packing cubes are great for organization.

You can separate your clothes by categories by using different packing cubes.

For example, you can pack your T-shirts and tops in one cube, and dresses and bottoms in another.

With packing cubes, you no longer have to rummage through your suitcase just to find something.

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11/02/2025 04:24 pm GMT

2. Roll Your Clothes

Rolling your clothes is the easiest way to save space in a suitcase.

How?

Rolling compresses clothing, which makes it easier to stack or pack side-by-side in your suitcase.

This means you’ll be able to fit more clothes because they can fit in tight spaces.

On the other hand, folding your clothes means other items may have to sit on top of your clothing pile.

This overlap will make it difficult for you to get to your clothes.

Just remember to use the right technique to roll your clothes to avoid wrinkles and damage.

However, not every piece of clothing is suitable to be rolled.

Bulky garments like jackets and sweaters take up more space when rolled because rolling cannot compress the material.

Try laying them flat and leaving them in the suitcase overnight – this helps to naturally compress the garment.

3. Pick The Right Suitcase

Picking the right suitcase is crucial if you want to maximize space.

Soft bags like duffel bags and travel backpacks have limited space whereas certain suitcases come with a lot of unnecessary pockets that take up space.

My go-to suitcase is a hard suitcase with internal straps that help with compression.

A hard suitcase helps my packing cubes stay in place and protects what I have inside from bad weather and mishandling.

Furthermore, a suitcase typically comes with wheels, which makes it convenient and easy to lug around.

My favorite suitcase brands are Samsonite and American Tourister because they’re durable AND come with a reliable warranty.

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11/02/2025 04:25 pm GMT

4. Vacuum seal bulky clothing

One way to pack a suitcase to maximize space is to vacuum seal bulky clothing.

This is especially helpful if you’re traveling during winter because cold-weather apparel can be very bulky therefore taking up more space.

All you have to do is to put your clothing inside a vacuum storage bag, zip it, and suck all the air out with either a vacuum cleaner or a hand pump.

Finally, close and secure the valve cap to ensure the bag is tightly-sealed.

The steps above will help to flatten bulky clothes like jackets, sweaters, and coats, giving you more space to fit other things in your suitcase.

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11/02/2025 05:09 pm GMT

5. Pack Travel-Sized Items

Full-sized items like toiletries and makeup can take up a lot of space in your suitcase.

Another way to maximize space in a suitcase is to invest in travel-sized items of your favorite brands.

For a more sustainable option, consider purchasing silicon travel bottles so you can pour whatever you have at home every time you travel.

Besides toiletries and makeup, here is a list of travel-sized items you can bring to maximize space in your suitcase:

• Mini hair brush
• Quick-dry compact towel
• Hair dryer travel bag (compatible with the Dyson Airwrap!)

6. Use A Pill Box For Jewelry And Accessories

Have you ever wondered how to store your jewelry and accessories in an organized way that also saves space?

If you answered yes, you’ve come to the right page! I swear by pill boxes to store my jewelry and accessories.

Not only does it have mini compartments for you to separate each item, but a pill box is also flat, making it easy to pack amongst other things.

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11/02/2025 04:25 pm GMT

7. Invest In Multi-Purpose Electronics

Electronics like international travel adaptors and chargers usually take up a lot of space because of their bulky sizes and odd shapes.

Not to mention, electronics come with plenty of cables that can turn into a mess if they’re not managed properly.

If you travel frequently, consider purchasing a multi-purpose adapter and charger.

Don’t buy an adapter that is only compatible with one or two countries.

Instead, get a travel adapter that covers more than 150 countries.

This adapter is also compatible with almost all USB devices and allows 3 devices to charge simultaneously.

Meanwhile, a GaN charger shares the same features as the adapter except its components waste less power and produce less heat.

This leads to a more efficient yet safe charge.

Both of these have foldable plugs that help them fit into any space.

However, avoid packing electronics together with their cables to prevent them from being damaged during transit.

Remember, always remove cables from chargers before you pack them!

Besides that, you can use an electronic organizer to organize all of your electronics like your phone, hard drives, batteries, USB cords, cables, and power banks.

Since the organizer is flat, it will not take up much space in your suitcase.

Furthermore, it’s durable and water-repellant, making it a safe carrier for your expensive gadgets.

8. Store Items In Unused Spaces

Another way to pack to maximize space in a suitcase is to utilize all of the unused space.

For example, storing your socks in shoes is a no-brainer.

Since you’ll wear them together anyway, doing this will help you to save time searching for your socks.

Besides that, you can also store bras and belts in hats.

This will help to maintain their shape, so it’s a win-win situation!

9. Place Flat Items In The Pockets Of Your Suitcase

Most suitcases come with at least one pocket, which is great for storing flat items.

Here are some things you can store in the pockets of your suitcase:

• Empty laundry bags
• Electronic organizer
• Books
• Pillboxes

10. Wear Your Bulkiest Outfit On The Plane

This is a packing tip I’ve used for years because every single bit helps!

Save yourself some luggage space and wear the bulkiest outfit on the plane.

It’s fine to wear a sweater or jacket with sneakers or boots because it’s always cold on the plane anyway.

Your body will thank you for keeping it warm!

11. Only Pack What You Need

I used to be an over-packer, which meant I was constantly paying excess baggage fees!

These days, I only pack what I need.

To achieve that, I start with a standard packing list that I use for all of my trips.

It includes the necessities like my toiletries, makeup, and electronics.

Then, I check the weather and itinerary before I decide on my clothing.

The one thing I realize when traveling is that I often gravitate toward comfortable clothes.

So, skip the excess fluff, and bring quality pieces that will make you look and feel good.

12. Use Multi-Purpose Items to Store Things

The most unassuming tip to pack a suitcase to maximize space is by using multi-purpose items to store things.

For example, you can use two pill boxes to store medicine and jewelry respectively.

Besides that, zip lock bags are also great for storing dirty laundry or toiletries.

Be creative with your storage solutions, and you’ll be amazed by how many things you can fit in your suitcase.

13. Work From The Bottom Up

Lastly, you’ll want to make sure you work from the bottom up when packing your suitcase.

Place the heaviest item like your shoes at the bottom of your suitcase.

Store them in a packing cube to avoid getting dirt all over your clothes.

Then, move on to your clothing before storing delicate items like toiletries and make-up at the top of your suitcase.

Alternatively, you can separate shoes and clothing in one compartment and electronics and toiletries/makeup in another.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it better to roll or fold my clothes?

There’s no definite answer to this question because it depends on the type of clothing you’re bringing.

If you are packing bulky clothes like jackets and sweaters, folding them will save more space.

In addition, you may not want to roll clothes like suits because this may cause stubborn creases to form.

On the other hand, clothes with lighter fabric like T-shirts and dresses are better rolled because rolling them saves space and reduces wrinkles.

2. What are some important travel essentials?

I try not to stress too much about packing especially when it comes to clothes because I know I can always re-wear something or purchase something if I have to.

Nevertheless, these are my must-have travel essentials, which I take with me on every trip:

• TSA-approved locks
• A portable weighing scale
• My trusty Dyson airwrap
• A portable garment steamer

Conclusion

There you have it – how to pack a suitcase to maximize space in 13 easy steps!

I hope learning these steps will lead to a stress-free packing experience for you, so you can fully enjoy your vacation!

Safe travels!

The post How To Pack A Suitcase To Maximize Space In 13 Easy Steps appeared first on That Isle Life.

Hi, mommies! Do you find it difficult to declutter your kids’ toys?

Maybe you feel guilty because you’ve spent your hard-earned money on these toys, and you hate the thought of wasting money. p

Perhaps you feel bad for taking toys away from your children. Or, you want to hold on to them for sentimental reasons.

But, having a home full of toys might actually be more detrimental than good for your children.

According to Parenting.com, experts say that too many toys can have a negative effect on kids. They may find an overload of toys overwhelming and distracting, making it hard for them to focus.

Furthermore, excessive toys can make kids aged 6 and older lose their sense of responsibility towards their possessions.

On the other hand, cutting down on the number of toys at home has many benefits. For one, decluttering helps to decrease stress and improve focus for both children and parents.

Besides that, decluttering leaves a positive impact on your finances and the environment.

Having fewer kids’ toys mean you’ll save money in the long run because you will likely stop making impulse purchases. Plus, you’ll save so much time cleaning up and organizing your kids’ toys!

More importantly, having fewer toys teaches children to be more creative. They will also learn to appreciate what they have and, therefore, take better care of them.

Ready to declutter your kids’ toys? Keep reading to learn how to declutter your kids’ toys in 7 easy steps!

Related:

• How To Declutter Photos In Your Home Without Feeling Guilty
• How To Declutter Shoes For Shoe Lovers
• Why Is Decluttering So Hard? 13 Reasons Why & How To Overcome Them
• How To Declutter Books For Book Lovers
• How To Declutter Your Garage Without Feeling Overwhelmed
• 9 Decluttering Motivation Tips That Will Help You To Keep Going
• How To Declutter Quickly – 12 Ways To Declutter In 30 Minutes
• 12 Decluttering Tips For Hoarders – How To Move Forward Effectively

How To Declutter Kids’ Toys

Do you want to declutter your kids’ toys but don’t know how or where to start? These 7 steps will guide you through the process from start to finish.

1. Observe your kids during playtime

Before you declutter your kids’ toys, pay attention to the toys your kids love playing with.

The last thing you want is an unhappy child wondering where his or her favorite toy has gone!

Observe your kids during playtime for a week. Here are five key things to look out for:

• Which toys do they play with most frequently?
• Which toys do they spend the most time playing with?
• Are there any toys that are barely touched or ignored?
• Are there any broken or non-functioning toys? (e.g. broken pieces, missing batteries, etc.)
• Which toys are no longer appropriate for their age groups?

Take notes of everything you notice because this will help you to make easier decisions when you begin decluttering.

2. Prepare the necessary supplies

Like every decluttering project, this step keeps things moving quickly.

Prepare a few storage bins or boxes to separate the toys during the decluttering session. You’ll need at least 3 boxes (toss, keep, and donate) and a marker to label each box accordingly.

3. Gather all of your kids’ toys

If you’ve never decluttered your kids’ toys before, doing this may feel overwhelming. After all, toys have a sneaky way of accumulating in a home!

Gather all of your kids’ toys in one area in your home. This allows you and your kids to see how many toys they own at a glance.

Additionally, dumping all of the toys in one spot helps to reunite missing pieces from toy sets. If something isn’t in the pile, chances are you’re not going to find them forever.

4. Toss broken toys

Before you go any further, it’s time to say goodbye to broken toys. Don’t feel guilty for tossing broken toys – they can be dangerous for children.

My suggestion: do this when your kids are not around so you can remove anything unsafe for them without any protests.

5. Sort toys into categories

Next, sort toys into categories. If you don’t have time to declutter everything in a day, you can work on one category at a time.

Here are 11 common categories you may find in your home:

• Baby toys: baby gyms, walkers, activity mats, sensory toys, rattles, bath toys, etc.
• Stuffed toys/animals
• Dolls: Barbies, baby dolls, accessories like strollers, push prams, dollhouses, etc.
• Imaginative play: kitchens, doctor’s sets, tools sets, role play, costumes, puppets, teepee, tents, etc.
• Building toys: LEGOs, magnet tiles, blocks, etc.
• Figurines and small toys: action figures, cars, trains, trucks, etc.
• Outdoor toys: bikes, trikes, scooters, trampoline, slides, climbs, sand and water play, etc.
• Sports equipment: balls, rackets, floats, etc.
• Musical toys
• Board games, card games, puzzles, etc.
• Arts and crafts: painting sets, jewelry-making sets, coloring books, etc.

6. Separate their favorites

Remember the notes you took while observing your children? Now’s the time to separate your kids’ favorite toys from each category.

If your child truly loves a toy and spends a long time playing with it, keep it. You can always declutter it next time after your child has outgrown it.

7. Declutter one category at a time

Set a goal

It’s important to know what you want to achieve after each decluttering session.

In this case, think about how many toys you want to keep and how many toys you want to get rid of.

If you can’t decide on the number of toys, use the storage space you have available as a guide.

For example, you may use bins to organize toys. Therefore, it’s a good idea to set a limit and keep toys that fit the bins.

That way you know it’s time to declutter when your kids’ toys start to overflow from their designated storage space.

Declutter toys that are no longer used, duplicates, etc.

Start by decluttering toys that are easy to get rid of. Think of items you won’t feel guilty about decluttering.

For example, duplicates, toys with missing pieces, and toys that are no longer used by your children.

This quick win will make you feel good about decluttering and motivate you to keep going.

Encourage kids to declutter

Some of you may want to get your kids involved when decluttering toys. This is a good time to encourage kids to declutter.

Let them know to pick their favorites because everything else will be given away to children in need. This practice will teach them about compassion, kindness, and generosity.

Make sure to donate or sell the toys you want to declutter immediately. Otherwise, your kids may change their minds!

Keep toys that stimulate children’s growth

Not all toys are made equal. According to New York magazine, toys that encourage creativity teach children to experiment and problem solve at a young age.

Before you declutter a toy, ask yourself if it stimulates creative and imaginative play. The best toys to keep are open-ended toys, which can be played in many different ways.

How To Organize Kids’ Toys

Decluttered your kids’ toys? Great, let’s organize them now!

Use bins

Bins are a great way to organize big and small toys. Put toys in the same category together and use labels to identify them.

I highly recommend the Ikea Trofast storage combination with boxes to organize your kids’ toys. Not only is it affordable, but it’s modular, fits a ton of toys, and looks great in any home.

Rotate your kids’ toys

Do you know that too many toys can make your kids feel overwhelmed and frustrated?

Instead of displaying everything, try rotating your kids’ toys. When kids are given fewer toy choices, they are forced to be creative and use their imaginations. Moreover, this habit keeps things fresh for them.

Dedicate a specific area for toys

Set up a dedicated area for your kids to play. It could be in a playroom, living room, or bedroom. This helps to contain their toys in one area only, making it easier to keep them organized.

How To Keep Kids’ Toys Decluttered

Resist impulse purchases

Let’s be honest. How many times have you bought a toy for your kid just because it looks cute or fun?

Think thoroughly before you buy something. Ask yourself these questions before you decide.

• Does your child already own something similar?
• Is it a multipurpose or open-ended toy?
• Is this a toy all of your kids will enjoy playing with?

Implement the “One In, One Out” policy

If your child wants a new toy, let them know they will have to give up one or two toys at home. The “One In, One Out” policy is great because it prevents clutter and it helps kids to make tough decisions at a young age.

Request for ‘experience’ gifts

It’s common to receive an influx of toys during your child’s birthday or Christmas.

Plan and let your family and friends know to give your children experiences instead. For example, tickets to the zoo, sporting games, concerts, etc. You can also ask them to donate to your kids’ college funds too!

Decline hand-me-downs politely

It might be tempting to accept hand-me-downs from family and friends, but doing this will only accumulate clutter. Decline any hand-me-downs politely and offer if they need a hand to declutter instead.

Declutter regularly with your kids

As your kids grow older, it’s normal for them to outgrow their favorites. Make decluttering a regular practice with your kids so you can make room for new things they love.

Encourage the kids to declutter with you by turning it into a fun activity. Reward them with something fun like a movie or game night after a productive decluttering session.

This will not only bring the family closer but regular decluttering will teach children to be contented with less.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many toys should a child have?

There is no right or wrong answer to this question.

It depends on what you and your children are comfortable with. Some families are bigger, hence they may need more toys.

Ultimately, it’s about holding on to the toys that have value to you and your children. This means keeping toys that stimulate growth and toys your children still enjoy playing with.

Give unwanted toys a second life by donating them to children who will appreciate them more.

2. What should I do with kids’ toys we no longer want?

Donate your kids’ toys to children in need. Find a local children’s shelter, hospital, charity, school, or church. Just make sure the toys are in good condition.

Alternatively, you can sell them to local thrift stores or online marketplaces like Facebook, Craigslist, and eBay. If you have other items to clear, consider organizing a yard sale.

3. Should I get my kids to help?

It’s entirely up to you! There are pros and cons to getting your kids involved when decluttering their toys.

If your kids are helping, decluttering may take twice as long and there might be a tantrum or two. But, it’s a great activity for older kids and they will learn so much from decluttering. I say go for it!

Conclusion

Remember, the point of decluttering your kids’ toys is not to remove all of their toys.

Rather, decluttering kids’ toys encourages kids to be creative with fewer toys. Decluttering also helps to save money in the long run and keeps the home organized.

I hope this post has taught you a thing or two about how to declutter your kids’ toys.

All the best with your decluttering journey! Don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below.

Want more decluttering tips and tricks? Check these posts out:

• How To Be Ruthless When Decluttering Clothes Once And For All
• 10 Decluttering Tips For Seniors To Make Their Lives Easier
• How To Start Decluttering When Overwhelmed
• How To Declutter Paperwork Quickly (& 5 Important Organizing Tips!)
• 15 Decluttering Blogs That Will Motivate You To Start Decluttering Today
• 100 Things To Declutter Today – Get The Ultimate Decluttering Checklist
• The Decluttering Mindset – 5 Ways To Change Your Mind About Clutter

The post How To Declutter Kids’ Toys Like A Pro appeared first on That Isle Life.

Do you find decluttering photos difficult?

Perhaps you’re overwhelmed by the sheer volume of photos in your home. And, you’re put off by the time and effort you need to declutter your photos.

Or maybe you have an emotional attachment to your photos, and you don’t know how or where to start decluttering them!

Photos make up a huge part of our sentimental clutter.

But, let’s be honest. When was the last time you viewed all of the photos in your collection?

Chances are, your photos are hidden in a storage box or a dark room somewhere in the house. You know they exist, but you rarely (if ever) take them out and browse through them.

Here’s the thing – photos are meant to be looked at. They are pointless if they’re kept hidden somewhere in the home.

If this sounds like you, decluttering your photos is a great way to make room for the ones that matter. Saving your best photos and tossing the rest will allow you to honor the memories you care so deeply about.

Not sure how to get started? Keep reading to learn how to declutter photos in your home without feeling guilty.

Related to How To Declutter Photos:

• How To Start Decluttering When Overwhelmed
• How To Declutter Shoes For Shoe Lovers
• The Decluttering Mindset – 5 Ways To Change Your Mind About Clutter
• Why Is Decluttering So Hard? 13 Reasons Why & How To Overcome Them
• How To Declutter Your Garage Without Feeling Overwhelmed
• How To Be Ruthless When Decluttering Clothes Once And For All
• 10 Decluttering Tips For Seniors To Make Their Lives Easier
• How To Declutter Books For Book Lovers
• How To Declutter Paperwork Quickly (& 5 Important Organizing Tips!)
• 15 Decluttering Blogs That Will Motivate You To Start Decluttering Today
• 100 Things To Declutter Today – Get The Ultimate Decluttering Checklist
• 9 Decluttering Motivation Tips That Will Help You To Keep Going
• How To Declutter Quickly – 12 Ways To Declutter In 30 Minutes

*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links that are at no additional cost to you, and I may earn a small commission if you purchase any products via my links. I only recommend products that I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own. Read the full privacy policy here.

A step-by-step guide to decluttering photos

Ready to declutter the photos in your home? Here are six steps to help you declutter photos without feeling guilty.

1. Have a decluttering goal in mind

Before any decluttering project, it’s important to have a decluttering goal in mind.

What are you trying to achieve by decluttering your photos?

How many photos do you want to keep?

What type of photos will you look at from time to time and feel joy?

Knowing your decluttering goals will help you to determine the outcome of the particular decluttering project. In addition, it will keep you motivated throughout the process.

List your photo decluttering goals on your phone, so you have them on hand at all times. That way you can always refer to them while decluttering.

2. Gather all of your photos together

Now, you’re going to gather all of your photos together. This step may be challenging if your photos are scattered in different areas in the home.

It may take a while to gather them together, but gathering your photos in one spot allows you to see everything you have at a glance.

This makes it easier to sort and declutter photos later, which will help you to save more time in the long run.

3. Sort your photos before you declutter

Next, it’s time to sort your photos before you declutter.

You can sort your photos by:

• Year
• Location
• Occasion

Most people prefer to sort by time, but I suggest doing a combination of all three to speed up the process.

Sometimes you may forget when an event happened, but you may remember details like where the event was held and what the occasion was.

If you can’t remember all of the above, it’s OK. Don’t waste too much time thinking about it. Put them in a miscellaneous pile so you can move along.

However, you should avoid putting too many photos in this pile or you may get overwhelmed trying to organize them later.

Lastly, if you spot any duplicates, put them together within each category. You will deal with them in the next step.

4. Declutter easy photos first

Now, you may have a lot of photos, but there is a trick to decluttering them fast.

How? By decluttering easy photos first.

What’s an easy photo to declutter? Well, these are the photos that are not worth keeping because they are low in quality or have lost their meaning.

Here’s a list of photos you should declutter immediately:

• Duplicate photos
• Photos with similar subjects captured from different angles
• Blurry photos
• Overexposed photos
• Underexposed photos
• Photos that bring back bad memories
• Unflattering photos
• Poorly composed photos (e.g. if the subject is too far away, subjects’ heads are cut off, etc)
• Meaningless photos of places, people, and objects
• Photos of people you no longer talk to (e.g. ex-partners, ex-colleagues, etc)
• Photos of people you don’t know

5. Ask yourself these questions when decluttering photos

Do you still have a lot of photos after decluttering everything above?

If you do, use the list of questions below to guide you to make a decision.

• Did you look at this photo recently?
• Will you miss this photo if it’s no longer around?
• Is this photo something you will view repeatedly in the future?
• How do you feel when viewing this photo?
• Is it possible to digitize this photo?

If you answered no to the first three questions, it’s time to declutter the photo in question. You don’t have to think twice!

However, if you answered yes and viewing the photo makes you happy, consider digitizing it and tossing the printed version.

That way, you don’t have to worry about losing or ruining the photo. Not only will you save physical storage space, but you can access the photo easily on your devices. Plus, you can always print it again if you need to!

Besides print photos, don’t forget to declutter the negatives. If you haven’t actively searched for them, you probably won’t need them anymore.

Finally, give yourself sufficient time to declutter your photos.

You may find that you need more time to go through each photo to decide if you should keep or toss them, and that’s perfectly fine!

What to do with photos you don’t want anymore

Unfortunately, a lot of old photos cannot be recycled because they contain certain materials like pastics, metals, and chemicals that make it unsafe for recycling.

You can however send your negatives to GreenDisk for recycling.

Instead of discarding your old photos, invite your family or relatives over and see if they would like to keep any of them.

Alternatively, you can donate them to schools and libraries who may use them for projects or educational purposes.

Besides that, you can also reach out to museums, as some will properly preserve them for future generations. 

Another option is to sell your old photos to thrift stores for cheap. You probably won’t make a lot of money, but you can get rid of your old photos quickly.

How to organize photos

After taking the time to declutter your photos, it’s finally time to organize them.

You can organize them based on how you sorted them: by year/time, location, or occasion.

For print photos you’d like to keep and pass down to family and friends, I recommend organizing your photos in photo albums.

Remember, you don’t have to cram every single photo in an album. The idea here is to create a highlight reel of your favorite moments.

Make sure that the photo album is acid, lignin and PVC free, as these will help to protect your photos over time.

Here are my picks for photo albums:

• 4×6 beige photo album with linen cover – fits 400 photos
• 4×6 green photo album with fabric cover and frame insert – fits 200 photos
• Black photo album with 100 pages for multiple photo sizes (4×6, 5×7, 6×8, 8×10)

For everything else you’ve saved, consider digitizing them and organizing them in a cloud storage.

I’m a big fan of this method because I can sync the photos to my phone, which means I can access them easily at all times.

Scanning your photos and uploading them online can be time-consuming, but I promise it’s worth it!

You can also choose to display them your photos with a digital photo frame. This allows you to view thousands of photos at one time. It saves space and looks great in any home!

If you still prefer something physical, you can get your photos printed in a photo book.

A photo book is similar to a photo album, except you can easily add, edit and rearrange your favorite photos to achieve your own design. It also comes with beautiful cover designs and can totally pass off as coffee table books!

Conclusion

I hope this post has provided you with all the tips and tricks you need to know to declutter your photos!

Decluttering photos can be challenging especially for a newbie. So if you’re new to decluttering, I recommend going easy and decluttering the other areas in your home first.

Here are some blog posts to help you to get started on your decluttering journey:

• How To Start Decluttering When Overwhelmed
• The Decluttering Mindset – 5 Ways To Change Your Mind About Clutter
• Why Is Decluttering So Hard? 13 Reasons Why & How To Overcome Them
• How To Declutter Your Garage Without Feeling Overwhelmed
• How To Be Ruthless When Decluttering Clothes Once And For All
• 10 Decluttering Tips For Seniors To Make Their Lives Easier
• How To Declutter Paperwork Quickly (& 5 Important Organizing Tips!)
• 15 Decluttering Blogs That Will Motivate You To Start Decluttering Today
• 100 Things To Declutter Today – Get The Ultimate Decluttering Checklist
• 9 Decluttering Motivation Tips That Will Help You To Keep Going
• How To Declutter Quickly – 12 Ways To Declutter In 30 Minutes

The post How To Declutter Photos In Your Home Without Feeling Guilty appeared first on That Isle Life.

Hi, shoe lovers! Do you find it difficult to declutter shoes?

Perhaps you’ve loved shoes since you were a little girl, and now you’ve grown an admirable collection.

Or maybe shoes make you feel and look good, and you love the confidence a good pair brings.

If you have a shoe addiction, I can relate!

I was introduced to fashion at a very young age, and I LOVED dressing up. Over the years, I’ve shopped a ton and accumulated plenty of clothes and shoes.

However, I realized my shopping habit soon became a serious problem when I ran out of space to store my shoes.

And, as much as I loved all of my shoes, I was probably only wearing 5% of my entire collection regularly.

Not to mention, I was spending so much on trendy shoes that didn’t last very long. I could’ve saved up and bought a pair of high-quality classic shoes that could last me for years!

If this sounds familiar to you, keep reading!

The truth is, we don’t need that many pairs of shoes. Decluttering shoes will teach you how to appreciate the shoes you love even more.

I know decluttering shoes is not an easy journey, especially for people who love fashion, but don’t worry, I got you!

Here’s how to declutter shoes in 5 simple steps and what you can do with them after decluttering.

Related decluttering posts:

• How To Declutter Books For Book Lovers
• How To Be Ruthless When Decluttering Clothes Once And For All
• 100 Things To Declutter Today – Get The Ultimate Decluttering Checklist

How To Declutter Shoes In 5 Simple Steps

1. Determine your decluttering goals

Before any decluttering project, it is important to determine your decluttering goals.

Are you looking to downsize your shoe collection significantly? Or, do you only want to get rid of extra pairs that do not fit in your shoe closet?

If you LOVE shoes, it may be very difficult to downsize your collection at a go. Don’t worry, that’s completely normal. Don’t beat yourself up over it!

It’s crucial to declutter at your own pace so that you do not lose the motivation to declutter.

If it’s easier and less stressful for you, you can always do several rounds of decluttering instead.

However, if you are serious about decluttering most of your shoes, it’s a good idea to set a limit on the number of shoes you want to own.

Now, there is NO hard number to how many pairs of shoes you should have. The number of shoes relies on multiple factors like your job, the weather, and your overall lifestyle.

But, if you’re looking for a good starting point, a study has shown that women only use 4-5 pairs of shoes regularly. Start here, and you can add on when necessary.

2. Gather all of your shoes in one place

This step is key because you won’t know what to get rid of if you don’t know what you have.

The best way to do this is to gather all of your shoes in one place. Make sure you do this in a large open space, as you’re going to need room to sort out your shoes!

You’re also going to need your other decluttering supplies as well like boxes, trash bags, markers, and labels.

3. Get rid of these shoes first

Don’t waste time holding on to shoes you can’t wear anymore. They will only take up valuable space, which should be reserved for shoes you actually wear.

Here is a list of shoes you should remove from your collection immediately:

• Worn/torn/cracked shoes that are beyond repair
• Mateless shoes (shoes that are missing one side)
• Stinky and stained shoes
• Shoes that are too big or small for you
• Shoes that hurt your feet
• Old shoes that you haven’t worn in a long time (these will usually fall apart very soon!)

4. Evaluate each pair of shoes

Now that you have your entire shoe collection in front of you, it’s time to evaluate each pair.

Here’s a list of questions you can use as a guide when decluttering shoes. Remember, it’s very important to be honest if you want to be effective.

• When was the last time I wore this pair of shoes?
• If I haven’t worn this recently, why am I holding on to this pair of shoes?
• Does wearing this pair of shoes make me feel good about how I look?
• Do they fit my current lifestyle?
• Does this need to be repaired?
• Where can I wear this pair of shoes?
• Do I have clothes that match these shoes?
• Can I run around in them without hurting myself?
• Do I have a similar pair and which one do I love more?
• Am I willing to take up valuable space in my closet for this pair of shoes?

As a general rule of thumb, you should TOSS any pair if you…

• Haven’t worn it in a year
• Don’t have a good reason for holding on to it
• Don’t feel good wearing it
• Can’t use it due to a lifestyle change
• Need a lot of money, time, and effort to repair it
• Can only wear it to one location
• Don’t have many clothes that compliment them
• Can potentially injure yourself wearing them
• Love a similar pair more
• Are running out of space in your closet and you’ll rather make room for a different pair

When in doubt, always choose shoes that are comfortable, classic, and versatile.

5. Get rid of unwanted shoes properly

Don’t throw your old shoes into the trash! Although there’s no perfect way to get rid of them, these are a few alternatives to consider:

Sell

Selling your used shoes is a little tricky because they need to be in VERY good condition. You can either sell them for cheap or give them to family, friends, colleagues, or neighbors.

However, if your shoes still look brand new, you can sell them on:

• eBay
• Poshmark
• TheRealReal (for luxury/designer shoes)

Donate

If selling your shoes is too much of a hassle, consider donating them to these places instead:

• The Salvation Army
• Goodwill
• One World Running – A non-profit organization that donates shoes to developing countries
• Soles4Souls – A non-profit organization that provides shoes and clothing to people in vulnerable circumstances
• PickUpPlease – A free donation pick-up service that supports the Vietnam Veterans of America

Recycle

You can also recycle your shoes here:

• Native Remix Project – They accept shoes of any style and brand, which you can ship to them for free
• Nike – Drop off used shoes at participating stores. However, they only accept athletic sneakers (good news: different brands are allowed!)
• Wearable Collections – Only available in New York. You can drop off your shoes at their location or any of their 31 weekly GreenMarkets or schedule a pick-up
• Asics – Send your gently used shoes and clothing to them for free
• Adidas – They accept both shoes and clothing, which you can ship to them for free. Bonus: you can earn 200 membership points and up to $40 worth of Adidas vouchers!
• Columbia – Drop off used clothing and shoes at any participating stores

Why Should You Declutter Your Shoes?

If you’re a shoe lover, you’re probably wondering why you should even declutter your shoes at all.

Well, it’s important to declutter shoes because you’ll get to:

• Free up valuable closet/storage space
• Spend less time trying to find shoes you want to wear
• Skip the hassle and pain of organizing a large shoe collection

*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links that are at no additional cost to you, and I may earn a small commission if you purchase any products via my links. I only recommend products that I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own. Read the full privacy policy here.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many pairs of shoes should I own?

The number of shoes depends on factors like your job, location, and overall lifestyle.

A good number to start with would be 4-5 pairs – one for work/formal occasions, one for casual outings, one for sports/outdoor use, and one for cold weather.

How do I organize my shoe collection?

Now that you’ve decluttered your shoe collection, it’s time to organize them.

Not only does organizing help you to locate each pair easily, but it also makes the entire space look prettier!

Here are five great ways to organize your shoe collection:

A slim shoe rack

I love a piece of multipurpose furniture like this shoe rack.

Not only does it fit 15-20 pairs of shoes, but it comes with a drawer to store keys, coins, and other small items.

It’s slim, sturdy, and beautiful, which makes it the perfect addition to a small entryway.

Shoe boxes

Shoe lovers, you’re going to love this! These clear storage shoe boxes are a perfect way to flaunt your newly edited shoe collection.

These stackable boxes come with large ventilation holes to ensure good air circulation. This helps to prevent bad odors from being trapped inside. Say goodbye to foul-smelling shoes!

Over-the-door shoe storage

I love using over-the-door shoe organizers for small spaces. This one, in particular, looks super classy and spacious. The best part? No installation is required!

Under-the-bed shoe storage

This under-the-bed shoe organizer is sleek and slim enough to fit under most beds. Unlike most under-the-bed organizers, this has a transparent window to keep all your footwear visible. Again, no installation is required!

Shoe slots

Already have an existing shoe rack/closet? Maximize your storage by adding these convenient shoe slots.

These come in 4 adjustable height levels, which means they can accommodate different types of shoes comfortably.

Remember, although these shoe organizers can store many shoes, it is NOT an excuse for you to keep or buy more shoes!

Conclusion

I hope this post has prepared you to declutter and organize your shoes.

Use these tips to get started and you’ll be on your way to building a minimalist shoe collection.

All the best with decluttering and don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below!

More decluttering tips here:

• The Decluttering Mindset – 5 Ways To Change Your Mind About Clutter
• Why Is Decluttering So Hard? 13 Reasons Why & How To Overcome Them
• 10 Decluttering Tips For Seniors To Make Their Lives Easier
• 15 Decluttering Blogs That Will Motivate You To Start Decluttering Today
• How To Declutter Quickly – 12 Ways To Declutter In 30 Minutes
• 9 Decluttering Motivation Tips That Will Help You To Keep Going
• How To Declutter Paperwork Quickly (& 5 Important Organizing Tips!)
• How To Declutter Your Garage Without Feeling Overwhelmed

The post How To Declutter Shoes For Shoe Lovers appeared first on That Isle Life.

Have you ever wanted to declutter but had these thoughts below running in your mind?

“I’ve always been a messy and disorganized person. I can’t change who I am!”

“What’s the point of decluttering? My home will be messy again in no time!”

“Don’t bother decluttering, you’ll never be able to finish the job.”

“Your things are still in perfectly good condition. You’re wasting money if you declutter.”

“I don’t have to declutter. I thrive in disorganized chaos!”

If this sounds familiar, it’s no wonder why you haven’t decluttered or found success in decluttering.

Your mind is literally telling you that you shouldn’t declutter and no good will come out of decluttering.

Do you know the more you tell yourself these things, the more you’ll believe them?

That’s why it’s so important to get rid of these negative thoughts and replace them with a healthy decluttering mindset.

In this post, I’ll share 5 ways you can get into a decluttering mindset so that you can work your way towards building a clutter-free home.

Let’s do this together!

Related decluttering posts:

• Why Is Decluttering So Hard? 13 Reasons Why & How To Overcome Them
• How To Be Ruthless When Decluttering Clothes Once And For All
• 15 Decluttering Blogs That Will Motivate You To Start Decluttering Today
• How To Declutter Your Garage Without Feeling Overwhelmed
• 9 Decluttering Motivation Tips That Will Help You To Keep Going
• How To Declutter Books For Book Lovers
• How To Declutter Quickly – 12 Ways To Declutter In 30 Minutes
• 100 Things To Declutter Today – Get The Ultimate Decluttering Checklist
• 10 Decluttering Tips For Seniors To Make Their Lives Easier
• How To Get Rid Of Sentimental Clutter (And Why You Shouldn’t Feel Guilty!)

What Is A Decluttering Mindset?

Remember the negative thoughts in your head? What if you could replace them with…

“I can’t wait to declutter because I want to create a peaceful home for my family and I.”

“Decluttering is going to help reduce my stress and anxiety.”

“I’m going to save time, energy, and money in the long run if I declutter.”

A decluttering mindset is one that is filled with positive sentiments about decluttering.

With a decluttering mindset, you’ll look forward to decluttering because you are ready to accept all of the benefits that decluttering brings.

5 Simple Ways To Get Into A Decluttering Mindset

1. Accept that decluttering is a journey

Many of us think that decluttering is a one-time thing.

We think we can get rid of everything we don’t want in a day, and our houses will automatically be clutter-free forever!

Well, decluttering doesn’t work like that.

Decluttering is a process that takes time.

After all, it probably took us years to accumulate all of the stuff we have today. It certainly doesn’t make sense to get rid of everything we don’t need or want in a day!

Setting an unrealistic timeline to declutter is only going to add stress and pressure to the task.

Chances are you’re going to feel disappointed and demotivated to declutter before you even begin!

Accept that decluttering is a journey that will take time. Instead of focusing on the outcome, learn to embrace the progress throughout your journey.

Remember, small progress is still progress, and a little progress every day adds up to big results.

2. Decluttering doesn’t mean you have to get rid of every single thing

Many of us assume that decluttering means getting rid of every single thing.

This mindset can put you off from decluttering because you may not be ready to say goodbye to everything you own.

Don’t worry, decluttering doesn’t mean becoming a minimalist overnight.

You can start by getting rid of excess/duplicate things and things you don’t use or need anymore. This is a great first step because it involves discarding things you don’t care about.

Once you feel more comfortable, you can start to declutter other things that require more thought.

Declutter at your own pace, and don’t compare your decluttering journey to someone else’s.

3. Know your why

Decluttering takes a lot of time, energy, and effort. It’s crucial to know why you want to declutter before you even start.

Why do you want to declutter and what do you hope to achieve by decluttering?

Be honest with yourself. The more specific the answer, the better!

Many of us want to declutter because clutter can bring on stress, anxiety, and depression. We want to replace these negative feelings with positive ones like being productive, efficient, and calm.

Additionally, we want to spend less time sorting and organizing our possessions so that we can dedicate more time to doing what we love!

Take the time to envision how you want to feel and how you want your home to look like after decluttering. These are your decluttering goals.

Knowing your why will help you to get into a healthy decluttering mindset.

If you find yourself slipping, make sure to consistently remind yourself of your decluttering goals.

4. Determine why you find decluttering challenging and learn how to overcome these barriers

Truth is, many people find decluttering challenging for different reasons.

Some may find it difficult to declutter because they are too overwhelmed and don’t know where to start.

Meanwhile, some struggle with guilt. They don’t feel good getting rid of gifts or things that are in good condition.

You need to determine why you find decluttering challenging and learn how to overcome these barriers.

Sometimes the easiest way to get into a decluttering mindset is to acknowledge why you find decluttering difficult.

Once you recognize the reasons that hold you back, you can start working on overcoming these obstacles.

5. Learn how to say no

To strengthen your decluttering mindset, you must learn how to say no frequently.

Not only will you have to be firm and say no a lot during the decluttering process, but you must also learn how to say no to new things.

You don’t want to ruin your decluttering progress by buying more stuff!

Learning how to say no will teach you how to be intentional with your purchases. And, this is a great first step towards a minimalist lifestyle.

Why is it important to have a decluttering mindset?

Decluttering is hard enough as it is. It becomes even more challenging when we don’t believe we can do it.

Having a decluttering mindset helps you to declutter without feeling stressed or overwhelmed.

A decluttering mindset also helps you to get rid of things without having any regret.

That’s because you understand that decluttering will help you to get closer to your goals. Plus, you know how much decluttering will benefit you in the long run!

Frequently Asked Questions

How to declutter when you have too much stuff?

Many people can’t seem to get into a decluttering mindset because they are overwhelmed by how much stuff they have.

Well, don’t worry about how much stuff you have. Or, how much time you’re going to need to declutter.

Use the 5 simple steps above to get a decluttering mindset first. Then, set your decluttering goals and make a decluttering plan.

Need more inspiration? Get motivated by reading these 15 blogs that are loaded with decluttering tips and tricks.

How does decluttering improve your mental health?

Decluttering has so many mental health benefits.

To keep it simple, decluttering helps to:

• Reduces anxiety and stress
• Boosts productivity
• Improves your mood
• Gives you better focus
• Increases confidence
• Improves overall well-being

Wouldn’t you like to experience all of the above for yourself?

Conclusion

There you go – 5 simple ways to acquire a decluttering mindset that will change your life for the better.

All the best in your decluttering journey! Believe in yourself because you got this!

Don’t forget to share your experience of getting into a decluttering mindset in the comments below.

More decluttering resources here:

• Why Is Decluttering So Hard? 13 Reasons Why & How To Overcome Them
• How To Be Ruthless When Decluttering Clothes Once And For All
• 15 Decluttering Blogs That Will Motivate You To Start Decluttering Today
• How To Declutter Your Garage Without Feeling Overwhelmed
• 9 Decluttering Motivation Tips That Will Help You To Keep Going
• How To Declutter Books For Book Lovers
• How To Declutter Quickly – 12 Ways To Declutter In 30 Minutes
• 100 Things To Declutter Today – Get The Ultimate Decluttering Checklist
• 10 Decluttering Tips For Seniors To Make Their Lives Easier
• How To Get Rid Of Sentimental Clutter (And Why You Shouldn’t Feel Guilty!)

The post The Decluttering Mindset – 5 Ways To Change Your Mind About Clutter appeared first on That Isle Life.

Are you one of many who find decluttering so hard?

Trust me, I can relate! Decluttering doesn’t come easy to me either.

Many of us feel a sense of dread whenever we think about decluttering our homes but we can’t pinpoint why.

Here are 13 reasons why decluttering is so hard and how you can overcome them.

Learn why you’re struggling with decluttering and how to overcome these barriers, and you’ll be one step closer to decluttering successfully!

Related decluttering posts:

• 15 Decluttering Blogs That Will Motivate You To Start Decluttering Today
• How To Get Rid Of Sentimental Clutter (And Why You Shouldn’t Feel Guilty!)
• 9 Decluttering Motivation Tips That Will Help You To Keep Going
• How To Declutter Quickly – 12 Ways To Declutter In 30 Minutes
• 100 Things To Declutter Today – Get The Ultimate Decluttering Checklist
• How To Declutter Your Garage Without Feeling Overwhelmed
• How To Be Ruthless When Decluttering Clothes Once And For All
• 10 Decluttering Tips For Seniors To Make Their Lives Easier
• How To Declutter Books For Book Lovers
• How To Declutter Paperwork Quickly (& 5 Important Organizing Tips!)

Why is decluttering so hard? 13 reasons why you’re stuck and how to overcome them

1. You are too overwhelmed by the clutter and don’t know where to start

Have you ever thought of decluttering but stopped yourself because you simply did not know where to start?

You’re probably thinking of ALL of the clutter in your house wondering, “How on earth am I going to declutter everything?”

After a long week of work, the last thing you want to do is declutter the entire house.

After all, decluttering IS hard work and it takes up a lot of time and energy.

How to overcome this: The best way to remove any overwhelm in a task is to simply get started and stop overthinking.

Not sure where to start? Throw the trash out first. Go around each room in the house and pick up any visible trash like empty packaging. This step is easy to accomplish because it requires zero thought.

Once you’ve started, it’s a lot easier to keep going. It also helps to refer to a decluttering checklist so you don’t have to figure it out on your own.

2. You have no time to declutter

Some of you may find decluttering hard because you feel like you have no time.

When you think of decluttering, you assume you’ll need to have at least one full day without distractions to get the job done.

For most of us, that’s simply not possible because we have to juggle work, family, friendships, and other commitments.

How to overcome this: Remember, decluttering is not a sprint but a marathon! Instead of dedicating a whole day to declutter, you can set 10-30 minutes a day to get rid of the things you don’t need.

Better yet, declutter as you go when you’re working on everyday tasks. For instance, you can remove any torn, stained, or worn clothes from your wardrobe when you’re putting away the laundry.

Give yourself grace and don’t rush the process. Speed is not a priority when it comes to decluttering. Consistency is! As long as you remain consistent with your decluttering efforts, you will surely see results.

3. You lack the motivation to declutter

It’s normal to feel demotivated to declutter at times. Let’s face it – there are a million things we’d rather do than declutter!

Often we don’t have the motivation to declutter because we are worried about failure. So, we procrastinate and do other things instead.

How to overcome this: First and foremost, it’s important to set specific and realistic goals before you start decluttering.

Instead of setting one big goal, create a list of micro-goals instead.

For instance, replace “I want to declutter my entire home” with micro-goals like:

• Declutter duplicate kitchen utensils
• Get rid of worn tea towels and dish rags
• Discard broken kitchen tools and appliances

Micro goals are easier to achieve, which means there will be plenty of small wins to celebrate!

Besides that, you can also find motivation by getting inspiration from these amazing decluttering blogs.

Related: 9 Decluttering Motivation Tips That Will Help You To Keep Going

4. You have a negative mindset

Some of you may find decluttering difficult because you have a negative mindset.

You have 101 excuses why decluttering will never work for you. You say things like:

“I’ve always been a disorganized person! I can’t change who I am.”

“What’s the point of decluttering? My home will eventually be messy again!”

“I don’t have to declutter – I thrive in disorganized chaos!”

Well, here’s the thing: the more we say these statements, the more we believe them!

How to overcome this: The first step to overcoming a negative mindset is to change the way you think completely.

Allow yourself to imagine what it would be like if you lived in a clutter-free home. Chances are you’ll start to feel more relaxed and motivated to declutter.

Replace your negative mindset with positive thoughts like:

• I’m excited to declutter because I get to create a calm space for myself
• Decluttering will help me to save time, money, and energy in the long run
• I will feel better about myself and my environment after I declutter

5. You are a perfectionist and want everything to look perfect

Maybe you’ve seen Pinterest-worthy decluttering before and after photos and thought, “I’ll never be able to do that!”

If this sounds like you, you are most likely a perfectionist, and you rather not do something if you know it’s going to be less than perfect.

Seeing people’s picture-perfect homes overwhelms you and puts you off from decluttering.

How to overcome this: Recognise that online photos are almost always staged. They are often photographed in the best lighting and are edited to achieve the flawless look we admire.

When decluttering, progress is far more important than perfection.

Avoid focusing on the aesthetic of the outcome. Instead, pay attention to how decluttering your home makes you feel.

Having a lot of stuff can weigh you down and make you feel restless and anxious. On the contrary, a clutter-free home will make you feel relaxed and happy because you have fewer things to worry about!

6. Your belongings are part of your identity

Many of us think that what we own contributes to who we are.

This is because our materialistic society tells us we need to own more things if we want to be seen as successful.

We are reluctant to let go of our possessions because we are afraid of what people may think of us.

How to overcome this: Don’t worry about people’s opinions about you. You don’t have to define success like everyone else. You can choose to be rich in experiences rather than material things.

If the clutter in your home stresses you out, you are better off trying to get some peace by decluttering.

Remember, YOU are the one living in your home, not others. So, do what makes you feel good and ignore the haters.

7. You seek comfort in things

Decluttering is hard for some people who tend to seek comfort in their belongings.

Maybe it’s the stamp collection you had as a teenager. Or the self-help books that got you through a tough time.

These things used to bring you solace so you naturally want to hold on to them.

How to overcome this: Remind yourself that you are more than your belongings.

These items have served you well, and they can do the same for another person if you don’t need or use them anymore.

8. You don’t know what to do with the things you want to get rid of

Some people avoid decluttering altogether because they just don’t know what to do with the things they want to get rid of.

If you’re one of them, you’re probably worried that all of the things you want to declutter will end up in trash bags somewhere in your garage. Thus, creating more clutter.

How to overcome this: Before you declutter, make a plan of what you’re going to do with the things you want to get rid of.

If you plan to donate or recycle it, have a list of potential donation/recycling centers ready. You can even call ahead and make arrangements to get your stuff picked up from your home.

If you plan to sell it, decide where you’ll sell these items and make sure you have everything set up from the get-go.

Additionally, give yourself a deadline to sell these items. If you can’t sell it by the deadline, you’re better off donating these items.

9. You save things “just in case”

Are you someone who saves things you don’t need or use regularly because you’re afraid you might need them in the future?

A lot of people don’t declutter because they don’t want to regret their decluttering decisions. They rather hold on to the clutter than go through the inconvenience or hassle of acquiring the item again.

How to overcome this: Be honest with yourself. When was the last time you needed or used the item in question?

If you haven’t taken it out in a year, likely, you won’t need/use it ever. You probably won’t even miss the item once it’s gone!

Besides, if you do need it in the future, you can always borrow it from someone you know.

10. You feel guilty for wasting money

Decluttering is hard when there’s guilt involved.

Many of us feel guilty for getting rid of things we spent our hard-earned money on. Especially when they’re still in perfect condition.

As a result, we have trouble decluttering because we don’t like the idea of wasting money.

How to overcome this: Change your mindset. Rather than thinking you’re wasting money, tell yourself that this item may provide more value to someone else who may need it.

You’ll feel a lot better when you realize that you have the power to give the item to a more deserving owner.

11. You are obligated to keep something because it was a gift

Sometimes it is tough to declutter when you feel obligated to keep something.

You feel bad because you don’t want to seem unappreciative. Plus, you don’t want people to be mad or upset at you!

How to overcome this: It’s OK if you don’t like a gift. It doesn’t mean you don’t appreciate the gesture or the person who gave it to you.

When you receive a gift, this means the gift is yours. You can do whatever you want with it!

Re-gift it to someone who will appreciate it more. Just make sure to express your gratitude to the person giving the gift, AND be honest to the person you’re regifting it to.

12. You have a strong emotional attachment to certain items

Decluttering sentimental items is very hard. Most of us have a strong emotional attachment to specific items, which makes it challenging to let go.

We want to save certain things because they remind us of our loved ones and the memories we shared with them.

How to overcome this: Decluttering doesn’t mean you have to get rid of every single thing. I get it – some precious things in your life are irreplaceable.

For this reason, you can create a memory box. Just make sure you limit the size of the said memory box.

This is a great way for you to manage the number of items you get to keep. Ultimately, this will help you to sift through and pick the items that are truly valuable to you.  

13. Your family, partner, or roommates don’t want to declutter

Some of you struggle with decluttering because you do not have a supportive and conducive environment.

Maybe your family, partner, or roommates don’t want to declutter.

As a result, you’re not sure if you should go ahead because you don’t want to step on anyone’s toes.  

How to overcome this: Don’t let anyone hold you back! You can still declutter your belongings – just don’t touch anything that doesn’t belong to you.

If you share the item with someone in the house, have an honest and respectful discussion with them before you declutter.

This is also the perfect time to lead by example. The people in your household may be motivated to declutter when they witness all the benefits decluttering brings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it taking me so long to declutter?

Decluttering is not a cookie-cutter process. Some people may take longer to declutter, and that’s OK.

Don’t compare your decluttering journey to someone else’s. Decluttering is more productive when you focus on consistency rather than speed.

However, if you’re looking to make some progress in a short amount of time, here are 12 simple ways you can declutter in 30 minutes.

What questions should I ask myself when decluttering?

If you don’t know if you should declutter something, here are ten questions to help you make a decision:

1. Do you use it?
2. If yes, when was the last time you used it? Is this something you use regularly?
3. Is it in good condition?
4. Do you have a duplicate of the item?
5. Do you have something else that you like better that serves the same purpose?
6. Would you buy it again?
7. Could you borrow this item from a friend?
8. Would it be too expensive to replace?
9. Would you take this with you if you had to move to a smaller space?
10. How would you feel if you didn’t own this item anymore?

Conclusion

Sometimes the easiest way to change your mindset about decluttering is to acknowledge WHY you find decluttering difficult.

Once you’ve identified the reasons that hold you back, you can actively work on overcoming them.

Decluttering IS hard for everyone, but I promise your hard work will pay off!

Did this post help you to discover why you’re struggling with decluttering? Share why decluttering is hard for you in the comments below!

Found this post helpful? Check out these other decluttering blog posts:

• 15 Decluttering Blogs That Will Motivate You To Start Decluttering Today
• How To Get Rid Of Sentimental Clutter (And Why You Shouldn’t Feel Guilty!)
• 9 Decluttering Motivation Tips That Will Help You To Keep Going
• How To Declutter Quickly – 12 Ways To Declutter In 30 Minutes
• 100 Things To Declutter Today – Get The Ultimate Decluttering Checklist
• How To Declutter Your Garage Without Feeling Overwhelmed
• How To Be Ruthless When Decluttering Clothes Once And For All
• 10 Decluttering Tips For Seniors To Make Their Lives Easier
• How To Declutter Books For Book Lovers
• How To Declutter Paperwork Quickly (& 5 Important Organizing Tips!)

The post Why Is Decluttering So Hard? 13 Reasons Why & How To Overcome Them appeared first on That Isle Life.

Hi, seniors! Do you find it difficult to declutter your home?

Perhaps you don’t have the same strength and mobility as you did before.

Or maybe you’re overwhelmed because you’ve lived in the same house for years, and you simply don’t know where to start decluttering!

I hear you. Decluttering is a lot harder to do when we age.

However, your senior years are a time when it’s more important than ever to declutter and downsize.

That’s because decluttering your home will make your life so much easier.

Not only will you be able to find things easily, but you’ll also find it much easier to clean your home.

Additionally, decluttering allows you to get rid of any hazardous items that may affect your well-being.

All in all, decluttering is a great way to kickstart simple living for seniors.

Decluttering for seniors may be challenging, but it can be done with some help. Read on to discover 10 simple and useful decluttering tips for seniors that will make their lives easier.

Related decluttering posts:

• How To Start Decluttering When Overwhelmed
• How To Declutter Shoes For Shoe Lovers
• The Decluttering Mindset – 5 Ways To Change Your Mind About Clutter
• Why Is Decluttering So Hard? 13 Reasons Why & How To Overcome Them
• How To Declutter Your Garage Without Feeling Overwhelmed
• How To Be Ruthless When Decluttering Clothes Once And For All
• 15 Decluttering Blogs That Will Motivate You To Start Decluttering Today
• How To Declutter Books For Book Lovers
• How To Declutter Paperwork Quickly (& 5 Important Organizing Tips!)
• 100 Things To Declutter Today – Get The Ultimate Decluttering Checklist
• 9 Decluttering Motivation Tips That Will Help You To Keep Going
• How To Declutter Quickly – 12 Ways To Declutter In 30 Minutes

10 Decluttering Tips For Seniors

1. Declutter when you’re physically and emotionally well

Many seniors don’t think about decluttering until they think it’s time to downsize.

Unfortunately, not everyone is fit or well enough to declutter when the time comes.

Some may be seriously ill, while some may not be as agile as they were before. Besides that, some may be dealing with depression and grief after the loss of their loved ones.

One of the most important decluttering tips for seniors is to declutter when you’re physically and emotionally well. This will help you to stay focused and productive throughout the process.

Additionally, a clear mind will enable you to make firm decluttering decisions.

2. Give yourself time

Decluttering can be physically, emotionally, and mentally exhausting, regardless of which age group you’re in.

Give yourself plenty of time to declutter. Chances are it took years for you to accumulate the amount of stuff you have today. It certainly doesn’t make sense to declutter years’ worth of stuff in a day!

Decluttering at your own pace makes the entire process less overwhelming and stressful. It could be 30 minutes a day or 3 hours a week – as long as you remain consistent in your decluttering efforts, you will definitely see results!

3. Don’t be afraid to ask for help

Many elderly people suffer from chronic health problems and limited mobility. It’s only natural to have less stamina and strength as we age.

Decluttering can be physically demanding, which makes it even more challenging for seniors.

If you’re a senior who’s struggling to declutter on your own, don’t be afraid to ask for help!

Make it a fun family activity by inviting your family over and sharing stories of your belongings. Once you’ve decided what to declutter, your family members can help you with the heavy lifting like sorting the items into different boxes, moving things around, etc.

If your family members or friends are unable to help, there are many professional decluttering services for seniors that can assist you with the process.

Professional decluttering services for seniors are great because they also offer cleaning services, which are very helpful after a decluttering session.

4. Start small

The thought of getting rid of every single thing is daunting to most of us.

The best way to begin the decluttering process for seniors is to start small.

Choose a small area or space you use most often and start there. Don’t worry about the other rooms or areas in your house until you’ve finished decluttering the specific area.

Work on decluttering things you don’t have to think twice about. For example, things that you don’t need or don’t use anymore, broken and/or non-functional things, etc.

Starting small will help you to achieve significant decluttering progress, which can provide you with much-needed motivation to keep going.

5. Clear floor space

Are you a senior looking to declutter but not sure where to start?

One of the most helpful decluttering tips for seniors is to clear floor space first.

According to the CDC, about 36 million falls are reported among seniors each year. Of these cases, 32,000 are fatal, and 1 out of every 5 falls causes serious injuries like broken bones and head injuries.

That’s why it’s so crucial to make sure the floor is clutter-free at all times.

Gather everything that you can remove from the floors. This includes clothing, trash, cables, books, papers, etc. Either put it where it belongs or get rid of it.

Anything on the floor excluding the carpet is a trip hazard, which can be dangerous to seniors.

6. Get rid of dangerous items

Another helpful decluttering tip for seniors is to get rid of dangerous items in the house. This includes broken furniture, old unused devices, expired medication, etc.

These things are dangerous because they can either affect one’s physical health or cause hazards in the home.

If some of these things are too heavy, write a list of such items in the house and get a family member or neighbor to help remove them.

7. Figure out what you need for your new lifestyle

As a senior, you may have a completely different lifestyle than when you were younger.

For example, you may be retired and living alone now.

Therefore, you may not need a lot of things you used to. For instance, children’s toys, clothes, books, sporting equipment, work uniforms, and many more.

It’s time to get rid of them so you can make room for the things that reflect your current lifestyle.

If you’re moving to a new, smaller place, you should get the dimensions and the number of rooms in your new home. This way, you will know exactly what you need and what will fit inside your new space.

8. Pass down valuable items to family members who will appreciate them

Decluttering sentimental items can be very challenging for seniors.

As we grow older, we may form an emotional attachment to things because they remind us of our memories and our loved ones.

The emotional aspect makes it hard to let go of our sentimental items.

Here’s one of the most useful decluttering tips for seniors: pass down valuable items to family members who will appreciate them.

Letting go of things we love is easier when we know they will be cherished by the people we love.

Hopefully, your keepsakes will continue to be passed down from generation to generation as family heirlooms.

Not sure if your family members want any of your stuff? Start a group chat with your family and let them know to respond with a ‘yes/no’ if they want them.

Trust me, if they say no, you’ll feel less guilty for getting rid of them. This applies to your children’s toys, artwork, and photos too!

9. Arrange a donation pick-up service

If you don’t need the money, I recommend donating everything you don’t use, need, or want anymore.

Arranging a donation pick-up service is an easy and quick way to get rid of everything.

This is the best way for seniors to get rid of clutter because it saves you the hassle of loading the car and driving them to the nearest donation center.

All you need to do is to leave your things on a porch/curb and the team from the donation center will pick them up.

On a separate note, selling your stuff is also an option if you want to make some money. Just remember that selling requires a lot of time, effort, and patience!

10. Allow yourself to keep a few things

As we grow older, we learn to cherish different things like photos and greeting cards. After all, these are some of the things that remind us of our good old times.

Just because you’re downsizing doesn’t mean you have to get rid of every single thing.

Allow yourself to keep a few favorites – a photo of you and your partner, a card from your children, or a handwritten letter from your parents.

You may be tempted to keep everything, so set a limit for the number of things you want to keep before you begin.

Once you’ve decided, make sure to keep these securely in a box or storage bin so you can take them with you to your new place.

Why should seniors declutter?

Decluttering plays a big role in improving seniors’ physical and mental health.

First, decluttering makes your life easier. Having a clutter-free home helps you to be independent so you can take care of yourself.

Without clutter in the home, it is a lot easier to locate essential everyday things like medication and personal hygiene items.

Plus, decluttering helps seniors to maintain a clean home and reduce pollen, dust, and other allergens in the home. This leads to improved air quality at home, which is beneficial for your health.

More importantly, decluttering reduces the risk of injuries. Falls are less likely to occur when there are fewer things in the house.

Furthermore, decluttering reduces anxiety and stress for seniors because you don’t have to constantly worry about storing and organizing your stuff. This creates a more peaceful environment for them.

What are the challenges of decluttering for seniors?

Some seniors might find it difficult to declutter because they are physically unfit due to a previous injury, chronic illness, or weak health.

Besides that, some seniors find it hard to let go because their belongings remind them of their memories and loved ones.

Some even seek comfort in their possessions because they are afraid they will feel lonely without them.

Other than that, some seniors feel guilty for decluttering things they spent their hard-earned money on.

Additionally, some refuse to declutter because they fear they’ll need something in the future but they no longer have access to it. They don’t want to deal with the inconvenience or hassle of acquiring the item again.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I help seniors like my elderly parents declutter/downsize?

Sometimes seniors may feel shy or embarrassed to ask for help, so the first thing you should do is to check in on your elderly parents, relatives, and friends.

If they need help, here is a list of things that you can assist them with:

• Prepare the supplies they need for decluttering: trash bags, boxes, storage bins, labels, etc
• Offer a decluttering checklist
• Ask questions to help them to decide which things to declutter
• Sort things into respective storage bins/trash bags/boxes
• Arrange a donation pick-up service
• Move heavy things around
• Place boxes on the porch/curb for pick-up
• Throw trash out

Are there any decluttering services for seniors?

Yes! You can search for a Certified Relocation & Transition Specialist (CRTS) near you – this community supports seniors to move, organize, and downsize.

Other options include:

• Clutter Trucker
• Clutter Relief Services
• Sorted Out
• Clutter B Gone

Be sure to check each organization thoroughly and read reviews before deciding which decluttering service is suitable for you.

Conclusion

Decluttering for seniors can be tough, but hopefully, these decluttering tips for seniors will ease the job and guide you through the process.

Are you a senior who has decluttered and/or downsized? Share your experience with us in the comments below!

Check out these other decluttering articles:

• How To Start Decluttering When Overwhelmed
• How To Declutter Shoes For Shoe Lovers
• The Decluttering Mindset – 5 Ways To Change Your Mind About Clutter
• Why Is Decluttering So Hard? 13 Reasons Why & How To Overcome Them
• How To Declutter Your Garage Without Feeling Overwhelmed
• How To Be Ruthless When Decluttering Clothes Once And For All
• 15 Decluttering Blogs That Will Motivate You To Start Decluttering Today
• How To Declutter Books For Book Lovers
• How To Declutter Paperwork Quickly (& 5 Important Organizing Tips!)
• 100 Things To Declutter Today – Get The Ultimate Decluttering Checklist
• 9 Decluttering Motivation Tips That Will Help You To Keep Going
• How To Declutter Quickly – 12 Ways To Declutter In 30 Minutes

The post 10 Decluttering Tips For Seniors To Make Their Lives Easier appeared first on That Isle Life.