Apartment living offers several advantages. You save time and hassle by not having to do yard work and other tasks that come with owning a home. But living in an apartment doesn’t mean you won’t have your share of clutter. Before you know it, your cozy little home can seem overwhelming when the clutter builds, even more so with the smaller space.
Clutter can also cause stress and anxiety. It serves as a constant reminder of unfinished projects. You can also feel closed in. Everywhere you look, you’re running out of space.
If you have a cluttered apartment in the Bryn Mawr neighborhood of Philadelphia’s Main Line, there’s no need to fret. Instead, you can de-clutter it with a can-do attitude and by following these simple steps.
Make a Plan of Attack
Before you dive in and find yourself lost in the mix, formulate an effective strategy. Start by making a list of your must-haves. This list will help you sort your stuff. If something isn’t on your list, you can get rid of it. Consider using a spreadsheet or other software to help you stay organized.
Set small, manageable goals. Rome didn’t get built in a day, so you don’t need to tackle this job in one afternoon. Give yourself time to complete it, but stay consistent. Pick an afternoon or evening where you have a couple of hours to spare. Over time, what seemed like an impossible task will become a completed goal.
Roll up Those Sleeves
Now that you have an effective plan with tangible goals, it’s time to get to work. An excellent place to start is by picking one area of your apartment. For example, choose an overflowing closet or the crammed kitchen pantry. The key is to focus on one area until it’s finished. Resist getting sidetracked by other areas, or you will get nowhere fast.
Create a sorting system to make getting rid of things easier:
- Keep Pile (Must-have list)
- Donate Pile (Goodwill, Salvation Army, local rescue mission, library, VA, childcare centers, thrift stores)
- Recycle (Anything fit the criteria?)
- Sell things on Craigslist or FB Marketplace (Earn some extra cash)
- Throw Out Pile (Seen better days)
If you’re struggling with what to keep, ask yourself these simple questions:
- When did I last use this?
- Do I have more than one?
- Is this essential?
- Can I live without it?
If you’re still having trouble or feeling too overwhelmed, ask friends or family members for help. Also, consider hiring a professional organizer. These experts help people de-clutter and organize their homes all the time.
Develop a Strategy for Long-Term Success
To avoid finding yourself in this same place again, think about developing new buying habits. Before purchasing something, ask yourself if you need it right now or if it can wait. Make a list of needs vs. wants. Things on the want side can probably wait.
Use the trade one-for-one rule. Before buying something, make room for it by getting rid of something else you have. This tactic will drastically cut down on future clutter. Another tip is to invest in duel or multipurpose furniture, especially ones that come with built-in storage compartments. Reduce paper clutter by storing these items digitally.
Do some research on minimalist lifestyles and find inspiration from some fantastic ideas. Going down this road can also save you a lot of money and significantly reduce stress.
With some ambition and know-how, you can de-clutter your Bryn Mawr apartment in no time by following these valuable tips.
