Whether it's under the guise of spring cleaning or the need for time-saving hacks, a deep home purge does not always have to be a chore. And after the holidays is a great time to do it.
Wendy Stone, the owner of Lighten Up Organizing and Cleaning in Dartmouth, N.S., says clutter and being disorganized have been proven to cause a high amount of stress.
"If you suffer from anxiety, depression, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), clutter can make these symptoms worse. Your home is supposed to be your sanctuary, where you unwind and relax after being out or concerned with other issues," said the professional organizer.
Stone has worked with various clients - including those suffering from mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, and hoarding - as well as businesses and individuals that need an extra helping hand.
"For many, they feel they can live with the clutter and that it does not affect them. But over time, the clutter or disorganization can wear someone down mentally, and eventually, it will affect you physically as this is what stress does," said Stone.
How it happens
Clutter can accumulate over time with collectibles, inheritances, or sentimental items, noted Stone.
"If you are someone who cooks, then having a clean kitchen will motivate you to cook and create in the space instead of opting for quick, processed junk food. Deciding to declutter and organize is a step toward self-care. Most of us are not always good at looking after ourselves," she said. "Living in a decluttered and organized space overall makes you feel relaxed, and at ease, so you would be moving toward great self-care. We can do more for others, be more productive, and reduce the risk of health issues attributed to stress if we have self-care."
Margie Villard, a professional organizer on P.E.I., agrees. She believes all items should have a reason for occupying a space in your home, whether useful or beautiful.
"And you should be able to find the item when needed quickly," said Villard, owner of Joy of Organizing. “When organized you save money not buying duplicates, looking for things, or impulse buys. Plus, your mind and body have time to focus because you are not overwhelmed by your surroundings."
Villard said people do not intentionally collect clutter but acknowledged there are various reasons why many find themselves overwhelmed and surrounded by it.
"Life circumstances often play a role in the accumulation of things. These can be health issues, a change in life circumstances (marriage, divorce, death or sentimental reasons)," she said. "Many older generations have lived through hard times and know what it is like not to have much. Many older people are at the downsizing chapters of their lives and are dealing with years or decades of accumulating."
Set goals
Stone advised setting manageable clutter cleaning goals, starting small with one room at a time.
"Start with the area of your home you frequent the most, where you spend the most time because getting the space organized and decluttered will help you feel less stressed while you tackle the other areas of your home that need the same treatment," said Stone. "Then break the room down into zones and within each zone declutter or organize as needed."
For example, in a bedroom, the zones would be the closet, each dresser, and bedside table.
"When it comes to the closet, start with the clothing, then move onto any shelving, one shelf at a time," she said.
Items should be separated into piles such as keep, donate, sell, garbage, or recycling.
"As you finish a zone, move onto the next. If you feel overwhelmed, stop and close your eyes, and when you open them, focus on the one shelf you are working on, do not think of what you have next. If you find this process overwhelming, then you may need a professional who declutters and organizes."
Professional organizers can provide support, offer strategies, coping methods, and ideas for decluttering and reorganizing a home said Stone.
"You would then pick the ones that work for you. Decluttering and organizing are as unique as our fingerprints. Each person has a specific way that may work for them. A professional should be able to help their client find what will work for them."
Be patient
Villard added that there is "no one size that fits all" when it comes to organizing.
"I often suggest starting where you are and something you feel you can manage. For chronic disorganization, it is years of habits you are changing, so it will take practice. If you wake up every morning and your sink is full of dishes, how about starting there."
Kitchen counters and dining tables are clutter-keepers for many people, she says.
"Perhaps your goal for the first week is simply keeping your flat surfaces clean," Villard said. "Perhaps it means having your bed made. Many people need simple systems to make their morning routines more efficient."
Long-term time saver
When a home is clutter-free, it will be easier to have visitors over, too, says Villard.
"Start with things you know you can quickly get rid of such as garbage, recycling, empty boxes, items you have been meaning to donate but have reached their third anniversary of you making that decision. Physically removing items that you know you do not use or make you feel bad about yourself is a perfect place to start," she says.
"If you are getting help, or if you are helping a friend declutter, be patient, be kind, be non-judgmental and be confidential or hire a professional organizer who has these skills to help you along in the process."
One tip she suggests is walking through the door a guest would use and taking a photo.
"Then have a real look at what people experience when they walk into your place. What do you want to change? What can you easily change? Start there," Villard says.
