10 Reasons to Clear Out The Clutter

Every time a new year begins, people often feel like they should de-clutter their houses and organize their life. The new year is a great time to do this too, it’s a time of rebirth and starting again- so why not do this with a clean slate? Over time, we all accumulate tons of STUFF. Toys, clothes, games, trinkets, odds and ends- you name it. If we really sit down and think about it, we really don’t need much of it. Kids grow and their interests and needs change, leaving behind boxes and bags of “baby” stuff, that isn’t needed any more. The same goes for us adults. We change our tastes and styles over time, leaving us with items that we really don’t wear or use anymore. The start of the new year is the perfect time to clear out the clutter, and I have 10 reasons to prove it!

Decluttering doesn’t have to mean throwing all of your stuff away- even with just some small, meaningful changes, you can eliminate some of the space hogs you have and give your home a fresher, cleaner feel to it. The best part of decluttering is it can be done in just a few minutes a day, over time. There are SO many “organize yourself” printables out there, some just have you spending 15 minutes a day cleaning one small space, but over time, each small space you clear out will lead to big overall changes! Here are 10 great reasons to clear out that clutter starting today:

1.You can free up some serious space

Every item you get rid of, makes an empty space in your house. By throwing away some junk or donating things, you can make space for something you’ve been wanting- or just leave it as open space, which is always nice too!

2.You can make some extra money

Many items can be sold at yard sales, online or at thrift stores- and each item you sell is extra money in your pocket. Save that money for an upcoming vacation or put it towards paying off a debt.

3.You will feel less stress

Clutter and mess = stress! The less junk you have laying around, the less stress you will feel- and who wouldn’t want that?!!

4.You’ll spend less time cleaning

This is especially true with your kids toys! The more toys and stuff they have, the bigger the mess is, and the harder it is to organize it all. Eliminate some of the stuff they no longer use, and make less work for yourself cleaning in the long run. Plus, teaching your kids how to donate to other kids is a great life lesson for them! It’s a win-win.

5.You’ll have a healthier home

Everything in your house collects dust and the more dust you have in your house contributes to sicker kids and it doesn’t look very good. By tossing, selling or donating of the knick-knacks and weird odds and ends you have collected over time, you will have less things collecting dust, which is less for you to clean too! All of that dust directly effects the quality of the air you and your kids are breathing, so why NOT make it cleaner??

6.You’ll want to have your friends and kid’s friends over more

If you have less things, it’s easier to keep them clean and tidy, so you will be more likely to have to have spur of the moment guests over, since you won’t be worrying about cleaning the whole house. You’re kids will be happy about that too!

7.It’ll help you get creative

Along with keeping you less stressed, minimizing excess clutter in your life has been found to stimulate creativity – so you can make something beautiful as a result of tidying up your environment. Who knew?

8.You’ll think better

Research has found that decluttering your work spaces can help your brain focus. Simply put, all of that clutter can compete for your attention so more organized environments can lead to a sharp, productive and concentrated mind. I know that I can’t focus on a project if I have a pile of things looking at me, so I am proof that this one is true!

9.You’ll have a chance to change up your space

By clearing out some of the clutter, you may find that you can reinvent or change up your decor with very little work. An old basket that was filled with crap, can suddenly become a pretty center piece, or an old glass bottle can be painted and filled with flowers. Without buying more and using what you have, it can allow you the security of money in the back for emergencies or larger items down the road.

10.You’ll be helping others

You know the old saying, one man’s junk is another man’s treasure. By donating items or selling them for a discount online, you may help someone that didn’t have the budget to buy something brand new. I love donating old clothes, shoes and toys- it’s so great to know that my kid’s outgrown items can be played with again by another little one.

So, make 2016 the year YOU clear out the clutter and make your home cleaner, more organized and your brain sharper in the process. Just start by spending a few minutes a day, tackling one room- or one drawer- at a time!

Now that you know how beneficial decluttering is, what will you get rid of first?