Clear the clutter, clear your mind

Have you noticed that things seem to creep up and accumulate in your home during the holidays, after big sales and seem to find a spot in every nook and cranny of your home? Clutter comes from all places, and if you're not careful, you can end up living in a home that is not welcoming and comfortable as it once was. That clutter and mess could be making your life more difficult and potentially impact your health.
All that clutter is more than just visually overwhelming, according to researchers in the journal Current Psychology, clutter can literally increase stress and make it more difficult to get things done. Because a messy space makes it more difficult to find what you need when you need it thereby increasing your stress level. Getting rid of excess and unwanted items can take time, but it clears space for the things you do care about and ensures your home is healthy, happy and stress free.
Not sure where to begin? Here are some fast and easy ways to defeat clutter and take back your space.
6 Ways to Clear Clutter and Love your Space
Each of the ideas below is easy to implement and will have a positive impact on your space. Some take just minutes, but pay off every day in a cleaner, more harmonious home.
Out with the Old: Are there items in your home that no one wears or uses? In homes with kids, there are often old toys, books and clothing that are no longer used and won't be missed. Box these up and pass them on to someone new. If you are not ready to get rid of them and would like to pass on keepsakes to grandchildren for example, consider putting them in storage.
Sort and Store: Out of season clothing and items that are still used don't need to be seen when not in use. Sort through to see if sports equipment, holiday decorations and other seasonal items can be tucked safely away. This makes keeping your house clean and organized a breeze, and makes it easy to find these essentials when you need them.
Identify the Sentimental Value Items: Not all clutter is trash, some of it is part of your family and personal history. Displaying or storing your prized possessions allows you to fully enjoy these items and ensures they do not get lost or damaged in the clutter.
Consider Storage Space: In some cases, that clutter is comprised of items you actually need -- things that you use but that don't have space for in your home. If you have limited storage space in your home, consider getting a local storage unit that you can easily access when you need the items. You can minimize the storage space you need by rotating in and out seasonal gear or items.
Make it a Family Affair: Unless you live alone, others in the family can help combat clutter. Even young kids can empty back packs, put away toys and throw away trash, and when everyone pitches in a few minutes a day, the clutter will disappear swiftly.
Get Help: If you are swamped with clutter and truly don't know where to start, a professional organizer can help. While you can pay someone to deal with the mess entirely, that can get expensive – another option is to hire an organizational expert who consults and creates a plan for you which is a more affordable alternative.
Whether you go it alone or get help, identifying clutter and stopping it in its tracks can help you have a cleaner, healthier home. You'll also get the benefit of having a comfortable place to relax -- without worrying about piles of stuff that must be dealt with.