Decluttering: How to best manage end-of-year cleaning

Costanza Arbinolo
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When clutter becomes a source of stress, end-of-year cleaning is the perfect opportunity to restore inner calm. The meaning of decluttering is precisely that of making space, getting rid of excess things. The psychological benefits are incredible: it arouses a profound sense of satisfaction and helps you appreciate the space you live in with greater well-being. It's no coincidence that decluttering also has a spiritual meaning: what you manage to clear out on the outside also cleans up on the inside.

To get you off to a good start before rolling up your sleeves, we at Casavo have put together some tips for tidying up quickly and easily, and enjoying a home with a new atmosphere. Find out more about decluttering and the tricks to do it best.

Decluttering your home requires a method

If you want to tidy up your home, a few space-saving ideas aren't enough: you need a method. In the book “Il magico potere del riordino”, Marie Kondō describes in an original way how to organize end-of-year cleaning. After establishing a hierarchy of importance among the objects, evaluate whether they can still be useful. Hold them in your hand and keep only those that still make you feel joy: you will be able to get rid of the superfluous without feeling any remorse.

Abandon the rush

The Japanese writer's solution is not the only one to put into practice. Among the various decluttering tricks, tidying up without rushing is very effective. Trying to finish everything in one sitting, perhaps even stressing yourself out, can put harmful pressure on you. Start gradually and organize one space at a time: taking a few minutes a day and proceeding calmly keeps your motivation high. It will certainly take more time, but the result will be stable and long-lasting. Alternatively, set a specific number of items to tidy up in a certain period of time. Obviously, don't give yourself too little: haste is not a friend of order!

Start by decluttering your closet

The best starting point for decluttering is the closet. That's where Erika, the professional organizer not for nothing known as "Grace's Closet".

When the seasons change, just identify the clothes you no longer wear and those that don't fit as you would like, and then make them disappear from your wardrobe. Donating clothes to charity is an excellent remedy against waste: what's more, your clothes will have a second life. And, if parting with them seems difficult, there's a technique that's right for you: keep reading to find out which one.

Try the 4-box method

One of the most popular tricks for decluttering your home is the 4-box method, where each container has a different purpose. It's useful for separating the items you want to keep from those you want to get rid of, deciding which ones to sell, and finally those that need repairing. Among the decluttering tips, this is the only one that can give you a complete overview of what you no longer need to gain precious space.

Overcome the 12-item challenge

Writing a list on paper is a bit of a hassle. It's like making a commitment: your mind will be more inclined to follow through. This is precisely what the 12-12-12 strategy is based on: make a list of 12 items to throw away, 12 to give away, and 12 borrowed items to return. Then set a deadline, circle the date on the calendar, and do your best to complete the challenge. It's a popular method among those seeking a minimalist approach: give it a chance, and you'll immediately notice a lot of free space in your drawers and shelves.

Now that you know how to curb clutter, all you have to do is choose a home where you can enjoy a peaceful life. On the Casavo classifieds platform, you can find the solution that's best for you!

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