The First Place To Start When Decluttering Your Bedroom

Did you know that clutter can add stress to your life and make it difficult to sleep? It has a lot to do with your mind being split between sleeping and the mess that needs cleaning up. Decluttering your bedroom may be something you want to do more often than just during spring cleaning. Depending on the volume of clutter you have, it can be overwhelming to decide where to start, but the trash is the easiest place to begin.

Grab a trash bag, because things are about to get serious. Fill the trash bag with anything that is absolutely garbage, and we're not just talking about trash. If you have old makeup that's long expired, broken hangers, or clothing that's shredded and doesn't pass for "deconstructed," toss it in the trash. If you have stains on an item and have tried endlessly to get them out, we're telling you now that it's okay to give up and discard the garment. 

There are plenty of best strategies to help you declutter, but it's always best to start with something easy that lets you feel the progress right from the start, and getting rid of the garbage will do that. Beginning with the trash ensures that the following steps in your decluttering project focus on sorting items that have a purpose. Once the trash is out of the way, it will be easier to tackle the rest of the clutter, including the items in your closet. You don't have to do everything in one day, either. Start day one with trash removal, and then come back for the next steps over the next couple of days.

Once you've eliminated the trash that you can see right away, the next spot that will probably be the most frustrating is your closet or dressers. It can be quick and easy if you're ready to get rid of clothing you no longer wear or that's not in the best condition. But, if you plan to try everything on, it could be a lot of work and a more time-consuming task. 

Your laundry basket is a great place to store items you want to keep but need mending, whether it's a missing button, a stain, or something that requires some tailoring. However, give yourself a time frame for fix-its and let them go if you don't get to them in that time. Toss anything you no longer want to keep in a box. It's up to you whether you donate or sell it. Duplicate basics and clothing in sizes that are too small or too big are just some items of clothing to get rid of for a clutter-free closet.

Consider keeping a few of your throwaway garments for rags (if they are made of an absorbent fabric). You'll be able to use these as part of your decluttering project. Be sure to clean off the tops of your dressers, nightstands, and other bedroom furniture, and use some of those rags for dusting. Once your bedroom is decluttered, take our tip on a smart organization habit that will help you keep things decluttered. Consider clearing out trash from your room weekly and putting away clothing as soon as it's washed — these are other small steps to keep your bedroom from getting cluttered again.