Did you know that a cluttered home actually causes you more stress? Studies have shown that simply entering an environment with too many visible items increases your cortisol levels which leads to stress. That’s no way to start 2025! You need to start the New Year on the right note, which means an organised home and a healthy mental state. Here is a look at the benefits of decluttering and how you can achieve your clutter-free goals.
What are the benefits of decluttering?
Many people have shifted to a remote or hybrid working model which means working from home, either part-time or consistently, is the norm. This requires a clear workspace to focus on the business tasks, and a cluttered home cannot help you achieve this. By decluttering your environment, you are:
- Improving your mental health by reducing stress and promoting peace of mind.
- Improving your physical health as clutter leads to dust, mould, and mildew which causes asthma.
- Increasing productivity by creating an organised environment that enhances focus and efficiency.
- Using your space more effectively for both working, living, hobbies, and family time.
- Enhancing your sleep as a decluttered home leads to a productive and safe environment, resulting in better sleep.
Tips for decluttering your home
1. Donate, sell, keep
As you start decluttering your home, you might find items that you could actually do without. The first step is to create 3 separate piles; donate, sell, and keep. Go through all your clothing, furniture, and household goods and decide what you could donate to charity, what has re-sale value, and what you want to keep in storage.
2. Pack and label
Maximise your storage space by either packing the items in a clear container, or using boxes which are very well-labelled so that you can quickly identify them. Package all fragile items in bubble wrap or tissue paper to keep them safe.
3. Create an inventory
In addition to labelling all your boxes, you need to keep a detailed list of what you have stored, either a hard copy or a digital inventory. While you’re packing things away, you might assume you will know what’s being stored, but after a few months, you will completely forget!
How self-storage can help you declutter
One of the primary reasons people don’t start clearing things is that they don’t have anywhere to store them. Fortunately, there are self-storage units that you can rent for short-term or long-term storage, with many offering a month-to-month option. They range in self-storage unit sizes, depending on how much storage space you need. Some of the items typically stored here include:
- Seasonal decorations
- Sports equipment
- Antique furniture
- Important documents
- Treasured heirlooms
- Collectible items
- Inventory items
How to choose the right self-storage unit
You will need to decide which self-storage unit provider is a good fit for you – they must be affordable, convenient, secure, and provide great customer service. When deciding what self-storage unit to use, you need to:
- Assess your needs: Go through your inventory of what needs to be stored and decide which unit size is best for you.
- Think about accessibility: Factor in how often you will need to access the items. Are they seasonal goods that you only need once a year, or equipment you might need a bit sooner?
- Consider security: You need to check the security measures at the self-storage unit such as CCTV cameras, gate control, and 24-hour monitoring.
- Note environmental factors: If you have items that need climate control storage to prevent damage, check the self-storage unit provides.
Decluttering your home in 2025 will increase your space, enhance your home, and improve your mental health. Contact Cedar Storage offering self storage units in Fourways to learn more about how the team can help you reclaim your space and live more comfortably in 2025.
