Here's How Sticky Notes & Other Household Items Can Make Decluttering A Breeze

Back in 2014, the L.A. Times reported that the average household in the U.S. was home to 300,000 items, from office supplies to kitchen appliances. "Our possessions all have magical qualities," Randy Frost, a professor at Smith College told the publication. "When you go home in the evening after work, you go into your house and you feel comfort because you have your stuff," he added. That's true, but having too much stuff creates clutter, which can lead to anxiety, diminished productivity, and feelings of guilt. Plus, it takes up a lot of space and makes it difficult to find what you need.

That's where post-it notes, index cards, and similar items can come in handy. Sticky notes make detailed cleaning a breeze, but you can also use them to sort out your belongings. With this method, you'll get a clear idea of what to do with your stuff and save time while decluttering. This is more affordable compared to other options, like renting a storage unit. Expect to pay at least $140 per month for a medium storage unit — that's a whopping $1,680 per year. Sure, you can look into DIY storage solutions, but there's a limit on how much stuff can fit into your home, garage, or shed. Sometimes, the best option is to declutter your space by getting rid of what you no longer need.

First, gather five boxes and five sticky notes, self-adhesive labels, or index cards. Start by choosing a category of items you own, such as clothes, toys, or magazines, and then bring them together. Now label each sticky note with a number as follows: "1" for damaged or worn-out items, "2" for stuff you don't use, "3" for the items you might need at some point, "4" for your go-to items, and "5" for your favorite belongings. Or use a different organization system that fits you better.

Next, label each box with a sticky note and sort out your items accordingly. For example, a pair of ill-fitting shoes or an old shirt you no longer wear will go to the box labeled "2." These items are still in good condition, so you can sell or donate them. A pair of worn-out shoes, on the other hand, belongs to the box labeled "1" and will go to the trash. Moving forward, get rid of the items labeled "1" and "2" and decide where you'll store the remaining stuff. If, say, you're organizing your clothes, there are plenty genius closet storage ideas from TikTok. For instance, you can use DIY shelves or cascading hangers to maximize closet space. Give yourself time to think about what you're going to do with the items labeled "3." If you still haven't used them in four or five months, then you can probably live without them.