Is there a difference between decluttering and organising?
This is a question I’ve been asked multiple times, and my answer is “Yes, there is a difference!”. In fact, there’s a big difference between decluttering and organising, and knowing which one to do can make all the difference in your home.
Some people may think that the two terms are interchangeable, but in reality, they mean different things.
In this post, I will explain the differences between decluttering and organising, and why it’s important to understand the distinction in order to avoid an even more cluttered home.
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- What is the difference between decluttering and organising
- The decluttering mindset
- The organising mindset
- Why both decluttering and organising are important
- 30-Day Decluttering Challenge
- Why it's important to declutter before you organise
- Ways you can organise your space once you've decluttered it
- Summary
What is the difference between decluttering and organising
Decluttering is the process of getting rid of everything that you don’t need or use, while organising is the process of arranging everything in a way that makes sense for your lifestyle.
Let’s face it, we all have too much stuff. Whether it’s clothes we never wear, books we’ve already read or those random pieces of Tupperware that seem to multiply in the back of the cupboard, our homes are full of things we don’t need.
This is where decluttering comes in.
Decluttering is the process of getting rid of all the unnecessary stuff cluttering up your home. It’s about paring back your possessions to only the things you love and use on a regular basis.
Organising, on the other hand, is all about creating systems and structures to help you keep on top of your belongings. It’s about finding a place for everything and making sure everything is in its place.
Read also: Decluttering Rules: 13 Important Things To Do When Decluttering Your Home
But perhaps that still doesn’t really answer the question, does it?
So let’s try this: If your goal is simply to get rid of stuff, then decluttering is for you. But if you’re looking to create a space that is both beautiful and functional, then you’ll need to put in a little extra effort and do some organising.
The bottom line is that while there is a clear difference between decluttering and organising, both can be helpful in creating a neat and tidy home – it just depends on what your specific goals are.
The decluttering mindset
If your goal is to declutter your home, then you need to adopt the right mindset. This means getting rid of anything and everything that you don’t need or use on a regular basis.
To help you get started, here are some questions to ask yourself as you go through your belongings:
- Do I love it?
- Do I use it?
- Is it functional?
- Is it in good condition?
- Do I have more than one of these?
These questions will help you to identify the things that are just taking up space in your home and need to go. Once you’ve decluttered your belongings, you’ll be surprised at how much lighter and more spacious your home feels.
The organising mindset
If your goal is to organise your home, then you need to think about how you can create systems and structures that will help you keep on top of your belongings. This might mean investing in some storage solutions or coming up with a system for putting things away.
Here are some questions to ask yourself as you start the organising process:
- How do I use this space?
- What do I need to access on a daily basis?
- What can I store away out of sight?
- How can I make this space more functional?
Answering these questions will help you to create an organised space that works for your lifestyle.
Why both decluttering and organising are important
While it’s important to understand the difference between decluttering and organising, it’s also worth noting that both are important in creating a functional and beautiful home.
Decluttering on its own will make your home feel lighter and more spacious, but it won’t do much to improve its overall function. This is where organising comes in.
Organising gives you the opportunity to create a space that is both stylish and efficient. By taking the time to organise your belongings, you can ensure that everything has a place and that your home runs smoothly.
Why it’s important to declutter before you organise
There really is no point in organising your home without decluttering and getting rid of excess belongings first. Not only will this make the organising process much easier, but it will also free up space for the things you actually need and use.
It’s also worth noting that decluttering can be a great way to jumpstart the organising process. Once you’ve gotten rid of all the unnecessary stuff, you’ll be able to see your belongings in a whole new light and you’ll be able to better assess what needs to be organised.
For tips on how to kickstart the decluttering process, read through some of these articles:
- How To Be Ruthless When Decluttering Clothes: An Essential Guide
- Why Is Decluttering So Hard: 9 Reasons You Can’t Clear The Clutter
- 9 Ways to Find The Motivation to Declutter
- How To Declutter Your House In One Day: Room To Room
Ways you can organise your space once you’ve decluttered it
Once you’ve decluttered your home, it’s time to start thinking about how you can organise the remaining belongings. This is where you’ll need to get creative and come up with storage solutions that work for your space.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
Use baskets and bins: Baskets and bins are great for storing away small items and keeping your space tidy
Use large storage containers: Storage containers can be used to store away out-of-season clothes, extra bedding, and other items that you don’t need on a regular basis
Use furniture with storage: Invest in coffee tables, ottomans, and TV stands with built-in storage to make the most of your space
Invest in some shelving: Shelves are a great way to make use of vertical space and they can help you to keep your belongings organised and off the floor
Use hooks: Hooks are a great way to keep things like coats, bags, and umbrellas off the floor and out of the way
Install some cubbies: Cubbies are great for storing shoes, hats, and other small items. They can also be used as a catch-all for things like keys and mail
Summary
So, what’s the verdict? Is there a difference between decluttering and organising? The answer is yes.
I think we can all agree that decluttering and organising are two very different things, but both are important when it comes to maintaining a clean and functional home.
By understanding the distinction, you can tailor your approach to decluttering and organising to get the best results.
Have you tried decluttering or organising your home? What tips do you have to share with our readers? Let me know in the comments below!
