I’m an interior designer & my decluttering guide starts with a ‘ruthless’ step – but that doesn’t mean toss everything
AN interior decorator has shared her tips for decluttering your space.
Some of her advice might seem harsh, but it’s all meant to keep your home clean and organized.
LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT
Libby Langdon of Libby Langdon Interiors advised looking everything over to avoid getting overwhelmed.
“Before diving into the cleaning process, take a step back and evaluate each room in your home,” she wrote in a post on her website.
Her first step involves deciding which items “serve a purpose and bring you joy.”
And this decluttering coach isn’t about to go easy on you.
“Be ruthless in your assessment – if you haven’t used or appreciated something in the past year, it may be time to bid it farewell,” she said.
QUALITY OVER QUANTITY
She also wants you to “assess functionality” of the items in your home.
A good rule of thumb is to determine if certain things, such as pieces of furniture, are no longer serving their “intended purpose.”
If you don’t use it, it might be time to say goodbye.
She also believes in the concept of “quality over quantity.”
“Rather than filling your space with disposable items, invest in pieces that are well-made and timeless,” she said.
Langdon wants you to take your spring cleaning to the next level by replacing “outdated” items with new things.
Just make sure they add to your overall happiness, or out they go.
SENTIMENTAL STAYS
And don’t worry, you don’t have to get rid of everything.
“While it’s important to declutter and streamline your space, it’s also important to hold onto items that hold sentimental value,” she said.
“Whether it’s a family heirloom or a cherished memento from a special occasion, these items add depth and personality to your home,” she continued.
To avoid cluttering your space all over again, she advises “thoughtfully” displaying your items.
LESS IS MORE
She also knows that when it comes to achieving a luxe look, sometimes less is more.
Langdon is a fan of minimalist design for multiple reasons.
“A clutter-free, minimalist space can help reduce stress and promote a sense of calm and tranquility,” she said.
Budget interior design tips
Interior designer Judy Hoang shared her furniture tips with The U.S. Sun.
- Thrift furniture and paint it to match your decor.
- Test if an item is fit for its purpose before thrifting.
- Shop at Target or HomeGoods for rugs, lamps, desks, and pillows.
- Invest in classic timeless pieces.
- Set up smart home lighting to save money.
She explained how a “minimalist mindset” creates a space that is both “functional” and “visually pleasing.”
SPRING CLEANING
She also recommends giving your space a “refresh.”
You can do this by giving your home a deep cleaning with a few “strategic updates.”
This includes “purging the excess.”
You can also move furniture around, add a pop of paint, and “breathe new life” into a room with new accessories.
“Spring cleaning is about more than just tidying up – it’s an opportunity to reassess your space and create a home that reflects your style and supports your lifestyle,” she said.
CLEAR YOUR MIND
Removing chaos from your space can also help you focus, according to Psychology Today.
The outlet explained how in addition to creating “chaos,” clutter can affect your brain’s ability to “process information.”
It can even “reduce working memory,” causing struggles with concentration.