Cleaning the home is a chore that we love to put off. Especially as there are many different jobs that we have to think of and do.
However, interior design experts at Ruggable have teamed with cleaning expert Will Cotter to give an insight into the task you shouldn’t miss when cleaning.
So much so that neglecting this job can lead to bacteria growing.
Cotter said: “Decluttering is a step that many of us skip (including myself sometimes).
“Are you keeping things that you think you might use later? Or maybe you bought it for a lot of money and now you can’t seem to let go of it.
“The idea of facing all that clutter can be really daunting and can stop us from taking action and that’s probably why decluttering often gets put on the back burner.
“All that clutter can attract dust, dirt, and other nasty stuff. And if you don’t clean it regularly, it can lead to bacteria and dust mites growing, which is not good for your health.
“Clutter can get in the way of a proper cleaning routine, making it hard to get to every surface. That means mould, bad smells, and even pests can start to take over. Neglecting decluttering can also affect the functionality of your home.”
The pro added: “Can you imagine trying to cook in a cluttered kitchen or work in a messy office? Living in a cluttered space can make you feel stressed, overwhelmed, and anxious, which is not good for your mental health.”
Decluttering can also improve air quality. Cotter continued: “Doing a big clean is the perfect opportunity to declutter and reset the space. Not only that, you refresh the entire space and improve air quality by getting rid of dust and allergens.
“This is a top priority especially if you’re living with kids or with someone with respiratory problems.
“If you’re the type of person who’s easily distracted, you just need to allot one weekend to declutter. And if you’re planning to sell your house, decluttering can make it more appealing to potential buyers and increase its market value.”
Cotter explained there are several essential steps involved in carrying out this task correctly to ensure a thorough clean: “First, take a good look at your home and decide which areas need the most attention.
“Is it your closet? Your kitchen cabinets? Your garage? Once you’ve figured that out, set a clear goal for what you want to achieve. For example, you might decide to get rid of anything you haven’t used in the past year.
“Next, gather all the supplies you’ll need – boxes for sorting, trash bags, and cleaning supplies. Put on some comfy clothes and some music to keep you motivated.
“When you start going through your things, take each item one by one and ask yourself if you need it. If it’s something you haven’t used in a long time or forgot you even had, it might be time to let it go. If it’s something that still has value, consider donating it to a local charity or selling it online.
“Instead of decluttering room by room, try decluttering by category. For example, go through all your clothes at once, instead of just tackling your closet. This will help you be more thorough and avoid missing anything.
“Once you’ve decided which items to keep, make sure you have a designated spot for everything. This will make it easier to find things when you need them and prevent clutter from building up again. And finally, take the time to clean as you go and dispose of unwanted items responsibly.”
