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To be ‘decluttered’ is an ever more popular state to be in these days. And although it might sound like a design trend, practising minimalists consider the act of decluttering as a way of cleansing their life by stripping out unnecessary material objects in order to focus on more important things.

The theory goes: If you have fewer possessions, you in turn have less stress, less to clean, less debt, less to organise and more money. Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it!

Well we think so, which is why we’ve put together five simple steps to help you declutter your life and start your journey into minimalist living. By the way, we’re not saying you can’t have all the things you want. It’s about being particular about what you keep, get rid of and buy.

Start small

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Don’t throw away everything you own. We’re talking the hoard of makeup, you absolutely do not need or use anymore – so get rid. Same for clothes, if you don’t wear them then you don’t need them. Away they go too.

These baby steps are the best way to begin your clutter-free life.

Create a no-clutter zone

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This could be your dressing or kitchen table, sideboard or desk. Wherever it is, clear it, clean it and make it official. The rules are simple; nothing should be there unless it’s being used.

This means everything goes back where it belongs. With each day or week try and increase the size of your no-clutter zone.

Make a list

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Make your list as easy or as hard as you like. All we say is that it must comprise of the areas you’d like to declutter in your home. Once you’ve completed one task, stop and make it work first. Small steps, remember.

By doing this you can stop to feel good about your achievement and not be daunted by a long list or what looks like hard work.

Ask yourself the right questions

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When decluttering your home you need change your perspective. Ask yourself questions like: How much would I pay for this now? Would I even buy this now? The answers will help you decide whether something stays or goes.

No more just-in-case items

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We all do it. It’s not just you. But if we’re going to embrace the decluttered dream then it has to stop.

To better define the ‘just-in-case’ items, they’re those clothes you keep, just in case you fancy wearing them if this happens or that happens. Or it’s the three old mobiles you have in your desk drawer, just in case your new phone breaks. Or what about your old university books, you know, just in case someone asks you to write one last essay!

This is the best way to spark a clear out because let’s face it, you probably won’t ever wear it, you only need one spare mobile and it’s unlikely you’ll need your Uni textbooks ever again.

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We hope you found our five simple steps towards a minimalist home helpful. Let us know about your journey to a clutter-free life on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.