I’m a decluttering pro – my tips will make clearouts so much simpler, how to know when it’s time to chuck out clothes

CLUTTER doesn’t just make a mess of your home. It can impact your mind, too.

A new study indicates 86 percent of Americans say decluttering has a positive impact on their mental health, and one home expert shared her tried-and-true strategies for keeping a space tidy.

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Decluttering your home can positively impact mental health, a study found[/caption]

Ashley Temkin from Cinch Home Services told The Sun that there are a few simple rules she follows to stop clutter from taking over her home.

Her tips are especially helpful in light of a study of 1,000 Americans conducted by Cinch, which found that two-thirds of respondents are ashamed of the clutter in their homes.

Temkin said being patient and pacing yourself is crucial to moving past that shame and working towards a clean house.

“Give yourself time,” Temkin advised homeowners. “Decluttering can be a time-consuming task, so be patient and lock in some days on your calendar for the feat.”

To understand what to get rid of, think about why you’re keeping it.

The survey found 65 percent of respondents said most of the clutter in their homes consisted of items they were saving for future use. According to Temkin, that’s especially true when it comes to clothes.

She has a golden rule to abide by and while it may seem harsh, it’s definitely effective.

“If you haven’t worn it in the last year, you will probably never wear it,” Temkin said.

You can also reframe reluctance around decluttering by looking to the future and what new things could take old junk’s place.

“There is always the next big buy,” Temkin reminded consumers. “Just because you let something go doesn’t mean you won’t find something nicer or better in the future.

“Give yourself room for new things and new purchases,” she added.

Donating, selling, or disposing of unwanted clutter can also make your home life smoother by easing relationship tension. The study Cinch conducted found 55 percent of people have argued with their partners over getting rid of items.

To get a good idea of what’s really necessary in your home, go room-by-room and clear everything out.

“I always remove everything from the room (short of what’s bolted down!) so I can see the space empty,” Temkin said.

Then, she only puts back what’s needed or gives her joy.

Planning ahead can also help, whether it’s making a list of items you know you’ll get rid of or visualizing the room you’d like to see clutter-free.

“Pinterest some ideas on how you want your space to look after decluttering,” Temkin recommended.

You’ll also feel more satisfied once you’ve disposed of items and checked them off a list. “If I plan my purge before a cleaning day, I feel like I’ve won the homeowner lottery.”

Once you’ve got a cleaning plan in place, move strategically through the house accumulating clutter, and you’ll have a donation pile ready before you know it.

Take a page from Marie Kondo’s book and say goodbye, and thank you, to anything you feel nostalgic about. “It’s easier to let go of valuables and things that way,” Temkin suggested.