The Difference Between Organising and Decluttering

Decluttering is about reducing the number of items you own, while organising is about arranging those items in a neat and efficient way. Both processes are important for creating a functional and pleasant living space. While they can often be confused for one and the same, we’ve broken down some key differences between the two to help you focus on one task at a time and stop you from getting overwhelmed partway through the process.

Decluttering: Deciding What to Keep

Decluttering focuses on removing unwanted things that you no longer use, need or love. The process can be emotional and time-consuming as it involves sorting through all your items and making decisions about each one. The primary goal of decluttering is to simplify your space and reduce the amount of stuff in your home. The immediate benefit is a more open and less cluttered space, providing a sense of calm and spaciousness. It also helps you remember what things you already have and creates room for new items.

For example, decluttering might involve sorting through your clothes and donating the items you no longer wear.

Organising: Finding a Place for Everything

Organising focuses on arranging the remaining items functionally and efficiently. It involves using systems and storage solutions to maximise your space and ease of access. This process is different in everyone’s home, because nobody has the same lifestyle, the same home or the same things. Solutions such as baskets or dividers, labelling, and creating systems are used to help maintain the space easily.

The immediate benefits of organising are better efficiency and productivity, allowing you to find and put things away quickly. It’s easier to keep your space tidy and stick to a routine when things are ordered and arranged in a way that’s easy to access. For example, organising a kitchen might involve storing your pots and pans close to the stove.

Which One Should Be Done First?

Decluttering should be the first step in your home organising process. There’s no use in arranging the items you don’t need. Both steps always work together. Once you’ve decluttered, you don’t want to put things back in the same way that led to the overcluttering. You need to adjust your organising systems to maximise your space. Organising is about deciding where things go and how they are stored once you’ve finished reducing your excess. Sometimes you might decide to declutter more items partway through the organising process. However, it’s best to get the bulk of the decluttering done before you begin organising.

Need Help Organising Your Space?

If you’re struggling to keep your home organised and the clutter is getting overwhelming, contact Well Organised. We offer professional home organising services to help transform your space. Our experienced team will work alongside you to declutter and organise your items. Contact us today for an initial consultation.