A cluttered home is just another way to add more stress to your life. Studies show that excessive clutter can affect your ability to perform and focus, sleep, and it has the power to increase levels of anxiety too. With this in mind, it makes sense that you want to find ways to eliminate clutter and live a more organized lifestyle.

However, knowing where to start is half the battle. Instead of worrying about how to tackle your organizational venture, rest easy by considering these five creative ways to partake in the decluttering process.

1. Start with an overlooked step.

Here's a great idea to keep while decluttering — remember quality over quantity. Whatever the item may be, it's better to have one great thing than a ton of poor-quality items that barely get the job done. One commonly overlooked part of a home is the air quality. As you get rid of unnecessary items, you open up space for large room air purifiers that work to clean the air of airborne particles and volatile organic compounds.

You might be thinking why would you buy another item to have in your home when you're trying to declutter? The answer to that question is that an air purifier isn't just any item. It's a great way to get rid of allergens, bacteria, viruses, pet dander, pollen, odors, and other microns in the air that affects air quality. When you have better air quality, you create better breathing conditions for people with asthma, sinus problems, and allergies. This way, you can comfortably enjoy the space you're working towards organizing.

2. Store some things in a unit.

Just because you want to keep an item, that doesn't mean you physically have to store it at your house. Instead of shoving every keepsake or favorite memory in your attic or basement where it can easily get water damage.

Alternatively, you should invest in a storage unit that specializes in wedding dress storage and other safer means to ensure your items stay as good as new! At the end of the day, you don't need to get rid of the important things in life because you can find a more manageable way to store them with storage units.

3. Ask if the object sparks joy.

As a general rule of thumb, organizing means you're going to have to let go of some items. To make this process of deciding which to let go of a bit easier, you should look into the KonMari Method.

This method is practiced by the master organizer herself, Marie Kondo. She tells you to go category by category (think clothes and books), and ask if each item sparks joy. If it doesn't then it times to say thanks to that item, and donate it or let it go. In no time, you'll hopefully be able to get your closet and knick-knacks under control.

4. Fill a trash bag with clothes.

If you're looking for a simple way to declutter, start with your closet. Almost everyone holds onto excess clothes for various reasons. For example, you want to fit in that pair of jeans again, you think you might wear the item, or you're saving for a specific occasion.

The truth is if you haven't worn it in the last six months, then you probably should consider donating it. Make it your goal to fill up a trash bag by the end of the month which will accelerate the process.

5. Get rid of one item every day.

An even easier way to declutter is to get rid of a single item every single day for a year. By the end of the year, you'll have cleared your space of 365 items! At first, it may feel challenging to choose an item.

Just remember, it can be from any area of the home. It doesn't matter whether this object is from your closet, garage, office, or basement. What's important is that you're decluttering a little every day to make space in your home that helps you feel more at ease.