“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal.” – Matthew 6:19

Living in a clutter-free home or owning less stuff has many benefits — it improves health, it reduces stress and it makes us happy too. However, dealing with clutter in your home or space seems to be too overwhelming and it takes a lot of effort to do. So, take a deep breath, give yourself some time and start to declutter your home with these steps.

Schedule a day or time to declutter your nest.

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” – Ephesians 5:15-16

Flip your planner or calendar and set a schedule or time to declutter your home. Set your goals and plans for that day and list down all the things that you will need such as trash bags, empty boxes, cleaning supplies and other tools. “Wise people think before they act; fools don’t—and even brag about their foolishness.” – Proverbs 13:16. Thus, cleaning is one of the best family bonding ideas during the colder months, so govern your home, look for everyone’s schedule and encourage them to declutter your home with you during their free time or weekends. “She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.” – Proverbs 31:27.

Ask God for strength and inspiration.

“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13

Before you start your day or task — read some Bible verses about cleaning or decluttering to inspire and motivate you. Then, pray and ask God for help, wisdom and inspiration. “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10. Listening to music can also make you more productive, so play some Christian music, sing your heart out while you clean and praise God for sustaining you. “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” – Colossians 3:23

Go through your items and sort it.

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:21

Focus on one area at a time and start emptying the cabinets, bookshelves, drawers or cupboards. Go through everything in that area and sort your things into four different boxes or category, such as the things that you will keep, some stuff that you will sell, donate and the stuff that needs to be thrown out. “A time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away.” – Ecclesiastes 3:6. Make wise decisions, be honest with yourself and learn to let go of the things that you don’t actually need. Sell your old books, furniture or appliances that have been on your storage or other things that has value. “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” – Psalm 23:1. Be a good steward, manage your house well and don’t stock up on things that are going to waste or things that will easily rotten. “Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” – Luke 12:15

Clean your space.

“For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people.” – 1 Corinthians 14:33

Have the proper cleaning supplies for your home — invest in an all around cleaning products that’s safe for all types of surface. You can also make some natural cleaning solutions using the things in your kitchen. Deep clean your home, dust off, wipe your countertops, cupboards, scrub down the walls, and put everything in order. “But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.” – 1 Corinthians 14:40. Organize your things using multi-purpose storage, bins or trays and label it for easy access. Sweep, vacuum, mop the floor, rearrange your furniture and enjoy your clutter-free surroundings. “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.” – Ecclesiastes 9:10

Make your home warm and inviting.

“She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple.” – Proverbs 31:22

After all the cleaning and organizing — create a warm and inviting home for everyone by spicing up your home, changing your bed linens, putting some decorative pillows on your couch or sofa and keeping your home fresh and smells good. You can also display some things that can grow your faith in God such as 2020 Calendar with Bible verses, Scripture arts, canvass and decors. “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” – Philippians 4:8. Thus, you should also practice hospitality, promote God’s Word, maintain discipline and harmony in your home always. “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” – Romans 12:10-14

Repeat these steps and go through every corner of your home and maintain the cleanliness in your nest.  “My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.” – Isaiah 32:18 Thus, if you and your spouse doesn’t have a plan this coming Valentine’s Day —  clean and declutter your bedroom, go through their closet or rearrange your garage with them. “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” – 1 John 3:18