The word decluttering - is the activity of removing things you do not need from a place, in order to make it more pleasant and more useful. Sounds simple enough, but then why does it always induce panic? The overwhelming sensation of failure that this will never get done, and how will I ever tackle all of it, I don’t even know where to start! You’re not alone, we all accumulate stuff, lots of stuff, it’s a natural part of living. Even if you don’t hit up every yard sale on Saturday within a 100-mile radius, stuff gathers in corners, drawers, closets and all the little spaces in-between.
I am a natural-born declutterer, I will admit there is a feeling of exhilaration when I walk around the house with a garbage bag. However, the rest of the household – not so much. It took me 20 years to get my husband to let go of some t-shirts he got back in high school, we literally moved them to three different homes, he never wore them, even confessed he didn't really like them, but they had sentimental value. Honey, it is time to let them go! I understand the struggles; I do have a few sentimental boxes that I keep memorable things in but let’s be honest – you will feel so much better with a decluttered and organized space.
One of the toughest parts of decluttering is where to start, here are a few quick tips to help get you started:
Tip #1 - Start small and go room by room. Don’t think of the whole house as one big daunting task, think of it in steps, and work on one thing at a time. Pick one room, or even one drawer a day. You’ll get there. If deadlines help you stay on track, create a schedule to help keep you motivated.
Tip #2 – Make a list for each space, it is very gratifying to check them off as you go. I will write each task that I need to do in the space on a post-it note and place it on the door (Ex: Bedroom: clean closets, clean dresser, nightstand, donate old clothes, blankets, etc.). This helps give me directions for next steps and when the room is done, I take down the post it notes.
Tip #3 – Use the four-box method: Trash, Donate, Keep, Relocate. Ask yourself does the item serve a purpose, do you have duplicates. Have you used it in the past 12 months? Does it have an organized storage place to go. I’m thinking of those random tools you may use every few years. If it has a home, in the garage or workshop, put it there; or create a space for it.
Tip #4 – Use the Empty, Categorize and Place strategy: Empty the small space, for example under the kitchen sink. Categorize all the contents, decide what to keep and discard unnecessary items. Once the space is clean, place the items you are keeping back into the space. Bonus tip: I like to use fun storage containers for my scrub pads, dishwasher tabs and wash clothes.
Tip #5 – What do you do with all the stuff you just decluttered? Host a yard sale or sell on marketplace. Donate the items to a local thrift store, or a family member in need. Recycle items – check with your local municipality for items that can be recycled and repurposed.
Tip #6 - Don't forget all that paperwork! I will confess I have a few bins filled with papers, Ugh! Our world is turning more digital everyday, but if you are like me, you likely have files, or boxes full of random papers. I will confess this is an area I do struggle with, mostly because I don't want to throw out old documents that have our info on it, and we don't have a paper shredder. So I will admit, we have a small box in the garage with 'burn papers' to add to our little campfires.
Tip #7 - Digital declutter! Trust me here, do you have unread emails on your phone? Those spam, junk, promotional emails that clutter your inbox. Go through them, delete, unsubscribe and create folders for important emails to keep. Do the same with your photos, and computer icons and files. Every little bit of declutter helps create an organized space both digitally, mentally and physically.
Tip #8 - Develop daily or weekly habits to help cut the clutter and create a manageable schedule to help you maintain your hard earned and organized space. You deserve to have a space you feel relaxed and stress free in, hold yourself and other household members accountable for all the 'stuff' and declutter together when needed.
The following curated list is on ‘decluttering and organizing' your home:
~Happy cleaning!
Decluttering - I Promise its Worth it!
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