Tips in Decluttering
It seems like the bigger space you live in, the more you will accumulate. It creeps up on you over time. You buy stuff for your kids, your house, your spouse, and even yourself. Next thing you know, you have clutter. Use these tips to help you declutter.
Invest in Containers
Sometimes, the problem is not the amount of stuff you have, but where you put it. When you put your unused items in containers, this is an orderly way to organize your possessions. You still may need to shed some items, but at least keeping them in containers can help in the short term.
Offsite Storage
If you need to hang onto items but you don’t have an immediate need for them, consider renting out storage. The storage industry has become competitive so you should be able to find some great deals. Shop around and check online for deals. Call various storage facilities and pit them against each other on price.
Items Are Not Memories
Many people hang onto items because they remind them of the past or someone they knew. Items are not your memories. They are just items. Your memories will be there whether the item is still with you or not. This can be difficult for people to accept. But, it’s a great first step when trying to declutter. If you can get rid of these sentimental items, everything else will be a walk in the park, so to speak.
Consider Donating Old Items
If you find it difficult to throw items out, consider donating them instead. At least someone else will get used to them and you will feel less guilty. You may not be able to do this with every item you own. But, even a few can make a difference.
Take a Seminar
You can learn from others who are organization experts. They have techniques and methods that can help you figure out the right ways to dispose of your items. There is likely to be a seminar in your local area. Many of these organizers may offer to come to your house for an extra fee.
For Extreme Cases, Seek Help
Hoarding is a real affliction that affects many people. It is something that usually requires intervention and results in the hoarder needing some help from a counselor. It is treatable but it takes owning up to the situation. Hoarding can be a psychological downer as well as be an unhealthy way to live.
Keep a Journal of the Steps You Took
When you go through the process of de-cluttering, write down what worked for you as well as any challenges you faced. This could be used to help other people and you could even turn to do this into a business. If you decide to go that route, consider finding a job with an experienced organizer. After you get some experience, you can go out on your own.
Actionable Tips in Decluttering
What’s old is new again.
What you want to do here is what organizers like to suggest as shopping in your own closet. You select items that you haven’t worn and wear them again. You can extend this concept by shopping in your basement as well, etc. Do this once every quarter. You’d be surprised what you own that you have forgotten about.
Choose a room and participate in the activity of shed or keep.
If you find items that you haven’t used in over a year, it is not important and it’s time to shed it. If you feel like you can’t part with it, put it in the keep file. After you have the two piles (shed/keep), go through the keep pile and figure out if there are things you would feel you could sell. Although this can be considered shedding, you are exchanging the item for something else, i.e., money.
Commit
Commit to 30 minutes every week to declutter a portion of your house or workspace. Set a timer for 30 minutes and stop when it rings. It’s much easier to get small chunks of work done consistently than to try to tackle everything in one session.
