Let’s look at how to add structure to your decluttering process…
Are you looking to turn over a new leaf and live well with less? One of the first steps to living a simpler and perhaps more abundant life is to get rid of the things in your home that are bogging you down. You might be surprised how much surplus stuff you have.
It’s easy to collect items. You may have clothing you’ve never worn in your closet, kitchen appliances you haven’t used in years, and extra stuff just taking up space. That being said, the decluttering process can seem overwhelming. Giving structure to it can make it seem more manageable and it will make your decluttering time more productive.
Let’s take a look at a few ways to add structure to your decluttering process:
1. By the Day
One approach to decluttering is to get rid of something every day. You can set a goal. For example, you might decide that every day you’re going to get rid of five things or ten things, or you might feel ambitious and get rid of twenty things a day. Now, getting rid of them can mean anything from donating, to selling, to tossing them in the garbage.
You get to decide. This approach is great for super-busy people who only have twenty to thirty minutes a day to devote to decluttering. Keep in mind that it may be easy to get rid of items at first. However, as you start clearing through the clutter, it’s going to become more difficult to find twenty items to clear out.
2. Room by Room
Another approach is to tackle decluttering room by room. Work on your home one room at a time. You can start anywhere and the project is complete when you’ve decluttered every room in your home. You might try to clean out one room each weekend, or one room a month. The benefit of this approach is that you can really begin to see the impact quickly. And it helps you clear out the items over time.
3. A Weekend Project
If you’re the type who likes to jump in and get it over with, then consider making decluttering a weekend project. Create three or four bins and start cleaning house. Your bins can be labeled with Keep, Sell, and Toss. You might have a fourth bin for donation. Once the project is complete, be sure to get rid of those bins. Take the donation bin to a charity immediately. Sell your items at a consignment store or on an auction site and organize your “keep” items.
Creating a system for decluttering helps you feel more in control of the process. Decluttering can feel both overwhelming and empowering. Consider asking for help from friends or family if you have a difficult time getting rid of things, and remember that you’re only keeping items that support your new lifestyle.
