5 steps to clear your clutter

Pin It

Now that we have established what clutter is in yesterday’s post, it’s time to make a start on clearing it away.  It is highly unlikely you will become organised until the clutter is gone.

Getting Started 

1. Get organised

To start decluttering you will need.  1. 4 labeled plastic storage boxes labelled:  charity, sell, rubbish, keep.  2.  Garbage bags for rubbish and charity donations.   Look at the room and create a to-do list before you start.

2. Create some time

Don’t overwhelm yourself by taking a full afternoon or day dedicated to decluttering.  30 minutes a day is all it takes to make a start on decluttering. Dedicate some time each day purely to decluttering one particular area.  Write down this day and time and stick to it, DO NOT PROCRASTINATE.

3. Concentrate on one area

Start small, try starting with a drawer, wardrobe or a small room like pantry or laundry.  But don’t choose the most cluttered room, this would be too overwhelming.  Divide your clutter amongst the labeled boxes, when each one is full transfer to a garbage bag.  Place rubbish directly into the bin.  Place charity bags in the garage ready for a trip to the charity store/bin.  Your sell box may contain items that you would like to sell on eBay, list these items before you start the next room.  Remember to finish one area before you start another.  When you have finished the room unpack the keep box designating each item to its new home.

4. Stay motivated

Clearing the clutter will boost your mood, you will start to feel energetic and be more positive about the direction of your household.  You may even find it becoming addictive.  You will start to feel alot more relaxed living in an uncluttered house.

5. Stay in control

Keep on top of your clutter, don’t allow it to take over your life again.  When bringing a new object into the room/area/draw create a home for it.  Always return all items back to their home.  Soon it will become a habit, and you will find it alot easier to find your belongings.

Remember:

• If you haven’t used it within 6-12 months, more than likely you won’t use it, donate to charity
• If it gives you negative feeling or makes you feel sad, donate to charity
• If something has sentimental value but it’s in a box in the top of your wardrobe, more than likely it will stay there.  You are not attached to the object you are attached to the memory of the person that gave you the object.  Give it to charity or somebody you know that will cherish the item.
• If it is expired, throw it out.
• Do you have double of items, eg…2 toasters, give one to charity.
• Out with the old, in with the new.  eg. brand new bedsheets=old sheets to charity
• Give yourself permission to throw out items that are rarely used.
• Old toys and games can be donated to the local childcare centre.

Reward yourself for your great efforts, go to the movies with a friend or buy something nice after you have finished.  I’m very proud of you making a start to decluttering your household.

Pin It