Whether you are downsizing or purely aiming to create a simpler lifestyle, there are tools to help you declutter which can make the process less stressful. We have compiled the following techniques to help you.
1. Set it in Stone
Once you have decided to simplify your surroundings, put aside two-hours to declutter each week and enter it in your calendar. Once you start, give yourself a break every half hour so that you can stretch and clear your mind. Don’t forget to reward yourself after you have completed each session.
2. Strategize
Here are a few ways to approach your decluttering tasks:
• Go to a coffee shop with a pen and paper and ask yourself, “If there was a fire in my home and everything was destroyed, what would I replace?” Doing this at home will not work since you can look around and make a list. What you can remember offhand will tell you what is most important to you.
• Take baby steps at first by decluttering a table counter or a small drawer. Each small victory will give you motivation for the more demanding tasks.
• Find new ways to keep the things you love: digitize photos, documents, movies, and music. Take photos of sentimental items that have more emotional value than actual value so you can always appreciate them.
3. Start Easy
Begin with obvious items: broken, stained, worn-out, torn, spoiled food, out of date items, old magazines and newspapers, etc. Don’t start with keepsakes, you may get stuck. Start with easier items now so that dealing with mementos will be easier later on.
4. Sort it Out
Separate your belongings into four categories:
A. Keep – When you declutter, hold onto the things that give you a feeling of happiness when you touch them. You may think you should keep certain things, but if there is no emotional connection, do not feel obligated.
B. Trash – (See #3 above) Tip: resist the urge to keep torn or worn out clothing because you think you will use them around the house. If they are sentimental to you, then cut a square and use them to create a quilt.
C. Sell or Donate – Try and sell as much as possible, consider estate sale companies, consignment shops, and/or having a yard sale. Next, give items to family members or friends who will value them. Finally, find local charities who will accept your items and will hopefully pick them up.
D. Unsure – When looking at your maybe pile – ask yourself thus question: what does it do for me that something else doesn’t? (i.e. what makes it unique) It may be tempting to get storage containers to keep items, but buying more things to keep your things in may be impractical.
5. Out of Sight…
Out of mind. As soon as you have decided which items you are tossing and donating, get them out of the house asap – before you have a chance to change your mind. Also, don’t worry about organizing your items right away, it’s much easier to decide where things go after you declutter.
6. Stay on Track
Congratulations – you did it! One last thing…start thinking about how you can keep yourself from creating new clutter. We suggest making a regular practice of decluttering your home every 3 months – and soon it will become second nature.
We hope you have found our advice helpful. If you would like any further information about our services, please contact us at 647-680-1699 or at email to info@hillisgroup.ca