My #1 Tip for Easy, Confident Decluttering

Do you ever stare at the piles in your home, think about going through them, and then walk away? Do you dread your impending move because you know you will need to go through and pack an overstuffed house? 

You are not alone! Just the thought of decluttering is overwhelming, let alone actually decluttering and purging unused and unloved items. So today, I’m sharing my insight and #1 secret to decluttering that lasts…

Why don't most people succeed at decluttering?

There are many reasons people are unsuccessful when decluttering their homes. Some of the most common reasons include not having enough time, not knowing where to start, thinking you might need certain items one day and feeling guilty about letting things go. 

So what’s my secret for decluttering that lasts? Keep reading.

What is my #1 secret?

The best way to declutter with confidence and success is to start by asking yourself what your values are and what you want from your home. Ask yourself what in your home makes you happy and what kind of home will sustain the quality of life you seek. 

For example, this could look like keeping your grandma's china because you value family and want to use it every Thanksgiving and Christmas. Or, since paperwork is overwhelming and takes so much time to manage, you switch all of your bills online and have less paper to file. 

Putting systems in place allows you more time to do what you value, like spending time with family. By knowing what you desire, you will be able to determine how your things can support the life you want to lead, rather than a being a hindrance.

How to tackle your clutter effectively

Now that you have identified your values and have a foundation for making decisions, here are some tips to get you started.

Feel success by completing small tasks first. Go through your one-use kitchen appliances and donate what you don't use (yes, I'm talking about the breadmaker you got for your wedding fifteen years ago). Next, walk through your home for ten minutes with a trash bag and quickly fill it with items you don't need, use, or love and donate to Goodwill. (And put the bag in the trunk of your car when you are done).

If you get stuck on an item, ask yourself these questions: (1) Do I truly use it or need it?; (2) Do I truly adore it? (3) Does keeping this help me live the life I seek? Your answers should help you decide and move on.

Commit to a decluttering routine. It's essential to complete tasks. It's the half-done tasks that build up clutter. For instance, hang up your jacket when you come home from work rather than throwing it on a chair, or put a dirty dish in the dishwasher instead of leaving it in the sink.

You don't need to feel guilty. It is okay to give away your great aunt's lamp if you don't love it. Find another relative who wants it, donate it, or sell it on eBay. Don't beat yourself up about that impulse buy that has been sitting in your closet for years. Instead, show yourself some grace (you’ve already spent the money) and find a new purpose or owner for it.

You probably won't need it someday if you don't need it now. When you can't let go of something you think you might need, ask yourself. "What is the worst thing that could happen if I let this item go?" Imagine the worst and then make your decision from there. (It's usually that you have to buy a new one or be resourceful at the moment - not too devastating.)

Keep a reasonable amount of an item in your home. That is, reasonable based on the amount of space you have. You don't need an entire cabinet of empty glass vases when you have piles of items with no home. Have one vase with fresh flowers or foliage and store a few more to use for a party or when you buy a ton of peonies from Trader Joe's. ;)

If you take the time to streamline and organize your home, you will have the time to do what you love. Everything is easy to put away and keep tidy when possessions have a home. Remember, the clutter builds if items have no specific place to go. When tackling the clutter, know your values and get started. You can do it, one step at a time. 

Ready to take control of your home and your life? I would love to help. Reach out, and let's chat.

Until next time,

Leslie