The Ultimate Weapon Against Clutter
Decluttering has never been the goal of as many people as it is today. Minimalistic designs have been in vogue for a while, but today, decluttering is far more than a design option. It is becoming a must for people who need organized homes in order to feel comfortable and at ease.
Remember the feeling of moving into your first home? How everything in it sparked joy? Unfortunately, as time goes by, you start accumulating more stuff. More clothes, more paper, more unwanted presents you can’t seem to get rid of.
After a few years, you can’t open a cabinet without being faced with a mountain of clutter. And you start daunting the thought of actually having to look for certain things.
Having a clutter free home is not just about helping you keep a clear head. It also saves you time.
When everything in your house serves a purpose, every day activities become more efficient. Moreover, if you live with someone, having a clutter free home will prevent you from having some stressful disagreements.
Over the years, many organization gurus have made a name for themselves. In fact, organizing and decluttering are in such demand, that Netflix has a whole series dedicated to this peculiar business.
Let’s admit it. It does sound easy. Want to get rid of your clutter? Throw it away! The reality, however, is far more complex. We grow emotionally attached to the stuff we own. Even if it serves no purpose in our daily life, like those jeans you haven’t been able to fit in for 10 years or the ceramic owl your aunt gave you one Christmas. Things you rationalize into keeping but have no use for.
In order to make your fight against clutter a winnable one, I am sharing with you my favourite method to keep your home clutter free. The method involves going through every single item and deciding its fate. It may sound daunting, but there are set rules that make the process simple and even enjoyable.
There are two steps to this method. The first helps you divide your items into 5 groups. The second seals their fate.
How to decide which item belongs to each group:
1. Items that are non-negotiable – These are items you can’t imagine your life without. Be it your computer or your dad’s photograph;
2. Items you use daily – This group include clothes (but only the ones you wear regularly!), furniture and other items you use every day like tableware;
3. Items you use occasionally – These are items you haven’t used in the last six months;
4. Items you rarely use – This group is hard to differentiate from the latter. This are items you can’t remember when were last used but haven’t been able to toss;
5. Items you never use – This is an easy one. If you don’t use it, it serves no purpose in your house.
The three possible fates:
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Items to keep
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Items to sell
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Items to donate
Which groups have which fate? Items from group 1 and 2 are keepers. You both love them and have purpose for them.
Groups 3, 4 and five are a bit trickier. Groups 3 and 4 need to be objectively looked at and individually divided into items you can’t part with and items you feel comfortable getting rid of.
After you’ve done this and included the relevant items to the keeper’s group, you are ready for the final steps.
Take all items remaining in groups 3 and 4 and put them together with group 5.
From this large group of things, you are tossing, select the ones with value and place them in a box to sell. All others belong in the donate box.
*BONUS TIP*
If you’re feeling stuck – try taking a picture of your Space, and look at it from a fresh view
How to keep your Home Clean?
Try the One Minute Rule, and put as many things away as you can in One Minute (ie, hang clothes, put toiletries away, etc).
Imagine you’re hosting a party! That could put some pep in your step if you could imagine what your friends would be impressed to walk into.
Remember:
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Store things where they are within reach, or you won’t use them
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As yourself – if you saw your Ex on the street in that shirt – would you be happy wearing that?
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Bundle Up – Create separate bags or compartments for things like electrical cords, toiletries, etc
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Have a place for the Clothes that aren’t Dirty, and aren’t Clean. You may not want to mingle them
