The process of decluttering may seem a bit of a chore but it can lead to immense satisfaction and a sense of achievement! It frees up space physically, but can also create or allow more space mentally.
Let’s say that you have a whole room that needs to be tidied up. First of all, divide the room up into manageable-sized sections and then set yourself a timeframe. For example, there might be 8 sections and you say that you will tackle one section per day.
When you start a section, look at what is contained in that section and break it down further. I find it easiest to clear away any items that are not in place or in a box or container, eg clothes that have been draped over a chair or unfiled paperwork. This clears some of the bulk and what remains seems more orderly. Next go through one box or container at a time. Carefully pull out each item and determine whether it is to be kept, donated or discarded. I find a few questions that are helpful to ask are:
- Is this item useful now?
- How long since I have used or looked at this item?
- Would I have remembered the item if I had previously thrown it out?
It can be quite daunting to throw a lot of things out. Some things have strong sentimental value, others might be useful “one day”. You may also find that some days are easier than others to throw things away – on these days it can be helpful to do an extra section in the room if you have the motivation. I have also found that I do a clean up and get rid of the least desirable/valuable items, but then if I clean up again in a few months there is a new level of least desirable items (those that were second least desirable that I could not throw out then) that I am now able to get rid of.
If you keep doing this section by section, you will end up with a room you don’t recognize!
A year ago, I cleared out our spare room which had become a junk/storage room. It has created so much more space in the room and now I can see my desk and even work at it! There is plenty of floor space in the middle of the room so I don’t feel cluttered and am free to think. I even have a jigsaw puzzle set up in there now so I am actually using the space daily rather than being hesitant to open the door to the room. Even now, a year later, I still get a sense of satisfaction and happiness when I walk in there.
Today my daughter and I tidied up the second section of her bedroom. We are trying to do one section per weekend. Her room now looks so much bigger and less crowded – I am very happy! She does not get the same satisfaction I do from this. She is eager to fill that space we created with more “stuff”… I will have my work cut out there but hopefully in time she comes around to my way of thinking!
About the Author
Sally is a home organisation and budgeting expert with a passion for helping families take the stress out of everyday tasks by creating simple, efficient and cost-effective processes. Her strategies can result in more time and energy being available to spend time doing what you love. Sally is a quiet budgeting queen, home organisation specialist, wife, mother, animal-loving mathematician and so much more.
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