Some are ruthless, while others leave some wiggle room for items you are hesitant to part with.
“This can help you determine if you even actually use the thing you’re considering getting rid of.
“Do I want the job of managing this item?
“This helps you realistically frame the commitment and responsibility that holding onto something will demand of you.
“Would I know I had this if I needed it?
So, instead of organizing the bathroom in a day, start with the medicine cabinet.
Instead, start with the silverware drawers.
), start in one corner or section and work from there: Clean, declutter, and organize.
Move to the next side or section and do it again.
Continue moving through the room, working from side to side.
If it wouldn’t be, get rid of it.
Once everything is boxed up, clean the room thoroughly, making it new again, and unpack.
Repeat in various rooms over time.
One thing to keep in mind: The move-out date is important.
That’s what gives you the sense of urgency and push you need.
Once you commit to it, don’t push it off.
Treat it as if you were really moving out and had no choice but to get packing.
This three-tiered approach provides a simple process for maintaining a clutter-free home:
Every item needs a home.
Keep like with like.
Use a “something in, something out” approach.
It’s a widely adaptable technique from organizational coach Mel Robbins, whoadvocates for it in her books.
In your heart, you already know which items are useful and need to stick around.
Instead of deliberating over the decision, make it fast and keep going so you don’t lose momentum.
and “Could I replace it in less than 20 minutes?”
If the answer to both is yes, that thing can go.
Imagine your ideal lifestyle.
Tidy by category and not by location.
Ask yourself if it sparks joy, and get rid of it if it doesn’t.
Compare her steps with his and spot the differences:
Empty your space.
Create a vision for the space and set an intention for it.
Sort everything you removed into a vision pile and an out-the-door pile.
Get rid of the out-the-door pile by donating or throwing everything away.
Move everything from the vision pile back into the space.
Throw all that away.
Do the easy stuff.
Put everything out of place back where it belongs.
Categorize duh clutter, or anything that could be donated.
Keep a box on hand and toss anything worthy of donation into it.
Ask yourself one or two decluttering questions.
First, If I needed this item, where would I look for it?
If you might instantly think of an answer, take the item where it belongs.
Get rid of the thing if the answer is no.
Finally, make it fit.
Only keep what you have space for and organize those.
“365 Less Things,” for long-haul decluttering
Colleen Madsen’sunique365 Less Things techniqueis a slow burn.
All you do is commit to getting rid of one thing every day for a year.
you could donate it, sell it, or throw it away, but it has to go.
Start on the first of the month and get rid of one thing.
On the second day, get rid of two.
On the third, out go three.
You see where I’m going with this.
On the 30th, you’ll get rid of30things.
In a month with 31 days, you’ll end up doing away with nearly 500 items.
This works well because it slowly builds that decluttering muscle.
Then, clean it up.
Just focus on the small area you photographed.
Once youre done, take a new picture and compare the two.
That’s where the10/10 theorycomes in.
This is an exercise you complete before decluttering.
Make a list of your 10 most expensive items.
Then, make one of the 10 things you own that bring you the most joy.
Pull it all out and dump it into a pile, which will be your “chaos.”
you’re able to put them in the most logical, economical space (ideally a container!)
and make that decision based on how much space they really need.
You have to haul it all out and see its real volume.
Just confirm you do this in small increments.
Over time, this can cause some issues and mess up your whole home.
One easy way to tackle the ever-present issue of clutter maintenance is to create a simple schedule.
Do both steps every day to space out the amount of time you spend cleaning.
