By Holly Colby
Decluttering is more than just tidying up and taking out the trash, it's about taking ownership of your space now taken over by clothes piles, old papers, and those extra items tied to memories you never use. Starting the process can be challenging but with some tips and guidance, it can lead to a place of tranquility. I’ve put a few tips together to help get you started:
1.Start Small:
Decluttering is a process, and it might get overwhelming if you try to tackle everything at once, so start with a little area like drawers, shelves, or closets and once you are done you can move on. Dedicate 10 minutes a day and build up from there. When you finish these little projects, you will be a little closer to your goal, once you are done moving on to bigger spaces, and by that point, you already have some practice. Small steps result in big accomplishments!
2. Treat Your House as a Temple, not a Storage Unit
We live in a world of being ‘on’ all the time. Between our jobs, caring for our families, and many other external influences, our homes should be a safe space where we can decompress from all the stress and the outside world. You want your home to be your temple, your safe space that can be your sanctuary. Letting go of things can be hard, time-consuming, and even emotionally challenging but just think about how much more comfortable you will feel making space for you at home. Consider what items you have collected and determine if you want those things in your sanctuary.
3. Ask Yourself if It Is “The Best, Necessary, or Your Favorite Item”
We all save things that we “might need”. I am also guilty of this, I might need that turkey baster but haven’t hosted a Thanksgiving in years. Keeping those “might need someday” items steals space from things we use or like. As you declutter, ask yourself if each item is the best, necessary, or one of your favorites. If it doesn’t meet these criteria, it’s time to let it go. Freeing storage room for things that align with your lifestyle can make your home a lot easier to navigate
4. Use the Four Box Method
Organization is essential, using boxes can help divide items into categories, “keep, donate, sell, and trash”. This allows a clear picture of what is essential and what needs to go. It helps to give you perspective and be mindful of the items that fill your home and helps with your decisions.
5. Don’t be afraid of change
This sounds like it's easier said than done. Outgrowing things and spaces is normal, but it can be scary, especially if you are making big changes and parting ways with items that have accompanied you for a long time. Focus on the opportunities ahead of you and how much you can learn going forward. Remember letting go doesn’t mean forgetting it only means you are ready for a new adventure.
Tip: Take a photograph of the item. You can go back to it and remember the fond memories
6. Keep essentials close
There are some items we regularly use, keep them accessible so you don’t waste time looking for them, and always keep track of them, avoiding duplicates that will only fill more space. Like to buy in bulk? I get it, I love my trips to BJ’s to stock up and save a little money in the long run. Find an out-of-the-way, but accessible area of your home to store them.
7. Set Goals
Setting small goals is not only achievable but will add up over time. Decluttering might take you more than one day and it will get messier before it gets better, so be patient, and set realistic goals. Your goal can be as small as cleaning out the kitchen junk drawer or filing for 5 minutes. Keep a running list, write those goals down, and check them off as you hit the goals. Give yourself a month and go back and reflect on what you’ve accomplished!
8. Celebrate Your Progress
This one is important! We often lose sight of the progress we make. Not only in decluttering your home but in life in general. Take some time to acknowledge the progress you have made; Be kind to yourself and praise the hard decisions you have made to improve your home and create that sanctuary.
Decluttering can be a life-changing process. It allows you to navigate through your memories and belongings, remembering their value but also acknowledging that it's time to part ways with some of them. By creating a space where you can feel comfortable and where you’ve taken control over your home, you will have created a place of relaxation and peace.
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