Decluttering and organizing your home is easier when you keep fewer things. You can donate or sell the things you no longer need. This will also help you make some extra cash. Keeping fewer items also makes it easier to organize them and get rid of the clutter. Here are some tips to get you started.
One In, One Out
If you have a tendency to accumulate too many possessions, try following the One In, One Out decluttering rule. This simple tip encourages you to purchase only the things you need, and to donate everything else. This way, you will keep your possessions to a minimum, preventing them from piling up in an unruly way. The One In, One Out rule is a popular decluttering tip, and it is an effective method of preventing unnecessary purchases.
Start by sorting items into piles. Put the unnecessary items in the trash, while the items you want to keep should be put in the right boxes. If you can’t decide whether you’ll use something, put it into a separate box marked “maybe.” You’ll revisit this box periodically to make sure that you’re still thinking about it.
20-30 minute increments
Decluttering and organizing can be overwhelming and time-consuming. To manage your time and ensure you get the job done in the time allotted, consider doing a section at a time. It’s best to work in 20-30 minute blocks, taking five or ten-minute breaks. This method allows you to eliminate clutter and organize your home.
Start by collecting trash and recyclables. Collect all obvious trash, including gum wrappers and used food containers. Separate your recyclable items, including bottles and cans. Clean the used containers, then place them in the recycling bin. This will make it easier to move on to the next section.
Choose a few areas to start with, such as the foyer or hall closet. If you have a lot of clutter, you can place bins for each area. You can even declutter your kitchen or hall closet. You can also hang coats in your kitchen or entryway bench. Empty pockets, including those that hold keys and gum, can be cleaned out.
Reverse clothes-hanger trick
An easy trick to declutter your closet is to reverse your clothes hangers. The idea is to use this method to easily see which clothes are worn and which ones need to be replaced. You can test this strategy for a month, three months, or a whole season. Set reminders so you remember to take a look at your closet and use this method to see what works best for you.
The reverse clothes-hanger trick is not effective for clothes in drawers, but it works to motivate you to wear more clothes. The only downside to this trick is that it won’t help you completely declutter your closet. You’ll end up spending more time than you anticipated. It also won’t give you the instant gratification that you’d hoped for.
Another useful trick is to turn your hangers inside out when you’re not wearing them. This will allow you to remove clothing that you never wear. You can also use a scarf to divide your closet. It’s similar to the reverse clothes-hanger trick but may be easier to remember.
This trick works with any type of hangers, so you don’t have to use fancy ones. Simply turn them in the opposite direction to the direction they’re worn when you want to declutter. This trick has been used by professional organizers to help clients see which clothes are in the closet. The upside of this trick is that it helps you to get rid of excess clothing without having to spend too much time and money.
Identifying the squeaky wheel
Squeaky wheels are annoying and sometimes disruptive, but there’s a good side to them too. Often the squeaky wheel is a catalyst for change. In fact, without this personality type, no organization will grow and develop. These individuals have valid ideas, but they can overshadow the more modest members of an organization. The squeaky wheel’s squeakiness can also cut into other parts of the organization if not handled carefully.
Decluttering with sentimental items
Many people hold on to sentimental items because they have a certain emotional attachment to them. However, this can make it hard to decide which items to part with. It helps to ask yourself questions such as: Do I really need to keep this item? If you have to choose one, ask yourself if the sentimental item brings back a good memory or not. This way, you can put yourself in the right mindset to make tough decisions.
You should go through each room in your home with a fine-toothed comb and decide what items you can donate or toss. Start with small items. Over time, you will feel comfortable donating items to local charities or thrift stores. Before you start selling or donating things, try to identify the reasons for keeping them.
If you keep photos, try to use them instead of storing them in a box. Display them in albums, scrapbooks, or frames. If you have sentimental papers, you can also condense these into a keepsake book. This way, you can pass them on to a child.
When you’re ready to sort through sentimental items, choose a quiet place to do it. Focus on what you value and what you can replace with new items. Remember that there are times when you can’t get rid of things because they are too precious. Once you’ve decided on a method for decluttering, be sure to prepare boxes and bins. These will help you sort the items into their rightful places.
The best tip for decluttering and organizing with sentimental items is to start small. Taking small steps will make you feel better in the long run. You can start by doing one section at a time and build up momentum and motivation to finish the task.
