Baby Steps for Decluttering

We are all always on a decluttering journey. Some times we feel we are ahead of the curve however mainly we sense we are not. Likely you do not have time or energy for full on decluttering. Choose one or more of these baby steps for decluttering to keep your space organized.

Set a timer

In as few as 15 minutes, you can make a difference with decluttering.

• Walk around your home with a trash bag and remove all the trash.
• Review papers that have built up around your house, then shred or recycle.
• Do a reset. Put away laundry and place items back in their homes.

Find a small spot

Start small and build momentum.

• Declutter one drawer at a time. Toss, donate and categorize your small space.
• Use a shopping bag to let go right away of what is unused or less loved. Drop that bag off each week.
• Practice the “one in, two out rule” as new items come into your space.

Say no to one activity, event or commitment

Your time and calendar are cluttered too.

• Add self-care to your calendar with exercise, doctor’s appointments and time with friends.
• Know how much time to allocate to tasks, projects and transitions. Use white space between time blocks to give yourself wiggle room.
• Add in preparation time, dedicated to being sure you are ready for fun.

Enlist your team

There is power in numbers. Add more team members to declutter.

• Choose an organizing playlist and include your family in decluttering.
• Call a local charity to pick up your donations.
• Hire a certified professional organizer or coach to speed up the process.

Empower your editing

Your mindset empowers your decluttering.

• Establish a mantra for living with less. Gretchen Rubin’s mantra is outer order inspires inner calm. Write out your mantra to keep you on track with editing.
• Follow a rule for living. Peter Shankman’s rules include only black clothes in his closet to keep his attire simple. Create simple, effective rules for your living space.

Stay away from swiping

Clutter comes in quickly from online purchases.

• Pause before purchasing. Give yourself 24 hours before purchasing items online.
• Remember the adage, when something seems too good to be true, it generally is.
• Make returns quickly when a purchase is not a good fit. Drop off items at your local USPS, UPS or other location within a week of delivery. You save money this way also.
• Less coming in means less to declutter later. It is hard to remember to shop your own closet, review your school supplies and find what you need in your home.

Using quick and easy decluttering strategies will help you enjoy your space!