5 Benefits of Decluttering (that aren’t the ones you think)
The year has started, and you put on your resolutions list, “Organize my home.” While this task might sound daunting, we’re here to help with some tips on letting things go. You have to start somewhere!
Tip 1. Before everything, sort first
Regardless of what area you choose to start with, the Benefits of Decluttering start sorting what you have in front of you. If you’re getting overwhelmed with lots of categories, start on a more macro level (think kitchen utensils, then dive into kitchen gadgets, appliances, kitchen towels, etc.). Don’t pick any category that can potentially turn very tedious, like sorting papers, which are a lot of things to check and decide when you are sorting papers, bills, and taxes. It’s so much easier to purge your belongings when you can see them all in one place. Once you see how many similar items or duplicates you own, the decision-making process should be easier to let go.
Tip 2. The 3 seconds rule
The rule involves taking 3 seconds to look at an item and decide whether you want to keep it or not. “If you hesitate for more than three seconds, then it’s an automatic keep.” The time-saving rule leaves you with “no regrets” and prevents procrastination of decisions. But if you are not 100% ready to let it go, then it’s a keeper or a maybe. That’s ok if you have a maybe pile of things that you are not ready to purge.
Tip. 3 Digitize it
Whether it’s your children’s artwork, birthday cards, or misc paperwork you’ve been holding onto, digitize it so you can keep it without it taking up space in your home. Children’s artwork can be sent to places like Plum Print and Artkive, where their art can be photographed and scanned into a book.
Tip. 4 Transform this process into a beautiful attitude by finding a charitable cause that you care about
Oftentimes it’s much easier to get rid of something when you know it’s going to a good home. If you care about animals, bring your unwanted linens and cleaning supplies to your local ASPCA. Want to give back to others? We love donating to Solutions at Work, Household Goods, and Cradles to Crayons
Tip 5. Would you buy it again now?
With the Benefits of Decluttering If you’re unsure of something, pretend you’re in the store you bought the item from and ask yourself, “would I buy this again now exactly how I see it?” I’m not referring to something brand new out of the box; this refers to the exact state that the product is in. If you wouldn’t purchase it right then, it’s 100% time to let it go.
Tip 6. Ask yourself if it sparks joy
I learned this through Marie Kondo. Her philosophy is that your feelings are the standard for decision-making. To determine this when tidying, the key is to pick up each object one at a time and ask yourself quietly, “Does this spark joy?”. Pay attention to how your body responds and how you feel. This process will help you select only those things that inspire joy but also what you love and use.
Tip 7. Start small
When it comes to anything home organization, there seems to be this misconception out there that “getting organized” also means “hurry up and pull everything out in front of you!” Well, this can be extremely overwhelming and unnecessary in order to organize successfully. If you’re struggling to get started, start with small chunks.
Go for one drawer or cabinet rather than an entire room at a time. Along the process, you will gain confidence and motivation to keep going.
Still, looking for an extra push? That’s why we’re here! It’s always easier to tackle something together. You can schedule a call with us here