Apr 25

Apr 25 Professional Decluttering Tips

If clutter is taking over your home and you’re ready to infuse it with more clarity and calm, check out the guidelines and steps below to help you begin the decluttering journey. The purging guidelines will help you level set expectations and aid you in making tough decisions during the decluttering process. Next, review Irene’s thoughtful steps to decluttering your home. Putting these guidelines and steps into practice will get you well on your way to an organized home.

Purging Guidelines

80/20 rule: we tend to only wear or use 20% of the things we own 80% of the time. What’s in your top 20% and what is in your bottom 20% of use that you’re ready to say goodbye to?
Avoid economic guilt: unless an item has increased in value, consider it a sunk cost
Just because something was gifted to you, it does not mean you have to keep it for the rest of your life. We give you permission to give it away.
Are fear and obligation the reasons for you to think items could be useful one day?

Thoughtful Steps for Decluttering Your Home

Decluttering your home can be an overwhelming task. However, decluttering can be made easier by following a few helpful steps. Remember, decluttering is a process, and it may take some time to complete. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results right away – the effort will be worth it in the end.

1. SET A GOAL

Before you begin the decluttering process, it’s essential to determine your motive and what you hope to achieve. This can help to motivate you and give you a sense of purpose that fuels you to keep going throughout the process.

2. MAKE A PLAN

Rather than tearing up every room in your house, decide which areas of your home you want to declutter and how much time you want to spend on each area. You may want to start with smaller areas or prioritize one type of item at a time, such as clothing or toys, to keep your process on track.

3. ESTABLISH A SORTING SYSTEM

Avoid making a mess while sorting through your belongings by establishing a sorting system prior to beginning. The three-box method is ideal, as it gives you a place for kept items, discarded items, and storage for sentimental or seasonal items.

4. SORT THROUGH YOUR POSSESSIONS

Go through your space using your sorting system and determine what can stay and what needs to be donated, sold, or thrown out. Be honest with yourself about what you really need and use, and consider the sentimental value of the items you’re holding onto.

5. QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF WHILE DECLUTTERING

While you declutter, ask yourself these questions:

● Is this item aligned with my current goals?

● Is it what I have envisioned in my current home?

● Would I buy this for full price today?

● Is this item worth the space it’s taking up in my home?

6. MAINTAINING YOUR ORGANIZED HOME

Decluttering is not a one-time task. It is important to maintain the decluttered space to prevent clutter from continuously accumulating. Once your home is decluttered, set aside time each week to put things away and get rid of unnecessary items or rely on the help of SimplyOrganized for professional maintenance sessions.

If you need one-on-one guidance or would like your home to be organized for you, don’t hesitate to reach out for a free home organizing consultation here.