04/18/2020
Lets Talk About The Dreaded Word CLUTTER. I've recently done this process in my own home and have gotten rid of numerous boxes of items! I've been trying to stay positive and use my quarantine time wisely to better things for the future.
Clutter takes up valuable space. Physical Clutter Equals Mind Clutter! Start now controlling the mess, and you just might discover newly organized space you never knew you had. Apply these basic rules to get you started and get organized.
Get started
Gather your decluttering supplies. You’ll need a garbage bag (For Trash Obviously) and boxes or bins labeled “donate” and “put away.” I also started another box of items that I was unsure about and needed more time to decide if it was a throw away, keep and put away, or donate!
Pick an area
Choose a “clutter hotspot,” such as a dining-room table, kitchen island, desk, or other catch-all area. I personally used an entire room for the process because I knew I wanted to get rid of a ton of stuff! Set aside at least 30 minutes a day until everything is gone through. Right now you probably have more time to give than just 30 minutes a day so its a great time to start this process! I went from room to room and area to area and examined pretty much everything I own! Evaluate every item based on its current condition rather than its potential. This is HUGE for me! I use to always think well I can Fix that or what if I can use that in the future...this is how clutter begins for many! I realized that many of those items sat for years and I never did use them! GET RID OF THEM! For example, even if a broken teacup can be repaired, toss it into the trash bin. Dispose of stained or ripped clothing and games or toys missing pieces.
Next, move anything that doesn’t belong in that specific area to the put-away box and anything you don’t need into the donate box. If you are still unsure about an item toss it into the unsure box and re-evaluate later on!
If you can’t decide whether to donate an item, ask yourself these questions:
Why am I keeping this?
Is it sentimental or handmade?
When was the last time I used this?
Do I already have something similar?
Can I buy another one later if I find that I truly need one?
Would someone else benefit from this more than I?
A place for everything
When you’re finished sorting, move the items in the put-away box to their proper homes. If you can’t find places for everything, evaluate what’s left to see if there’s a common theme.
For example:Organize miscellaneous papers. Purchase a portable file tote or use a folder to keep all paperwork centrally located.
Store sentimental items. Buy a pretty, inexpensive storage box..it will help protect photos, cards, and other keepsakes.
This will save you so much stress and time later! When you know where things are you don't need to spend as much time searching for them or becoming overwhelmed when you cant find them...or my famous thing...going out and buying the same thing you already have somewhere else in your house which also causes un needed clutter!
You’ll be amazed at what you’re able to do, and you’ll be inspired by the clean, empty spaces. Don't forget to dust and wipe down clean spaces as I'm sure it been awhile since they have been sanitized! When you are finished in one area move on the next and before you know it, closets, counters, and cabinets will be clutter-free.
Keep it going with Daily Duties
Once the hotspots are under control, maintaining a clutter-free home is a snap. Start a new donate box (Or in my case I did a yard sale box) and drop it off at a charitable organization each time it fills up or store in your garage until yard sale season. Make a quick daily pass through the house with a laundry basket, picking up and putting away items as you go. This is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT to keep up with a decluttered home!
FYI Do not become discouraged! For most this is not a quick task. This will take some time. Do as much as you can each day with any extra time you may have! This process personally took me about 3 weeks myself but I do have some serious OCD haha! But it has also been one of the most rewarding things I've done in awhile! There's just something so mentally freeing about it!!
Once you’ve decluttered your home, relax, enjoy more family time, enjoy more YOU time! I promise you, there is light at the end of the tunnel and once you complete this process it feels soooooo good!!! You just need to take charge and start it! Lets Go!
Missing You All And Hope To See You Soon!
Stay Well!
The Queen Of Clean!
