Decluttering Tips - all sorters

Start with a Simple Plan and then get decluttering …

Keep it simple
Attack it room by room (start somewhere easy)
Ensure clear access, e.g. declutter hallways first
Sort by –
- Functional (items in use)
- Favourites (must haves)
- Farewells (what you can let go – sell, give, donate, toss)
Be disciplined – have you used/worn it recently, does it fit, will you wear/use again?
Get your storage options organised, i.e. when decluttering a bedroom, organise the wardrobe/s first, then you have space for all your clothes cluttered around the room
Do you have sufficient storage?
Remember you don’t have to do it all at once, just bit by bit

Demanding lifestyle or job?
Have you been ill?
Can you no longer manage your home?
Many people have clutter because they have poor storage options or have items in the wrong place
Ensure you’re using your storage options effectively, e.g. are your cupboards and drawers full of items you no longer use?
Understand that the more “stuff” you have, the more time it takes to organise and the harder it may be to find what you want
Look at how you live, what you use every day – organise your stuff accordingly (it may change over time)
These days, lots of us have too much stuff – we’re a consumer society, everywhere we look we’re being sold something
Often the longer we have lived, the more we accumulate
It’s not rocket science, but it takes application and discipline and new habits

I find that giving always makes me smile and releases stress
If there’s a local fete or fundraiser coming up in your local community, check out what they need
If charity don’t want it, try giving away on gumtree or freecycle
See if your area has a Pay It Forward Group (facebook)
Be aware that rubbish removal is costly, so take advantage of any free hard rubbish collections via your council. Sadly, charities have a huge annual rubbish removal expense due to dumping …

If you have a designated place for everything in your home, it is easy to do a quick tidy up (as it takes the “thinking” out of being organised)
It will still take discipline and time, but it becomes an easier process/habit
When shopping, get into the habit of assessing where you will store the item before buying it!