With so much excitement about decluttering lately, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and not to know where to begin. Rather than quitting before you start, how about trying these simple tips to help you tidy up your stuff, and by extension, your life.
Make the Most of Your Drawers
By knowing how to fold your clothes correctly, you’ll be able to see what you own at a glance, without needing a massive walk-in closet. Try the Marie Kondo method of folding your clothes first into a long strip and then make it smaller by folding it in half and from there into thirds. By tucking the tiny bundle of clothing upright in your drawer, you can find things quickly and store a lot more in a small space.
Know What You Own
Work first with just one type of clutter by dumping everything of one kind together in one place. Seeing things together makes it very clear what you have, and don’t have. That way you discover where you have a surplus of the same item, making it easy to get rid of the excess.
A Place for Everything and Everything in Its Place
By designating a spot for everything you own, you know just where to put it when you tidy up. If you can’t find a place for it, you have to ask yourself if it’s something you genuinely need. If so, ask yourself if another item needs to go to make room for it.
But Where’s the Joy?
If you’re not sure about keeping something, ask yourself how you feel about the item. Things with negative connotations need to go. Only keep what makes you happy when you see it or use it.
Start on What’s Easy
When trying to decide about things, begin with the easiest category. Clothes are generally the simplest as your decisions have natural parameters:
- Does it fit?
- Is it still in style?
- Do I like wearing this?
Next go to books and movies, getting rid of things you’re not likely to want or enjoy again. From there, tackle objects in the kitchen and other rooms and evaluate as to how useful items are. Leave the sentimental items for last, as by this point, you’ll have gotten this decluttering thing down pretty well.
The key to tidying up is getting rid of the extraneous objects around you. After all, you can’t clean clutter! From here, it’s a simple matter of putting away those things you still love and enjoy.
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