decluttering your home

tip #1 get your supplies ready

Before you begin, you want to make sure you have all your supplies on hand. We recommend getting many large boxes and large trash bags. Also, keep a sharpie on hand so you can label where each box/bag goes. The last item you need…is TIME. Set aside a day or two to get this project done.

tip #2 take this room by room

This is a marathon, not a sprint. Take your decluttering room by room until you are finished.  Make “keep” or “let go” piles.  Go by the rule “if you haven’t touched it in a year, let it go.” This can be hard, but once you get going, you’ll find a rhythm. Just remember that everything you throw away frees up more space in your home and helps you be more organized.

*Definitely keep sentimental things. Those don’t count in our rule!

tip #3 decide to donate or throw away

Take your “let go” pile and divide it into 2 piles, “Donate” or “Trash”. If something can still be used and others might find some benefit from it, definitely donate it. If it is beyond having a usefulness, throw it away. Check with friends and family to see if they’d be interested in anything in your “donate” pile. Then donate what’s left to a non-profit organization of your choice!

Tip #4 Find a place for Your “Keep” Pile

In order to keep your newly decluttered home from falling into chaos again, be sure to find a place for every thing in your “Keep” pile. Now that you’ve decluttered, closets, drawers, and shelves should have some spaces available. Train yourself to be in the routine to return these things to their spots after every use.