Was getting rid of clutter one of your resolutions this year? Or maybe you were wishfully thinking you could keep all of your “stuff” and just commit to being more organized? If it’s the latter, I’m going to let you in on a little secret. You cannot organize without getting rid of clutter. Because clutter can never be truly organized.
There is only one way to manage clutter, and that’s by eliminating it. Getting rid of clutter will help you not only free up your space, it will also reduce your stress, make your household run smoother and save you time and money.
Decluttering your home can seem like an overwhelming task, but it’s not something you need to tackle all at once. Instead, start with what you see the most. Let’s say you have a guest room closet (that you rarely open) that has turned into a disaster zone filled with stuff that needs to be sorted through and decluttered. And let’s say you also have a silverware drawer (opened multiple times each day) that has somehow also become a home for rubber bands, pens, notepads and lost buttons, making finding a spoon for your breakfast cereal a stressful, tangled task. Declutter your silverware drawer first.
Decluttering overpacked spaces that you see or use often – even if they’re not your most cluttered up spaces – will have a greater impact on your day, stress levels and overall happiness. Chip away at these areas first, see how great decluttering feels, and then work your way through the rest of your home.
After identifying which areas of your home to declutter first, the next step is deciding which items to part with. Do this by asking yourself the following questions:
Does this item (in its current condition) serve a function or purpose for our family?
If your answer is NO, get rid of the item. This includes things that are damaged or broken, items that are missing pieces or pairs, and things your family has outgrown such as clothes, toys, board games, DVDs, etc. Also, try to notice items that you keep ignoring or passing up for something similar. Although it may still serve a function, if you have something else that does that same job better, go ahead and let the neglected item go.
If your answer to Question 1 is YES, then ask yourself:
If you were shopping RIGHT NOW and did not already have this item, would you buy it?
If your answer is yes, then it is something to keep. If your answer is no, it’s time to let it go. If the item is still in good condition, consider selling or donating it.
Once you’ve sorted through your space and gotten rid of all the clutter, be sure to take some time to reassess your organization of the space. Does it still work for you or have your needs and lifestyle changed? Check out my 7 Steps for Getting Organized for tips on how to create an organization system that works for you.
Now that your home is decluttered, functional, and no longer sending you over the edge every time you open your silverware drawer or entryway closet, it’s time to defend your space. Consider everything that comes into your home as something that will either enhance your life or make it more stressful. Focus on buying only the things that you need, and as new items come into your home be sure to get rid of whatever it is your new purchase is replacing. Shift your gift-giving focus for the people in your home from “things that take up space” to activities and events they’ll love, such as a night out at the movies, a family pass to the local children’s museum, or arranging a date night at a nice restaurant.
Dusty Rogers is the blogger, mother, maker, decorator and drinker of the wine at All Things G&D - a lifestyle blog where home décor, DIY and organization, healthy meals and kid-friendly snacks, party planning and entertaining all happily play together in the sandbox. Dusty lives in Madison, WI with her husband Greg and their daughter Kate, and she spends her days balancing high maintenance tendencies with a desire to keep things simple.