Once you have determined you’re ready to start to declutter, many find themselves stalled at the sheer overwhelming volume of their items. Often, the very idea of getting rid of possessions may tire emotions and wear down energy. As with any other habit, the process may be improved over the long run if you put some rules in place. Consider these seven decluttering rules to assist you in your steps toward a clutter-free life.
Take Baby Steps
A way to gain momentum in the paring-down process is to start with the most straightforward tasks. Go through and donate, recycle, or dispose of items that don’t hold much emotional attachment. Doing this will lead to a sense of accomplishment, provide motivation, and help train your reasoning. Taking small but forward progressing easy steps is an excellent way for you to keep going when the decision-making becomes more onerous.
I know my space did not become this cluttered in one day. I am patient with myself as I work through slow but steady to clear the life-draining clutter from my life.
Bring Less Home
An essential rule to understand before starting to purge is to make an earnest effort to bring less into your home. Bringing in less can include saving less digital items as well! There’s not much point in spending the energy to declutter if you end up undoing all your progress by buying more stuff! Set a mindset to shop with intention is the first step to clearing out the clutter for good.
I carefully consider items I would like to buy and be sure only to curate a collection of what I need and love.
Digitize the Sentimental and Nostalgic
Sentiment and nostalgia are powerful emotions that can lead us to hold onto clutter. Try to compromise by digitizing your prized possessions. Scan images of certificates or kids’ crafts and artwork onto your computer and organize them in folders. For 3-Dimensional pieces (prom dresses, trophies, etc.), take a photograph of the treasured item to add to your digital keepsakes.
I digitize what I can and keep the items I treasure most. I am happy that others may benefit from the things I can donate and know that I can revisit them through the digitization, but that the memory lives within me.
Deduplicate
An easy decluttering task that simplifies the thought process to a simple yes/no involves getting rid of unnecessary duplicate items. Go through your home and gather all duplicate articles of clothing, dish sets, books, utensils, beauty items, etc. Sort through them, keeping only the best quality item, your favorite piece, or the one that is in the best condition.
I simplify my life by keeping what I need and letting the other items benefit others.
Toss Expired Items
Another moderately easy decluttering task involves getting rid of anything expired. Throwing the expired away takes out overly complicated thinking that often stalls our progress. Walkthrough your home, looking at anything that might have an expiration date, and disposing of those that are expired. Consider food (fridge, freezer, pantry), medicines, beauty items, health goods, etc. for things to purge due to expiration dates.
I let go of the expired items in my life.
Lose the Guilt
For some of these items, do you feel guilty about the money that was spent on it already? Do you regret that the thing may end up in a landfill? Learn from this and remember that you’ve already taken on the item. If you can, donate the article and be happy that others may benefit. If it is an item that may end up in the landfill, vow to try to ensure you make better choices in the future. How much you paid for that stylish dress doesn’t matter if you’re not wearing it! Unwanted gifts are something else that should be able to pass on to bless another.
I freely give up items that are no longer the right items for this time in my life. I give them up in the most responsible way I can. I am more mindful as I consider future purposes.
Stow items in their place (and Everything Should Have a Place)
To avoid clutter overtaking the home, ensure all possessions have a designated place, and ALWAYS to return them there. Have the family understand this rule. Knowing where stuff ‘belongs’ makes it easier to keep everything tidy and reduces the chance of clutter recurring.
I ensure my items have a home and that they are put away each night.
These rules aren’t the final last word on unloading the clutter. They won’t remove all the difficulties from the process, but hopefully, they will serve as guidelines to help you begin your decluttering journey.
I hope you find this set of rules and affirmations useful as you work on the decluttering journey!
