Decluttering Your Home
The Ultimate Guide to Decluttering Your Home
1. Understanding WHY WE GET SURROUNDED BY Clutter
Before we dive into the practical steps, let’s explore the psychology of clutter. I have been guilty of creating a space so cluttered that everytime I wanted to move around it was like a game of Tetris and I often lost. To be fair I was renting a tiny room that was about the size of a closet, and let me tell you being that it was in the heart of West Hollywood, it wasn’t cheap. Since then I am happy to say I am out of the closet again (pun intended) living in a much larger home but… I am about to downsize and move back into a city. That means many things must go, so I am writing this article as much for you as for myself. I’m looking forward to being in a nice neighborhood in Sand Diego because I miss coffee shops I can stroll to, I’ll be writing from them again soon. I’ll keep you posted.
So why do we accumulate so many things?
Here are some reasons:
Sentimental Attachments: We hold onto items because they evoke memories or emotions. That old concert ticket? It’s not just paper; it’s a reminder of a special night. That pleather jacket your ex gave you with the cracked collar- ok, that one needs to go! Some memories are meant to be history.
Fear of Letting Go: We worry that if we discard something, we might need it later. But this fear often keeps us drowning in stuff. I heard someone on tv say once that if you can replace an item you “might need one day” for less than twenty bucks- let it go. Get it again if and when you need it.
Consumer Culture: Society encourages consumption. Advertisements tell us we need the latest gadgets, trendy clothes, and more. Result? Clutter. So many people I know feel like they can’t even be photographed or seen in the same outfit but this is BOGUS! Anyone that would judge you for investing in clothing you actually love and want to wear multiple times, is’t worth investing your time in.
2. The Mindset Shift
Decluttering isn’t just about physical objects; it’s a mental shift. Here’s how we can choose to approach it:
Minimalism: Embrace the concept of minimalism. It’s not about having nothing—it’s about having what truly matters and what really delights your spirit. If that’s 350+ action figures then minimalism might not be your jam, but displaying them beautifully on a shelf might be.
Gratitude: Before decluttering, express gratitude for each item, there was a time you cared about this item. It reminds me of the discarded toys in Toy Story. Appreciating the things around us that we have been fortunate enough to have can really fill our hearts, as we un-fill our junk drawer. Thank it for its service, then say happy trails to you Woody.
3. The Tactical Steps
a. Room by Room Approach
Let dive in deeper shall we? Here I’ll break down the process for each room:
Living Room
Furniture Evaluation:
Assess your furniture. Does every piece serve a purpose? Consider functionality and aesthetics.
Donate or sell items that no longer fit your style or lifestyle.
Media and Entertainment:
Old magazines, books you didn't finish or like, DVD’s (if you even have them)—do you really need them all?
If you don’t use it but aren’t sure you want to lose it, put it in a tote and store it with a date to entry, if you don’t miss it or need it after a couple months donate or sell the item.
Decor and Knick-Knacks:
Display only what brings you joy, this is a tip from Marie Kondo the goddess of decluttering. Here’s a quote that drive the point home even further-
“The best way to choose what to keep and what to throw away is to take each item in one's hand and ask: “Does this spark joy?” If it does, keep it. If not, dispose of it. This is not only the simplest but also the most accurate yardstick by which to judge.” -Marie Kondo
Here’s a link to her website, she’s truly amazing- https://konmari.com
Rotate decorative items seasonally, put items away nicely in a tote or box until it’s time for them to emerge again.
Kitchen
Pantry and Cabinets:
Check expiration dates on items in the pantry and fridge and discard anything expired.
Donate non-perishables you won’t use and toss or compost anything opened that you won’t use.
Cookware and Utensils:
Keep what you use regularly and love.
Bid farewell to that avocado slicer you’ve never touched or that broken toaster you have been meaning to fix.
Countertops:
Clear surfaces create a sense of calm, the more surface area you have the more enjoyable it will be to use for prepping meals or sitting at the counter with a cup of tea, or sharing a meal with a friend on your bar stools. (If you are so lucky to have them)
Store appliances you rarely use in a cabinet so they are neatly tucked away and don’t gather dust.
The 30-Day Challenge
Commit to decluttering for 30 days. Each day, tackle a small area—a drawer, a shelf, a corner. Progress adds up! THIS WORKS AMAZINGLY WELL. Gradual cleaning creates a habit and before you know it your studio apartment is looking like the Taj Mahal. (Well maybe not quite but you’ll be feeling the love there)
4. Sustainable Disposal
Remember, decluttering isn’t just about tossing things. Be eco-conscious:
Donate: Give usable items to charities.
Recycle: Properly recycle electronics, paper, and plastics.
Upcycle: Get creative—turn old T-shirts into cool muscle shirts or IDK- reusable bags… Get crafty and tell me about it- @kaden on instagram
5. Maintenance
Once decluttered, do your very best to maintain the order:
Try One In, One Out: For every new item you bring home, go ahead and remove an old one. You might end up shopping less if you commit to this.
Regular Check-ins: Revisit your spaces periodically to prevent the dreaded clutter creep.
Conclusion
Decluttering isn’t a one-time event; it’s a lifestyle shift that gets easier with time. As you declutter, you’ll find more space, mental clarity, and a renewed sense of peace that is priceless. Happy organizing!
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