I was talking to a good friend the other day, as she explained that her mother just moved out of her childhood home and has now found herself living alone for the first time. She has big plans of working with clients in her home as well as creating a new, grown up space for herself. The only problem: everything was left behind, and the house is filled with unwanted stuff. She sounded overwhelmed at the idea of decluttering and starting over. She's watched shows in passing and have heard of different decluttering strategies, but nothing seemed easy enough for her to gain the motivation to start.
I heard the heaviness in her voice and was reminded of so many people I talk to, that feel the same way.
These days, there are a plethora of books, shows and methods for decluttering your home. Some may work for you and others may seem a bit much. But whatever method you choose, the most important thing to remember is that it has to be EASY. With so much going on in our lives, the last thing you want to be doing is housework.
So, I offered her an easy and stress-free way to declutter while creating a home that works for her. After our conversation she was actually excited to start this method and get one step closer to starting her in-home business.
1. Dedicate an area to be your Dump Space
Find a place in your home, preferably somewhere you don't have to see every day, where you can dump everything. I like to use my guest room for this area. Garages, attics or even a closet may work well, too.
2. Go from room to room
Now that you have a Dump Space, let's start. Go into the first room and start pulling out stuff that needs to go. Garbage, broken items, unwanted items, things to donate... EVERYTHING. Now put it ALL in your Dump Space (expect the garbage, throw that away). Close the door and don't think about it, yet. This step may take a few days or a few months, depending on the time you have to dedicate to it. This doesn't have to be done intentionally either. If you're cooking dinner and realize you don't use that rice cooker anymore, put it in the Dump Space quickly and continue cooking. If you're in the bathroom and realize you have way too many towels, toss them in the Dump Space and go on with your day. If you have 5 free minutes, go through a drawer or a closet. Go at whatever pace keeps you sane!
3. Tackle your Dump Space
When you think you're ready to start working on your Dump Space, start by making piles.
Donate
Recycle
Give away
Re-purpose
Sell
Toss
Etc.
Again, this process will take as much time as you want to dedicate to it and that's OKAY.
4. Eliminate your piles
Now that you have piles, start to eliminate them. Put the items to donate in your car and when you're near your favorite donation spot drop them off. Take pictures of some of your items and send out texts to those that may want them. Work through your piles until everything is gone.
5. Repeat as necessary
I am always in a constant state of decluttering and this method helps keep my home running smoothly. Every few days I find something to toss in my Dump Space. Occasionally, I work on the Dump Space and repeat again. Go at your own pace and keep moving forward.
You got this!
If you would like some professional guidance and a helping hand, check out my website, I'd be happy to help!