3 Steps to Declutter

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Why Do We Keep So Much Stuff?!

3 steps to declutter. Do you know what the real problem is with getting organized? We have too much stuff!

I’m willing to bet you have some things you keep without having a good enough reason.

So why DO we keep so much stuff?

The thing is, it’s easier to find excuses for why you should keep something and delay making a decision rather than making a firm (and sometimes difficult) choice to say goodbye to your “stuff.”

Here are my favorite excuses…

“I might need it someday.”

Yes, you might. But the thing is most of the items we keep can easily be found or replaced within a day or two. A lot of people keep every screw, nail, scrap, and trinket that has ever crossed their path, and store it away like a squirrel with his nuts.

But what happens is these little tiny items create more and more clutter and it gets to a point where you can’t find that little screw anyway because it’s like finding a needle in a haystack.

“So-and-So Gave Me This.”

I’m all for keeping memories and items that remind us of people we love.

But the truth is, memories are not in the clutter, the knick-knacks and “stuff” you have shoved in a box.

I won’t say get rid of everything and it’s not always an easy decision. But try and just keep the special things you cherish.

And get them out in the open, on display – where you can enjoy them and have a story to tell when someone comments or asks a question about the item.

“I paid good money for this…”thing!”

I’m sure you did. But the thing is, what has more value…this “item” you no longer have any use for or the way you enjoy your house? The item…or your happiness? The item… or your space?

“Oh, I’m just trying to figure out what to do with it…”

Okay, so maybe it’s not worth holding onto.

See, if it takes that much mental work to figure out what to do with something, you can take a pretty good guess that it may not be worth as much to you as you think.

If you can’t figure out what to do with something…it’s a safe bet you won’t miss it too much.

There is a lot more value in enjoying your home, your friends and your family than the “stuff” that you have accumulated over the years. Having all of that “stuff” slowly accumulate over the years can slowly start to feel suffocating causing anxiety and possibly even depression. Decluttering has many benefits to your body, mind, and soul.

If you’re looking for a simplified approach to decluttering, here are three basic steps to get you started:

Sort, Organize, Dispose

1. Sort and Prioritize:

Start by going through the items in the area you want to declutter. Sort them into four categories:

– Keep: Items you need, use regularly, and truly value.

– Donate/Sell: Items in good condition that you no longer need but could benefit others.

– Trash: Items that are broken, damaged, or no longer useful.

– Maybe: Start a maybe box for items that you are extremely on the fence about. Place these items in the box, seal it up, date the box, and store it away in a closet or garage for 1 year. Donate any items that you have not used during that 1 year period. YOU DO NOT NEED THOSE ITEMS ANYMORE!

2. Organize and Store:

After you’ve sorted everything, organize the items you’ve decided to keep. Find appropriate storage solutions like bins, shelves, or cabinets for these items. Ensure they are neatly arranged and labeled for easy access.

3. Dispose and Maintain:

Get rid of the items in the “Donate/Sell” and “Trash” categories promptly. Take the donations to a local charity or schedule a pickup. Properly dispose of the trash. To maintain a clutter-free space, periodically review your possessions and declutter as needed.