Are you someone who finds it hard to let go of things? If yes, you may have a lot of excess stuff or clutter around the house.
Many people have trouble letting go of things. In some cases, it can be hard to do away with an item as you may think you might need it again. In other cases, it is the sentimental value of the object that makes it rather hard to part with it.
However, if the practice continues, soon you may find yourself dealing with a lot of clutter around the house. So, if you have trouble letting go of things but are also overwhelmed by the clutter, you are in the right place. Here are five easy decluttering tips that can help you reclaim your space and restore order in your house.
Organize first, then declutter
The first thing you need to understand is that not all organizational projects in the house involve decluttering. While organization primarily includes ensuring everything in your place has a designated spot, decluttering is all about getting rid of the junk or stuff you do not need.
So, to begin, first, pick up items around the house and find places for them! Be it kids’ toys, books, clothes, kitchen accessories or any other thing. While for some objects, it is a no-brainer where to put them, for others, you may need to think long and hard.
Once all your essential stuff is in its designated place, it gives you a clear perspective on what items you need to let go of.
Visualize your place after decluttering
Whenever you are considering decluttering but are on the fence about it, think of all the reasons why you want to declutter. This is especially important for the items you are emotionally attached to. It can be hard to let go of things you hold dear but picture the aftermath of the decluttering process.
Try to visualize how you want the space to look like once it is rid of all the excess stuff. You can also imagine refurbishing the space to give it a refreshed look. Once you visualize creating a space according to your style aesthetics, you may even look forward to removing all the extra stuff. Once you are done with the decluttering, you will find the place to be more cozy, neat, organized and inviting.
Start small and single out an area
Decluttering is not necessarily about turning your house upside down and sweeping through the entire place at once. If you struggle with letting go of things, you may not even like the idea. Instead, think of making small changes and taking one step at a time.
Decluttering is usually an ongoing project, and you may have to repeat the activity from time to time to ensure your house stays clutter-free. A good idea is to single out one area or room of the house and treat it as a project. You can clear out one part of the house or that room to make it your clutter zone. Now, review the items within the room and think about which ones you want to keep and which items you do not need and want to clear out.
This way, you can move from one room to the next at your own pace and slowly do away with all the clutter.
Declutter to share and make room for new things
Many people find it hard to let go of an object that is in perfect working condition even if they do not need it anymore. If you have the same sentiments, you are not alone. When decluttering, you may come across a variety of objects that are in great condition, but you may start having double thoughts about them.
Take the kids’ toys, for example. Sometimes, the kids outgrow certain toys, but since you have spent quite a bit purchasing them, it can be hard to bid farewell to them. In such a case, you can consider selling them and using the money to buy more age-appropriate toys. So, if your kid at some point was a Transformers fan but has now moved on to other interests, you can sell Transformer toys and get them something they will really enjoy.
You can also use this opportunity to donate your goods. Whether you have clothes you do not use anymore, or your kids have outgrown, books, or any other object, many charities can benefit from these donations.
Make a decluttering schedule
If you do not feel like doing a lot of decluttering at once, you can set up a schedule. This can be helpful as you can clear out your schedule accordingly and get your family involved as well.
Keep boxes and trash bags ready! The stuff that can be sold or donated can be put in separate boxes, and the junk can be discarded in trash bags. Doing decluttering once a month or even after two months can help you ensure your house remains clutter-free.
Conclusion
When it comes to decluttering items that are hard to let go of, it is all about tweaking your mindset. At the same time, it is important to keep things that you consider mementos. To make sure they do not become a part of the clutter, you can designate a dedicated spot for them.
For the rest of the items, it is important to revisit your living space once in a while and clear out items that you can do without easily. You can also do a test run and discard a few items initially. Think of how you feel about the experience and how you can use the freed-up space. If it feels liberating, it is time to declutter. Good luck!
