Lifestyle / 5 Rules for Decluttering

5 Rules for Decluttering

Lifestyle Jun 09, 2015

by Denise Wild

Your home needs to be your sanctuary; a place to unwind, recharge, and connect with yourself, your family, and your friends. But a disorganized space can get in the way of that. It’s time to declutter your home once and for all, and to do that successfully, just follow these five rules:

1. Clear off your surfaces.

The first and easiest step when decluttering your home is to clear off every surface. Tables, counters and shelves get so easily buried under piles and piles of stuff. Papers, trinkets, change, you name it. Tackle those surfaces and make a promise to yourself to keep them clear and stuff-free.

2. Toss, re-home or donate.

Do only one of three things with each item you come across when decluttering your home: throw it away (or better yet, recycle it), put it away (find a new home for it) or donate it to a charity or someone else. (If you’re giving the item to someone else, it goes without saying that it’s best to choose a person who doesn’t live with you.)

3. Finally tackle those lingering to-do piles.

We all have those I’m-going-to-get-to-this piles. Whether it’s projects to do, papers to sort, clothes to mend, now is the time to get those things done. If you’re not going to start that project and finish it within a month (give yourself a tight but reasonable deadline), part ways with it and toss that pile. I know that might be hard to do, but it’s got to be done. There’s no reason to keep holding on to the pieces of a project you intended to start five years ago.

4. Think big.

Once you’re in the right mindset for decluttering, look for simple tasks with maximum impact. Are there any pieces of furniture you can get rid of? Is there a stack of boxes you should be recycling? Go through each room in your home and look for any big items or big projects you can finally tackle for some big-impact decluttering.

5. Stop accumulating clutter.

Once you’ve rid your home of its clutter, do what you can to prevent that clutter from building up again. Take the extra time to put things in the right spot, instead of starting new piles and letting them accumulate. And remember, toss something the moment you know it doesn’t fit into your life.

Photo credit:
Nain image: Elle Decor
Keep Calm Image: www.keepcalm-o-matic.co.uk

Denise Wild

Author

Denise Wild is a sewing expert, magazine editor (including ANOKHI’s former Beauty Editor), media personality, author, and entrepreneur. Denise founded LoveSewing & The Sewing Studio, North America’s largest sewing school for 10 years, with locations in Toronto and New York City. Yo...

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