I was recently featured in an article in the Dayton Daily News, where I shared several tips for how to start decluttering. I’d like to share 5 of those tips with you today. If you’d like to read the whole article click here.
Tip #1: Start Somewhere Easy
I often tell people that when we’re dealing with our stuff, we’re not actually dealing with our stuff. What we’re dealing with are our feelings and emotions about our stuff. As such, don’t start where the emotions are high–like those boxes of photographs in the basement. Start where the emotional attachment is low. For many of us, the bathroom is a great place to begin!
Tip #2: Ask, “Is this useful or beautiful?”
My favorite quote about simplicity comes from 19th century designer William Morris: “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” Useful and beautiful are the two checkpoints I use to decide if items are welcome in my home. If the item doesn’t fit one of those criteria, out it goes!
Tip #3: Declutter Daily, In Small Chunks
People often think that they need to dedicate an entire afternoon or weekend to decluttering. Not so. What could you declutter while brushing your teeth? While making dinner? Try decluttering here and there as you go about your normal day. All those little mini decluttering sessions will add up to a big difference!
Tip #4: Start With Your Own Stuff
I know… the problem isn’t YOU, it’s your spouse, your kids, your brother-in-law’s stuff in the basement, right? You may have a valid point, but let me tell you… starting your simplicity journey by trying to convince other people to let go of their stuff will get you nowhere but frustrated. Start with your own stuff, the areas under which you have jurisdiction. I promise, your loved ones will take notice and get on board!
Tip #5: Check Yourself at the Cash Register
We often think our stuff becomes trash when we throw it away, but the journey to the landfill starts much sooner… the moment we purchase something non-compostable. Now, I’m not arguing against having stuff. Humans are consumers and we need stuff to survive! But realize that the more stuff we buy–especially if we don’t need it–the more trash we will produce. So think about this sobering truth the next time you’re about to hit “buy” on Amazon--it all becomes trash someday. This will check your spending and Mother Earth will thank you!
Cheers to less stuff and more you!
PS: If you’re a busy working mom who wants to simplify your work-mom life, but aren’t sure where to start… join me for my FREE *live* masterclass: How to Organize Your Family’s Home Without Exhausting Yourself or Resorting to Threats. Click here to save your spot!
