Cambridge Dictionary defines hoarding as a mental condition that makes someone collect a large of things with no need or significant value for them. Many of us aren’t hoarders but like to keep things because ‘what if?’ or ‘it’ll fit me one day’ or have items in your cupboards you never know when you might need them. Hoarding is a disorder that should be professionally looked into, for those that can’t let go of things- this is for you.
Ask yourself this, have I used it or worn it in the last year? If not then it’s time to let go. It isn’t the special cutlery or crockery I’m talking about or sentimental things you got from your grandparents or antiques. I mean the tens of ice cream containers or the fact that your garage is filled with boxes you forgot what’s where and getting to the car is a squeeze.
Another question is, do I need it? If you’re unsure then let’s declutter and get rid of things that are collecting dust and serving no purpose in your life.
Here are easy tricks to get your home in order and filled with only the things you use and need.
USE THE THREE-BOXES METHOD
Have three boxes labelled, keep, give away and trash. This is a great system to keep you accountable and organise everything easily as you move from room to room. Oh, and don’t put everything in the keep box- we are trying to declutter.
DO EACH ROOM SEPARATELY
Start with the easy wins- if your kitchen is less cluttered than your bedroom then, begin there, it’ll give you confidence. Don’t take the paring down lightly and want to do it all in a day, rather do each room separately and pace yourself to avoid being overwhelmed.
Rule of thumb in each room- if it’s broken, expired, empty with no use or doesn’t fit then trash it or give it away. Put things in their rightful place and even recycle while you go through each room. As you finish removing what you don’t need, you’ll feel better about the task. A spring clean as you complete each room will help breathe new life into your home.
HAVE A CHECKLIST
A checklist will assist with keeping only what is needed or used. Have each area in your home that contains something listed it could be ‘garage corner with boxes’ or ‘kitchen cupboards’ or ‘above the wardrobe’ whatever the case is. You’ll then note what you’re willing to keep and have a specific number. This is all relative to space and what you need, but decide if you’re keeping 10 of each for an example. Then, you’ll have 10 t-shirts, 10 blouses, 10 plates, 10 saucers and so on. This is the road to minimalism -do you really need all the glasses in your kitchen? Or 25 black t-shirts? The idea is to have less.
INVITE A FRIEND
An objective person to keep you responsible and rational is key. You might be emotional and attached to certain items and a friend can help you be responsible with your checklist and throw out anything that isn’t essential.
USE ORGANISERS OR BASKETS
Now that you’ve decided on what to keep the best way to keep things in order is to have a place for everything. Have baskets, boxes or organisers, baskets can be decorative yet functional. For instance, a box for chargers or cables of electronics in the lounge or organisers for your cupboards. Make sure you’re bringing in organising products that fit your space and your items. This is key to a space more functional and neater. Also, it’ll be easier to keep track of things and notice as soon as it starts to get cluttered. If it doesn’t fit in the basket or shelve then, you can no longer keep any more items unless you purge something already in the basket or shelf. It’ll keep you on track so you don’t fall back into old habits.
BE SEASONAL
Now that you’ve managed to organise and get rid of anything that you don’t need, maintain it by being seasonal. If you don’t already do this, rotate between winter and summer items in your wardrobe. Plus, switching out your clothes each season will give you a chance to see if any repairs are needed or if it’s time to donate a piece of clothing. Same with your garage or kitchen storage, anything you don’t use often or need that time of year should be at the back.
Remember if there’s less clutter it means there’s less to clean and organise and you can do more with your time and stress less.
