Would you like to have the perfect guide around the best way to declutter spaces in your home? It’s perfect to keep handy when you’re in need of clearing out spaces around your home for new things to come into your life. It is also a handy guide to keep around when you need to clear out any negative chatter going on in your mind during any part of your day.
What chatter am I referring to? The chatter that say things like, “You’re wasting your time”, “Why are you still pursuing your dream?” or “Don’t you think that it’s time to get a real job?” That chatter! And it’s going to come at you from left field, when you least expect it. It wants to make you “think” there’s something wrong. But in reality, everything is just fine. You are exactly where you were meant to be.
So, to stop that chatter and get back to your day, you’re going to declutter your way through it. Why? Because decluttering will get you focused on a task rather than stuck in negative thinking. And that action will get you right back where you were before that chatter rudely interrupted your day.
So, here you go… Here’s a perfect guide on how to do just that!
How To Declutter Spaces In Your Home: The Perfect Guide
1. Make a decision that you are willing to get rid of things you’ve had for a while.
2. Choose one space that resonates with you right now and start there.
3. Have garbage bags, boxes, packing tape, a black sharpie and a few different sized storage bins that work best for the space you’re decluttering, ready to go. Use one garbage bag for what you are choosing to throw away. Use another garbage bag for clothes. Then use a box for objects that you would like to donate. Finally, use another storage bin for things you’d like to keep but don’t need to have visible, which you can then store in a closet, basement, garage or attic.
4. “Book End”: Call or text a good friend and tell them what you’re about to do and for exactly how long. Ask them if you could text them back after you’ve completed your task. It’s a way to gain support and be held accountable for your actions.
5. Next, set a timer for however long you chose to declutter the space. You can start with 30 to 60 min increments and go from there. Trust your gut on this one.
6. Begin to declutter your space. As a “Rule of Thumb” ask these questions with each item you pick up: Have I touched, used or worn this item in the last 6 months? Does this item give me joy when I hold it? Do I really need this item or is it time to let go of it so I can bring something new into my life? If you answered ”No” to these questions, it’s time to gently and lovingly say goodbye to it and let someone else enjoy it. Of course, I am not taking about old photos, memorabilia, a wedding dress, paper work for taxes etc. Those are memories to cherish and important documents to keep.
7. Continue to do this for the entire time. If after the timer goes off and you want to do another 30 minutes or an hour, go for it. If you, however, feel grounded and calm; and that chatty annoying voice is gone, and you’re in the present moment again, tidy up the area, complete your “Book End” with you friend and return to your day. Remember, you can go back anytime you want to continue decluttering that space and other spaces in your home when that chatter nips at you!