Often, we reach a point when we look around and ask ourselves, “Where did all this junk come from?” Many of us accumulate a lot of stuff over time without much thought about the ever-increasing pile of possessions. Then, one day, we realize we’re living in Cluttertown, a cramped, stress-ridden space that not only saps peace of mind but can also be downright dangerous.
If your home feels like it’s carrying more than it should, the ideas below can help clear out unnecessary items and restore your living place to a more comfortable, manageable space.
Before spelling out specific decluttering tactics, let’s address the question, “How did I accumulate so much stuff?” There are two main drivers. First is the input or acquisition driver. Some things we truly need. Other things we acquire for less concrete reasons, like that seashell picture frame that was supposed to be a beloved vacation keepsake. In either case, this is the inbound stream of items that we either consume or store.
The second, and arguably more important, is the output or elimination driver. If you do not maintain a day-to-day mindset of getting rid of unnecessary items as you go, the amount of stuff in your living space will accumulate until clutter takes over. While the theme of this blog is ways to pare down your existing pile of possessions, it's crucial to make the elimination driver a habit so you don’t simply accumulate your way back into chaos.
A significant obstacle to establishing a decluttering habit is the “what-if” elf whispering in your ear, “You never know,” or “that thing might come in handy someday.” Brush that bad boy off your shoulder and remember:
Honestly answering these questions helps you establish an effective decluttering habit. So, with a positive mindset in place, here are some ideas for clearing up your living space.
Next, move on to old take-out menus, the collection of single-serve condiments, and any plastic utensils or disposable chopsticks that come with them. If you still pack lunches or picnics, keep a few sets of the utensils, but toss the rest. Move on to the small kitchen gadgets and tableware. Anything you haven't used in at least a year or two can go, as well as broken or chipped dishes and coffee mugs that haven't seen the light of day in a year.
Other candidates for disposal are old food containers or those without lids, as well as covers without a container. Also, long-used plastic containers usually have scratches that harbor bacteria and stains that indicate the material has degraded. Finally, you’ll probably come across other junk like newspaper clipping recipes, coupons, flyers, and grocery bags, all of which can be cleared out.
Medicine cabinets often conceal useless, expired items that range from harmless junk to dangerous medications. Unwanted pharmaceuticals should not be thrown into the regular trash. Instead, find dedicated medication disposal locations in the community. Many pharmacies will take such items, or they can refer you to places that can.
While in the bathroom, also consider disposing of:
You may also have old towels that aren't soft, don't fit your color scheme, or have rips and holes. These can be tossed or recycled.
What about DVDs or CDs of movies, shows, or music that you no longer enjoy or use? These typically can be donated or sold at stores that specialize in used media. What about personal photos or videos? Some businesses specialize in transforming such media into digital formats that last longer and use much less storage space.
There are numerous ways to get rid of old clothes. Many local charities accept clothing donations, but sometimes ask that donations match the season. For example, summer clothes are best donated in the spring or early summer. If you have high-end clothes, consider a local consignment shop, or websites like Poshmark, The RealReal, or Vestiaire Collective.
In the spirit of building up a solid decluttering habit, many book lovers maintain a “one in, one out” policy, so for every new book acquired, at least one gets donated or sold.
If you have outgrown having children in the house all the time, allow yourself to get rid of that old kid stuff. It’s very common for older adults to hang onto items from their child-rearing years for sentimental reasons. Some even cling to the fantasy that future grandchildren will enjoy playing with their parents’ worn-out childhood toys or games with missing pieces. While holding onto some items as keepsakes makes sense, much of that decades-old stuff needs to go out the door to free up your living space.
Clearing out what no longer belongs there creates room to move more freely and enjoy the space again. A well-organized home is easier to maintain, safer to live in, and far more comfortable day to day. Letting go of excess possessions allows the house to function the way it was meant to.
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