Out with the old AND the new

I'm ashamed to say I own too much 'stuff'. And I procrastinate daily on cleaning it out. A 'declutter' is way overdue so I've put together some hints gathered from across the net in the hope that, by sharing with you, I'll motivate myself. Maybe you have a similar problem?

 

Declutter for 15 minutes every day. It’s amazing how much you can get through if you just do it in small increments like this.(This is quite appealing to me; it takes away the overwhelming nature of the job...maybe I'll start with 1 minute...)
 

Don’t allow things into the house in the first place. Whether you’ve begun decluttering the living space, or you’ve just completed it, stop bringing in new stuff NOW. (Yes 'but' it's okay this week while the thrift shops are closed, but what happens 'next' week...)

 Whenever you’re boiling the kettle for tea, tidy up the kitchen. If the kitchen is tidy, tidy up the next room – it’s only 3 minutes but it keeps you on top of everything. (Pity I drink coffee and my machine needs vigilant attention. And what's with a kettle that takes 3 minutes to boil!?)

 

Use the “one in, two out” rule. The rule: whenever you bring in an item, you have to throw away two other items. (Okay, 1 dress in, two tissues out...)

   

 

If you haven’t worn an item in 6 months, sell or donate it. (But what about those 'special' pieces - you know the ones I mean - the wrong size but gorgeous fabric, or the vintage coat that only comes out once a year. I don't think so.)

   

 

Declutter one room (including any closets, desks, cabinets, etc.) before starting on the next one. Spending time in that room will feel so good, and it will be so easy to keep clean, that it will motivate you to do more! (A possibility but seems a tad daunting)

 

Internalize that your value is not in your “stuff”. It is just “stuff”.  Hoarding is a selfish act. (I 'know' my value isn't in what I own; and I'll give away to anybody who visits and takes a liking to something - within reason, but I'm not a minimalist at heart, I like a bit of 'stuff' around me.)

 

 

Have someone else help you go through things. They don’t have the emotional attachment that you might have, but can still recognize if something should be kept. (This is a great tip. Just be warned, 'some' people, such as my daughter, are a tad too free with the 'OUT' command and you may find yourself having to purchase a whole new wardrobe.)

Books you’ve read immediately get recycled among friends, family or local libraries. (But, but, what if I'm feeling low and need to reread a poem, or a passage, from a fav book to lift me up?)  

Images of this lovely neat home via Roushiji Deco

Oh dear, where will it end. So dears, there's quite of few of you following this blog. I'd like to invite each of you to drop by my place - whenever you're in the neighbourhood - and I'll send you home with some 'stuff'....