Clutter/Decluttering - where do you start?
Posted by: LokiAura
7th Feb 2023 10:05am
I've been in my 2-bedroom flat for almost 20 years. I always swore that my 'spare' room was exactly that but over the years I got used to putting stuff that didn't fit anywhere else or I couldn't be bothered putting away tidily/properly in that room. The end result is the room is badly cluttered and untidy. I know I need to start somewhere but am so overwhelmed I'm stuck. When I think about it, I really need to sort everything in my home and put it where it belongs and in a tidy/neat manner. I also have an issue with getting rid of boxes that I've received orders in because I figure by reusing them, I won't have to buy any when it comes time to send birthday/Christmas gifts to family so in my head I'm saving money. I have a feeling I'm about due for an inspection in the next month or 2 so would like to get a head start on sorting this out before I'm left with limited time frame.
Any ideas/suggestions are very welcome :)
Any ideas/suggestions are very welcome :)
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Comments 4
Izzie
Hi. I think so many of us are dealing with too much clutter. I can really relate to your situation. Last year I decided I had to do something about my increasing clutter. I realise it was becoming a big problem with more things coming in than going out. So slowly, I started the process. At first I asked myself if I should have a garage sale, but realised that I really didn't want that hassle and that it was easier to take things to a favourite opshop. They now look forward to me arriving with a new bag or bags of things. I started with one room at a time. I opted for the easiest room first, though no room is really easy. With my clothes I had 3 choices - yes, not or maybe!! I realised some things I liked but no longer fit, but if only a little tight I put them in the maybe pile. I decided if they don't fit in 12 months they can go. Doing it slowly was really helpful as it got me into the groove, and made hard decisions easier the more I progressed. Now I mostly finished, except for my study, which is the hardest room for me as it contains all my books (which I love) and all my paperwork. I have left this room till last because I know it is the hardest for me, and it will take me some time as I need to go through all the paperwork. A few years back I set up systems on my computer, so I could take details I thought worth keeping from my bills and then after 12 months I can throw them out, as I have the main details if ever I want to look back at them (which I rarely do, only maybe to compare how much more I am paying or using than before). I neglected that system for a year or two, but part of my decluttering involves updating that and then getting rid of the old bills. I understand about the boxes, I keep a few but only allow myself so much space to keep things like that that I could reuse. The benefits of not having too much stuff around is definitely worth the cost of throwing away something you may later need. So I would encourage you to get right into it, as not only will your flat look better but you will feel so much lighter and freer!! It is such a wonderful experience, and I also feel that I am helping others by taking older unused stuff to the opshop. Good luck!
ab
Short answer, watch an episode of Space Invaders and do what they do. :)
Long answer - Empty and clean the room. Replace the furniture. Place everything else in piles of like items ie clothes, shoes, accessories, homeware, photos/albums. Then go through each pile and BE RUTHLESS. Clothes you haven't worn in the last two years - go into the local charity bin. Homeware that doesn't suit your current decor - check with friends who might want it, if not, bin it. Photos/albums - digitize them and get rid of the albums.
Gift bags and boxes - if you really must keep them, keep the ones that will fit into eachother (like a Russian doll). At least they'll have a smaller footprint and throw the rest out. The key words are BE RUTHLESS.
If you can get a friend or relative to help you...they will be the voice of reason and challenge you on why you want to keep whatever it is. Good luck and have fun. :)
jtmorri
Do one room at a time. Take everything out of the room, clean the entire room and then put things back in their place. Close the door to that room and move onto the next. Aim to do one room a day, but if it gets too much do one every 2 days. Only keep a few boxes for gifts and throw the rest out as you don't have space for them. Another good rule is if you haven't used the item for the last 5 years then throw it out.
s
Maybe start in one place in the spare room and set a goal of one day a week in the spare room. And also clean and vacuum as you go.
You can also put things you want to keep into the spare boxes so you end up keeping the box for the future.