Are you as excited about the turn in weather as I am?! There is something uplifting and motivating about having the windows open and feeling the fresh air move throughout the home. And knowing we are just a mere two months away from the North Carolina summer humidity is my ultimate motivator to get areas like the garage, attic and closets in top shape before it hits.
Before you tackle any organizing project, it helps have some "rules" in mind to aid you through your decision making process.
First things first -
What is clutter? Clutter is anything you are keeping in your home that doesn't add value to your life. It is the collection of stuff that looks untidy and takes up space in your home. Decluttering is about creating space in your home for the things that matter to you.
Commit to getting rid of the clutter. Keep in mind the following decluttering "rules" as you tackle your spring organizing projects and come across things you haven't used in awhile, or if you find yourself struggling to part with something.
1. Do Not Keep Duplicates: This is especially true of items in your kitchen and bathroom. But no matter what room in your house this item belongs, you do not need to hold on to multiples of the same thing. Keep the one that is in the best condition and let go of the other(s).
If it is still in working condition, I recommend donating your duplicates. There are so many different places to donate within your community, not only is donating the green way to do it, but your donations will help others. All it takes is a quick Google search and you will have a list of places to choose from in your area.
If you are a Wilmington, NC resident, I have a comprehensive list compiled of places to donate within our community as well as what they do and do not accept. Feel free email me a request for this list at liz@organizedforyoullc.com and I will send it over!
2. Sunk Costs: Do not let yourself get caught up on what you spent on the item. Costs that have already been incurred and cannot be recovered are referred to as "sunk costs". As you go through the items in your home, most things should be considered sunk costs. Since you cannot get the money back that you spent on the item, you should only think about the value that it can add to your life in the future.
3. See if it Works: If it doesn't work, get rid of it. If you want to fix it, then fix it. Whatever you decide, do not let it sit in your house and continue to collect dust. Place it in your car if you have to take it to someone to fix it - this should help ensure you will do something with the item instead of allowing it to continue to sit and create clutter within your home.
4. Think of the Last Time You Used it: If you haven't used the item in the past 12 months you should probably get rid of it. Chances are, if you pull it out and say, "I've been wondering where this was!", you should probably get rid of it. And if you didn't remember you had the item, you didn't miss it and should definitely get rid of it.
5. Ask Yourself if You Love it: Sometimes we keep things we aren't crazy about. Are you holding on to this item for sentimental reasons or out of obligation? If it is a family heirloom, or gift that was given to you by someone close to you, you can opt to take a photo and store with your other "memories" or reach out to those close to you to see if it means something to someone else and they would love to have the item in their home. If you are holding on to something that you don't love, chances are you can let go of the item.
6. The 80/20 Rule: When it comes to clothing, we generally only wear 20% of the clothes we own 80% of the time. This also holds true to books, movies and toys. By keeping this rule in mind, you will be better armed to objectively get rid of the things you don't use 80% of the time.
7. Ask Yourself the Follow-up Question: "If I was shopping right now, would I buy this?" This is a great question to ask yourself when purging clothing and decor. You style and taste will change over the years; if your answer is "no" to this question, then I recommend letting it go. There is no need for it to take up space and collect dust in your home while it waits for you to possibly never wear (or display) it again.
8. Sleep on it: If you are struggling to make a decision regarding a specific item and don't know what you should do, allow yourself some time to process the decision. Sleep on it. If you can't live without it, you will know in the morning.
Ready, Set and Go! I wish you luck on your decluttering and organizing adventures!
Next up on the blog: Tips to Get Your Garage in Top Shape.
