Have you looked around your home lately and really evaluated how much stuff you have? It can be a huge shock to realize how many things we own that we never use. We’ll show you how to downsize and declutter in a way that will allow you to embrace and enjoy your space.
In order to declutter your home, you are going to have to get rid of things. However, downsizing and decluttering does not have to lead to throwing away all you own.
Decluttering is the beginning of a minimalist lifestyle free of junk that helps many people feel better, think more clearly, and reach goals more effectively.
Here are some tips on how to downsize and declutter your home.
What Does it Mean to Declutter?
Decluttering and downsizing don’t mean you need to get rid of everything you own and start afresh, or that you need to fit everything you own into one box.
All it means is that you get rid of the things that are not important and you focus your life on the things that are important.
Step 1: Evaluate Your Life and Your Possessions
Take some time to evaluate your life before you start decluttering. What do you like to spend your time doing? What sort of things do you do while you are in your home?
Asking these questions will help you to understand the basic necessities you will need to have in your home. The things you spend your time doing tells you something — they tell you where your priorities are.
If you spend a lot of time on the computer, the computer and your desk are probably a priority. If you spend time working out, crafting, or any other sports and hobbies those are priorities in your life.
Next, you need to evaluate your possessions. If you want to spend less time in front of the TV, you should consider relocating the TV to a room that you use less often, or maybe even getting rid of it completely.
If you want to spend more time working out, make sure your workout accessories (water bottles, workout clothing, and workout calendars) are in plain sight and easy to reach places.
Step 2: De-Clutter
As you go through all of your possessions, try not to think about where or how you will store things. Only ask yourself the following questions,
- Do I like it?
- Do I need it?
- Does it bring me happiness?
If you can’t answer yes to at least one of those questions with each item, that is probably a sign that it can be donated, given, or thrown away. The main points of decluttering are as follows:
- Instead of going from room to room and sorting everything by where it is kept, sort and de-junk by category. This prevents you from sorting the same sorts of things over and over.
- Go Through Everything Twice – Sometimes it takes another look.
- Do not be burdened by gifts. Seriously, if you don’t use it or you don’t like it then don’t keep it.
When you are finished find a way to get the things you are not keeping out of the house.
Step 3: Visualize Your Goals – With Actual Visuals
What do you want from your life? What are your hopes? Your goals?
Make a visual of your goals, like a dream board or a dream journal, and put it somewhere that is easy to see on a regular basis. It is easier to work toward your goals on a daily basis if you can see them and be reminded of them daily.
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Efficiently Downsize and Declutter
Try to create a clutter-free area, tell everyone in your family that the table, desk, or room is to be a clutter-free zone and work to keep it that way. Doing this prepares you to live a less cluttered life on a bigger scale.
Explore our blog for more tips on how to downsize and declutter.