Step 1: Choose an area of your home to work on.
Be specific. Maybe it’s an entire room, or perhaps it could be the closet or other areas of storage in the room.
Choosing a specific area to work on will eliminating extra mental stress. Clearly by thinking about ALL of the different spaces that need to be worked on can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed.
Choose an area, work in just this one area, then move on to the next.
Step 2: Analyze the items.
Is it broken? Is it missing part of the item? Have you used it within the last year? Can it be repurposed?
Letting go of “stuff” can be hard, but as you begin to analyze specific items with an open mind, it will get easier to part with them. Sometimes it’s easier to let “stuff” go if you have someone to validate the choice.
3. Is it serving you?
Ask yourself if the specific item is serving you. Does it help fulfill specific needs? Does it have sentimental meaning? Is it something you use on a regular basis? Is it a tool that helps make specific tasks easier?
Through openly answering these questions it will become a lot easier to know if a particular item is truly needed.
Often times we hold on to things that were given to us. Perhaps we may feel guilty getting rid of it, or fear we’ll hurt the feelings of those who gave it to us.
But there is NO rule that says we have to hold onto things! If you’ve never used said item, or it doesn’t serve you any longer, it’s ok to part with it!
4. Decide how to get rid of each item.
When beginning to declutter your home, be sure to have empty boxes or large bags handy for all of the items you’ll be parting with.
More importantly, LABEL them!
After analyzing each item you’ll have a better idea what you can do with the items you no longer need.
Boxes or bags should be labeled with the following:
-Trash
-Donate
-Recycle
(You can also deduct the items donated throughout the year on your taxes! Be sure to obtain a receipt upon leaving the donation center. Don’t forget to keep a record of all items donated.)
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