How to Have a Clutter Free Home Part 2

In part one of this, now, three part series, I wrote about what clutter is, how it makes us feel and presented a challenge for us to unpack our emotional attachment to things and why we hold onto them. If you have not read that post, do so now, then come back to this one. Consider it a pre-requisite to the Decluttering 100 classes. 

Now that the emotional work is done and you know your why, let's uncover how to declutter any space, step by step.

Clutter is debilitating.  When we allow it to fester for too long it can be difficult to even know where to start.  A good rule of thumb is to start with the easiest areas first.  Once you clear a small area, it will inspire you to keep going. Start small.  Declutter a small drawer, side table surface or your glove compartment in your car.  Be careful not to overwhelm yourself.  Count your small victories and work your way up to larger areas.  Don't forget to reward yourself after your victories.  Just don’t buy any more stuff (unless it helps you to organize what you decide to keep).

How to declutter a space

1. Remove everything. Dump the drawer, take everything off of the surface, empty the whole closet.  Remove Every. Single. Thing.
2. Clean the space.  Dust it, wipe it down with your Good Vibes All Purpose Cleaner, vacuum, sweep or mop. Get it smelling good and looking sparkly like it was when you first saw it.
3. Sort the stuff you removed into three piles
1. Throw away
2. Donate
3. Keep

Be relentless when it comes to this part.  Pick up each item, and access how you feel about it. Ask yourself, do I use this regularly?  Do I need it?  Do I love it? Make a quick decision to throw it away, give it away or keep it.  Don't think about it too long or allow yourself to get off track, travelling down memory lane here.  If you find an old journal or photo book that you want to go though, put it in the keep pile and use it as a reward once you finish the job.

1. Put the trash in a trash bag and carry it to the trash bin outside immediately
2. Put the items you wish to donate in a box and carry them to the donation facility immediately.  If it is after hours, place it in your car and be intentional about dropping it off the next day.  This is very important.  If it sits in your car, it will eventually make its way back into the house when you need space to load your car with something else. Ask me how I know.
3. Go through the things you desire to keep. Only keep items that you need and use regularly or items that you absolutely love.
1. Put out of place items back in their place.
2. Organize what you need to organize into baskets and bins so it doesn’t get so crazy next time. Storing all your toiletries in a basket keeps them in place, makes them easier to find and keeps them from falling off your dresser and rolling under it.
3. Choose only 1-3 items that you love and put them back in the space or on surface.  If the area is a storage space, like a drawer, put a few utility items that you would rather hide out of sight in there, like remote controls or device chargers. Use your storage area to store items that you actually use.  Make a decision about everything else.  You won't need it one day sis.  You haven't used that shit in years, get rid of it.
4. Reward yourself for a job well done. You deserve it.

Ok, now that you've been pleasantly distracted, be sure to repeat these steps on the next area you wish to declutter.  Put it on your calendar and make time for it.

#Tip: When decluttering your clothes closet, chose which clothes you will put back but turn the hangers around so that they face you.  It will feel awkward but, in 3-6-12 months you will see exactly which garments you wore and which ones you haven't touched.  If you haven't worn it in a year, give it away or donate it to a women's shelter for someone else to appreciate it.

 #Tip 2: Selling your unwanted items can be an easy way to make some money.  If you choose to go the yard sale route, be sure to have a plan to pack up all of the leftover items and drop them off at the thrift shop after the sale.  DO NOT bring them back into the house or garage. Get rid of it for good.

#Tip 3: Need some inspiration?  Get you some Good Vibes. 

Read Part 3: Five ways to keep clutter away for good!