How to Reduce Clutter?

Jun 12th, 2008 | By Wise Snob | Category: Sustainable Living

Rating 3.00 out of 5

Out with the old After resolving to be a conscious spender, I’ve become more aware of material things that I have and do not need. In order to focus more on what is important, I know I have to weed out the unnecessary items and desires in my life. It’s impossible for me to be a minimalist, especially when it comes to fashion, but at least I can simplify as much as I can on a regular basis to avoid having so much stuff. By downsizing everything to the essential entities of the good life, I feel I can be a better person to myself, my family and my friends. The first step is to reduce clutter.

Make an appointment. Set time aside to just focus on the task at hand. It’s going to be an emotional roller coaster, so be prepared.

Pick your spot. It is unrealistic to clean up your entire home, so just pick one or two sections at a time. Usually, I spend time focusing my efforts solely on my closet. After that, I make it my goal to tackle my bookshelves and the dreaded garage on another day.

Organize. Have boxes or garbage bags ready that you can mark as “trash,” “donate,”and “store.”I dove into my old bookshelf and threw out a lot of old college and high school notes, and placed old books, videotapes and DVDs that I didn’t watch anymore into a bag with my cousin’s name because I knew she would love them.

The best questions to ask while decluttering, especially when stuck on an item, are:
1. Do I love this?
2. Have I used this within the past year?
3. Do I have something similar?
4. Does it have sentimental value?
5. Can I easily replace this if I need it later?

I’ve also learned that if something does not make you smile, chuck it.

The “donate” items should be donated immediately or else it will just sit there forever and ever. Trust me, it has happened. The “store” stuff should be put where they belong, and to be revisited in six months.

Another key is prevention. Really assess the need for something new and don’t buy something immediately. If you can live a few days without it, then you don’t need it. I’ve been in debt before, and I plan to never be in debt again. Find other ways to appease your hunger or craving for the newest shoes or latest gadget. Visit the library, rent a movie, or have a goddess exchange with your girlfriends; everyone brings items they wish to swap, and have snacks and refreshments to make the event even more fun.

All of this may seem tedious, but it just has to be done — and while I’d rather be doing X and Y than packing boxes, there’s always a sense of accomplishment at the end of this ordeal. It’s great to refresh your life just by cleaning up your living space. Although minimalism will never work for me, I can always achieve simplicity by removing stagnant stuff. Less, truly, is more.

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