Published October 6, 2022
15 Tips to DeClutter
Rule #1: You Decide
You get to decide what goes and what stays. If you love
it, that may be reason enough to keep something.
Rule #2: No Duplicate Items
Duplicates
are (usually) unnecessary.
Rule #3: Keep What You Use Regularly
If
you haven’t used it in 6 months, it can probably go (but
see rule #1). Make exceptions for seasonal items.
Rule #4: Evaluate the Value
If
it costs more to store than the value it brings to you,
you should let it go.
Rule #5: To Each Their Own
Don’t allow other people’s ideas of what is important to dictate
what you keep or declutter (but keep your loved one’s opinions in mind).
Rule #6: Give Items to People Who Appreciate Them More
If
someone else thinks something is particularly special, maybe they should store it instead of you.
Rule #7: Giving Away Items Is OK
You can
choose to sell something but it’s also OK to give it away if that’s
easier. Not everything should be sold. A trip to a donation
center is encouraged!
Rule #8: Most Things Can Be Replaced
If you
declutter something and discover you need it later, chances are it can be
replaced.
Rule #9: Don’t Declutter Someone Else’s Stuff
Don’t declutter things belonging to others without
permission (exceptions for kids who refuse to
take care of their possessions).
Rule #10: Learn to Appreciate Less
Mementos
and toys are even more treasured when there are fewer of them.
Rule #11: You Are Not Your Stuff
You are
not defined by the things you keep. (For example, owning a lot of books
doesn’t make you smarter, although reading them might.)
Rule #12: Kids Produce a Lot of Clutter
Toys.
Papers from school. You name it! That’s OK and to be expected. Help them learn
how to manage their clutter instead of ignoring it.
Rule #13: Stop Holding Out for Someday
Keeping something “for someday” may be holding
you back from living your life right now.
Rule #14: Not Everyone Has the Same Clutter Tolerance
It’s OK
if you desire more or less of it than someone else. Rules for decluttering will
vary by person. Clutter can even be quite stressful and
overwhelming for some people.
Rule #15: Organized Clutter Is Still Clutter
Read that again. Organized clutter is still clutter.
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