Clutter, Clutter Everywhere, What Am I To Do?

 

Decluttering vs. Minimalism 

What’s the difference between decluttering and minimalism?  Basically, decluttering is the process of removing possessions from our life.  And minimalism is the process of discovering how little we actually need in the first place. This week's article will focus on decluttering and next week we'll discuss minimalism. 

 

Benefits of Decluttering 

Decluttering our home or office can be overwhelming, time-consuming, and inconvenient.  So why do it?  Well, some benefits, according to WebMD's Mental Health Benefits of Decluttering, include: 

• Reducing stress – creating a more tidy environment can make you feel happier, calmer and more in control 
• Better focus – easier to find what you need, less distractions 
• Higher self-esteem – when you are disorganized you may feel out of control, while a more organized environment can promote pride and competency 
• Better relationships – less conflict with family/roommates, more willing to have friends over 
• Lower risk of asthma and allergies – it's hard to clean around piles of belongings, while decluttering can prevent pests, and reduce dust, mold and mildew 
• Improved lifestyle and well-being – easier to prepare healthy meals in an orderly kitchen and sleep better in a tidy bedroom, easier to clean and maintain, save you time 

Tips for Decluttering 

Okay, you’re convinced.  You want to declutter.  But where do you start?  

 

First, walk around with a trash bag and just discard the broken or obvious trash items (e.g. cardboard boxes). Get them out of the way.  Put everything else away where it belongs, and see what you’re dealing with. 

 

Start small. Pick a drawer or a cabinet to organize.  Discard what you don’t need.  It shouldn't take long and you’ll have less chance of getting discouraged.  Once you accomplish that you should be feeling pretty proud of yourself, and want to tackle more projects. 

 

Pick a room. Go through and open every drawer, every closet. Decide if each item has value to you (keep), or to someone else (donate), or is useless (trash it).  You don't have to do the whole room at once.  Set realistic goals and break up the tasks so they are manageable.  For example, set a limit of 15 minutes if that is all the time you have.  Or just get rid of one item a day. 

 

When doing the kitchen, empty each drawer and cabinet and look for duplicates. Do you need 5 wooden spoons?  Have old appliances been replaced with new technology?   

 

Try to look at everything with a neutral eye, as if you were helping out a friend.  Rather than as the owner evaluating your lucky sweatshirt (that's older than your adult child).  Feel free to leave the sentimental items for last as they take more time and energy. (The decluttering philosophy that can help you keep your home organized)  

 

Organize kept items so like goes with like, and each item has a specific place where it resides.  That way you always know where it is.  To prevent things from getting out of hand again, have a "one-in, one-out" policy.  For every new item you bring in, something old has to be given away or discarded. (8 Easy Steps to a More Organized Home)  

 

Don't strive for perfection.  Your home doesn't have to look like a magazine spread or even your friend's house.  Don't feel you have to hide items you use regularly.  Leave them out in the open for convenience.  You also don't have to get rid of everything. Just get it down to what is meaningful and useful to you. 

 

Older Adults 

Older adults in particular tend to accumulate a lot of unneeded items.  They aren’t necessarily buying more new items.  They are just less likely to let go of old ones.   

 

Sometimes it’s psychological (our stuff can serve as a protective barrier).  And sometimes it’s just physically overwhelming.  In which case family members can help out.  If possible, let the owner move at their own pace, rather than yours. 

 

Sentimental Value 

Sometimes it’s especially hard to let go of certain items that remind you of good times or loved ones.  If it means that much to you give it a place of honor.  Or, maybe you plan to pass some old family heirloom on to the next generation.  Now would be a good time to have an honest talk with them.  See if they even want it.  If it’s not worth anything, there's a good chance they won’t. 

 

Hoarding Disorder 

Those with hoarding disorder find it especially hard to declutter.  Hoarding disorder affects about 2.5% of the American population and those affected can't casually discard their belongings, even unneeded ones. They also can't organize their things even while they keep collecting more. There are medical treatments available. 

 

Compulsive Decluttering 

Some go in the other direction, and can't stop decluttering. Perhaps you didn't get rid of everything the first few times you decluttered, but now everything looks good.  Still, you find yourself looking for more to discard.  Unchecked this compulsion could affect your family life, finances and mental health.  Instead of obsessing about clutter you don't have, enjoy your life! (How to Stop Compulsive Decluttering & 7 Signs You Need To)  

 

Ongoing Process 

Decluttering is an ongoing process, rather than a onetime project.  The clutter didn't accumulate in a day, so don't expect to get rid of it all in a day.  Take as long as you need.  (It gets easier.)   

 

Then make it an regular event (e.g. once a year) to re-evaluate and see if you have changed your mind about items previously kept (or eliminated). (Declutter and Downsize FAST! Five More Tips) 

 

Personal Habits 

I love to declutter and organize. I find it very liberating.  How about you? 

Check out my companion article, Minimalism - Keep the Best, Get Rid of the Rest.