clutter in basement

Declutter filter

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When decluttering use the filter that an item needs to meet two out of the following 3 criteria – need, use, love.

  1. You need this item because it’s practical and helps make your life easier in some way. Examples are a functioning hair dyer, vacuum cleaner, and plunger.
  2. You use this item on a regular basis. Examples are shoes you wear a few times a week and electronics you use daily/weekly.
  3. You love this item. Examples are a quilt made by your sister and a painting you brought back from a vacation.

This filter helps make decisions on what’s worth keeping. If the criteria aren’t met, donate, recycle or give the item away.

3D Character and question mark

Deciding what to keep

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When deciding what to keep, evaluate the importance of an item by looking at the past, present, and future.

  • Have we needed this in the past? How often? For what reason?
  • Do we need this now? Are we currently using it?
  • What situations might arise that we’d need this in the future?

After answering the above questions honestly, let go of items that aren’t currently important.

More info on the subject:

 

Removing clutter project - before

Easy stuff to get rid of

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Things we own have different values, for example monetary, practical, and sentimental value. These values change and evolve over time. If it’s been a while since you considered the value of your possessions, I recommend spending some time reevaluating things. Then get rid of items that have little or no value to you anymore. Start with the easy stuff.

    • Broken, expired, and outdated items
    • Excessive quantities, duplicates, backup items, and surplus goods
    • Items belonging to someone else, stored for others, or borrowed from others
    • Materials and products from past hobbies that no longer interest you 
    • Unfinished fix-it projects and abandoned projects
    • Clothing, footwear, and jewelry that is uncomfortable, difficult to maintain, or no longer worn 
    • Products you’ve tried but don’t like and won’t use again
    • Tools, equipment, and gear from previous jobs, home-based businesses, or start-up ideas
    • Papers, files, and documents that are outdated, irrelevant, or unnecessary 
    • Blurry, damaged, or duplicate photos
    • Samples, freebies, and give-aways that have never been touched
    • Random screws, bolts, or parts with no known purpose
    • Empty boxes and plastic bags

Are there other items you consider easy to get rid of? Please share them with me.

Client's cluttered living room

Stop Buying Containers—Start Decluttering

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More storage is not the answer for too much stuff. Less stuff is the answer. Before purchasing organizing tools or storage solutions, focus on decluttering first. Let go of items you no longer use, need, or love. When you reduce excess belongings, your home becomes easier to organize, easier to clean, and easier to maintain.

Attic organizing

Too much stuff!

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No amount of organizing can fix too much stuff. Having more than what will comfortably fit into our homes cause stress and frustration. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by it all, it’s time to let go and reduce.