10 Rules to Help You Declutter Everything
Clutter is a common problem that can cause stress, anxiety, and overwhelm. When you have too many possessions and not enough space, it can be difficult to find what you need and keep your living space tidy. But the good news is that clutter doesn’t have to be a permanent part of your life. By taking steps to declutter your home and simplify your life, you can create a more peaceful and organized living space.
Decluttering can be a daunting task, but following these 10 rules can help you get started. By asking yourself key questions about each item you own, you can make informed decisions about what to keep and what to let go of. These rules can also help you establish a mindset that encourages simplicity and mindfulness, so you can continue to keep your living space clutter-free in the future.
By decluttering your home, you can also simplify your life in other ways. When you have fewer possessions, you have less to clean and maintain, which can free up time and energy for other things that are important to you. You may also find that having a clutter-free living space can help you feel calmer and more relaxed, and can improve your overall well-being.
Overall, decluttering is a powerful tool that can help you create a more peaceful and intentional living space. By following these 10 rules and incorporating them into your daily routine, you can simplify your life and enjoy the benefits of a clutter-free home.
1 Have I used this item in the past year?
When it comes to decluttering, the first rule is often the most important: ask yourself whether you’ve used the item in the past year. This simple question can help you identify items that are taking up space in your home but aren’t actually adding value to your life. It’s important to be honest with yourself when answering this question and not hold onto things out of guilt or obligation.
Many people struggle with letting go of items that they haven’t used in a while, even if they know deep down that they no longer need them. By being honest with yourself and acknowledging that you haven’t used the item in a year, you can start letting go of these attachments and make space for the things that truly matter. By decluttering items that you haven’t used in the past year, you can create a more streamlined living space and reduce the amount of time and energy you spend cleaning and maintaining unnecessary items. So, ask yourself this important question when you’re going through your possessions and remember that it’s okay to let go of things that no longer serve a purpose in your life.
2 Will I use it in the year ahead?
Once you’ve established whether you’ve used an item in the past year, the next question to ask yourself is whether you’re likely to use it in the year ahead. If the answer is no, it’s time to let it go. Holding onto items that you don’t have a use for can quickly lead to clutter and can make it more difficult to keep your living space organized.
While it can be tempting to hold onto things “just in case” you might need them in the future, the reality is that if you haven’t used an item in the past year and don’t anticipate using it in the future, it’s unlikely to add value to your life. By letting go of these items, you can create more space and make room for the things that are truly important to you. So, as you go through your possessions, ask yourself this important question and consider whether each item is truly worth holding onto.
3 If I was shopping right now, would I buy this again?
Another useful rule of decluttering is to ask yourself whether you would buy the item again if you were shopping right now. This can be a helpful way to evaluate whether an item is truly adding value to your life or if it’s just taking up space. If the answer is no, it’s time to consider donating or selling the item.
It can be easy to hold onto things simply because we’ve had them for a long time or because we feel a sense of attachment to them. However, by considering whether we would actually buy the item again if we were starting from scratch, we can gain a better perspective on its true value to us. By letting go of items that we wouldn’t purchase again, we can make room for the things that truly matter and create a more intentional living space. So, as you go through your possessions, ask yourself this important question and consider whether each item is truly worth keeping.
4 If it is broken, is it worth fixing?
If you come across an item that is broken or in need of repair, ask yourself whether it’s worth fixing. If it’s something you use regularly and the cost of repairing it is reasonable, it may be worth keeping. But if it’s something you don’t use often or the cost of repairing it is high, it’s probably best to let it go.
5 Would I keep this if I moved?
Moving to a new home is a great opportunity to declutter your belongings, as it requires you to evaluate every item you own. One helpful question to ask yourself during this process is whether you would keep the item if you were to move to a new home. If the answer is no, it’s a clear sign that it’s time to say goodbye.
When we move, we’re forced to consider the value of each possession and whether it’s truly worth the effort of packing, transporting, and unpacking. By being intentional about what we bring with us to our new home, we can create a more streamlined living space and reduce the amount of clutter we accumulate over time. As an example, when I moved from Iceland to London, I reduced my belongings to only two palettes that we moved with us. And while the hard work of decluttering so many things was difficult at the time it also gave me a sense of lightness and clarity that I hadn’t experienced before. It allowed me to start fresh and focus on only the possessions that truly added value to my life. So, if you’re planning a move, take advantage of this opportunity to declutter and create a more intentional living space.
10 Rules to Help You Declutter Everything
6 Is this item taking up too much space?
When decluttering your home, it’s important to consider the amount of space each item takes up. Items that are rarely used or don’t bring you joy can quickly accumulate and take up valuable space in your home. This can not only make it harder to find the things you need, but it can also create a sense of clutter and overwhelm in your living space.
Take some time to evaluate each item in your home and ask yourself whether it’s worth the space it takes up. Is it something that you use regularly or that brings you joy? If not, it may be time to let it go and free up some space. This can be especially important if you live in a smaller home or apartment where space is limited.
Consider donating or selling items that no longer serve a purpose in your life. Not only will this help to declutter your home, but it can also bring joy to someone else who may need the item more than you do. By being intentional about the items you keep in your home, you can create a more peaceful and organized living space that allows you to focus on the things that truly matter.
7 Does this item have sentimental value?
As someone who has gone through the process of decluttering my own home, I understand how difficult it can be to let go of sentimental items. As a mother, one of the most challenging items for me to part with was my children’s artwork. Over the years, their artwork had piled up and taken up a significant amount of space in our home. However, I didn’t want to part with these precious memories.
That’s when I decided to take photos of all their artwork from school as a keepsake. This way, I could save all the memories but didn’t have to keep the crumpled paper. I created a digital folder where I could easily access all the photos and share them with family and friends. This not only helped to free up space in our home, but it also allowed me to organize my children’s artwork in a way that was meaningful to me.
By taking photos of sentimental items, you can create a digital record that can be easily accessed and shared with others. This allows you to hold onto the memories without cluttering your home with physical items. Whether it’s old letters, photographs, or children’s artwork, consider taking a photo of these items to preserve the memories while freeing up space in your home.
8 Do I have multiples of this item?
Having multiple of the same item can be a common issue for many people, leading to clutter and disorganization. It’s important to keep in mind that while having duplicates may seem convenient, it can quickly lead to a lack of space and difficulty finding what you need.
When decluttering, take stock of how many of each item you have and consider whether you really need all of them. By reducing the number of duplicate items you have, you may also save money in the long run by not purchasing unnecessary items. So, next time you’re decluttering, be mindful of how many duplicates you have and consider letting go of the excess. Your home will feel more organized, and you’ll have more space to enjoy the things you truly need and love.
9 Am I holding onto this item out of guilt or obligation?
It’s natural to feel attached to our possessions, especially if they have sentimental value or represent important memories. However, it’s important to recognize when we’re holding onto things out of guilt or obligation, rather than genuine joy or usefulness.
If you find yourself struggling to let go of items due to feelings of guilt or obligation, take a moment to reflect on why you’re holding onto them. Is it because you feel like you should keep them, even though they don’t bring you happiness or serve a purpose in your life? Recognizing and acknowledging these feelings can help you make more conscious decisions about what you choose to keep in your home.
Remember that our possessions should bring us joy and serve a purpose in our lives. Holding onto things out of obligation can lead to unnecessary clutter and make it difficult to enjoy the things we truly love. So, if you find yourself feeling guilty about letting go of something, try to reframe your thinking and focus on the positive benefits of decluttering. You’ll be creating space for the things that truly matter and bringing more joy into your life.
10 Can I repurpose or donate this item?
Repurposing or donating items that no longer serve a purpose for you can not only help you declutter but also benefit others. Before throwing something away, take a moment to consider whether it could be used in a new way or given to someone who could make better use of it. For example, an old T-shirt could be repurposed into a cleaning rag or donated to a charity that provides clothing to those in need.
Donating items can also give you a sense of purpose and satisfaction, knowing that you’re helping others while simplifying your own life. There are many organizations that accept donations of gently used items such as clothing, furniture, and household goods. By donating, you can make a positive impact in your community and reduce the amount of waste going into landfills.
Additionally, repurposing or donating items can help shift our mindset from one of consumerism and waste to one of sustainability and resourcefulness. It encourages us to think creatively and find new uses for old items, rather than simply discarding them and buying something new. By doing so, we can contribute to a more sustainable future for ourselves and the planet.
Take action now and start decluttering
In conclusion, decluttering your home can be a daunting task, but it’s a necessary step towards simplifying your life and reducing stress. By following these 10 rules, you can start the process of decluttering and creating a more organized and peaceful living space. Remember to ask yourself whether you’ve used an item in the past year, whether you would use it in the year ahead, and whether you would buy it again if you were shopping right now. Also, consider the space an item takes up, its sentimental value, and whether you have multiples of the same item.
Don’t forget to be honest with yourself and let go of items that no longer serve a purpose or bring you joy. Before tossing something out, consider whether it can be repurposed or donated to someone else. And if you’re moving to a new home, take advantage of the opportunity to evaluate every item and only bring with you what you truly need and love.
Decluttering can be challenging, but it’s worth the effort. Once you’ve simplified your home, you’ll likely feel a sense of freedom and clarity that comes with having a space that’s free of unnecessary possessions. So don’t wait, start decluttering today and enjoy the benefits of a more organized and stress-free life.
Do you need a little nudge to get you going?
If you feel overwhelmed and need more guidance on how to declutter your home and simplify your life, I am now offering coaching sessions to help you tackle your clutter and simplify your life. Together, we can work on creating a personalized plan for your specific needs and tackle any obstacles that come up along the way. Don’t let clutter control your life any longer, take action now and book a coaching session with me.
