These decluttering strategies will change your life

Lifestyle : 22 July 2024

Decluttering is a journey, not a destination. It’s about curating a home that reflects your values, inspires creativity, and nurtures a peaceful state of mind. A serene and organized home is a reflection of a clear mind and a tranquil lifestyle.

The hardest items to part with are often those that hold sentimental value. We fear losing memories or disappointing loved ones. We also hold onto less meaningful things ‘just in case’ we may need them someday. We usually don’t. They consume time and space and gather dust.

The sheer volume of the task at hand can be overwhelming. Your inner perfectionist wants a perfectly organized home yet feels daunted by the process. Decluttering takes time and effort as it is, so a mental block makes it all the more challenging to get going.

Don’t tackle the whole house at once. Start with one room at a time and work your way through.
Do set achievable goals on [what] you want to achieve such as more space.
Do visualize how your decluttered home will look and feel to motivate you.
Do celebrate your decluttering milestones with small rewards.
Don’t do it alone. Ask for support from family, friends or trained professionals.

Here are some popular decluttering strategies, tried and tested! Which one will you try?

Core 4 Organizing Method: Focus on four areas daily: your bed, dishes, laundry, and surfaces (counters, tables,etc.). This establishes a daily habit of tidiness.

3-Second Rule: If you can put something away in 3 seconds, do it immediately. This prevents small clutter piles from forming.

12-12-12 Method: Find 12 items to throw away, 12 to donate, and 12 to return to their proper place. It’s a quick and easy way to make a dent in clutter.

Project 333 Challenge: Limit your wardrobe to 33 items (including clothes, shoes, accessories) for 3 months. It forces you to prioritize what you truly love and wear.

90/90 Decluttering Rule: If you haven’t used something in the last 90 days and don’t expect to use it in the next 90, let it go.

80/20 Rule: We typically use 20% of our belongings 80% of the time. Focus on decluttering the 80% you rarely use.

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