Hi friends, what did you implement last week? Today, I want to talk about letting go of things. Yes, literal things. I am enrolled in a course by Terri Savelle Foy, and right after the gratitude chapter is the declutter chapter. You know, i am all about letting go of negative emotions, thoughts and habits. But today, I will give you ( and me ) some ideas on how to get rid of things. I chose a picture of a minimalism styled room. Doesn't it look refreshing and calm? Spa like? According to studies in the US, the average home has 300k items!! So my number one tip on decluttering is : Move ! Just kidding. But we did just that exactly 5 years ago, and you wouldn't believe what a family of 8 over 16 years accumulates. But seriously, just pretend that you are moving, and think: "Do I really want to pay for this item to go with me?" There are 4 groups , that I remember at the top of my head , that we can categorize items into.
put it away
give it away
sell it
throw it away
I hesitated to throw a few things away, and that's why I asked a friend to come over and help me declutter, the worst room in the house. She had no emotional attachment to anything ( lots of papers) and pretty much told me that I can look all this up on the internet. One binder, for example, was places I wanted to go visit.
Also consider: is it broken or incomplete? It goes in the throw away category. Games with missing pieces, Tupperware with missing lids, backpacks with broken and worn shoulder straps. You get the idea.
You can also use the 1 year rule. If it hasn't been used in a year it goes in the give away or sell category.
That goes for clothing as well as toys and kitchen gadgets, games and crafts.
If you are short on time, then donating is the fastest option.
But you can certainly try to sell items that are in good shape.
Now think about what you really want to keep.
Those items will have to find a place they can call home.
Now, I am NOT the organized type, I am a free spirit, spontaneous, always ready to drop an unpleasant task to meet with a loved one instead.
But 6 children have forced me to have at least some organization.
Did you know that the most looked for item is the car keys and the remote control?
Looking for those items takes up many hours a month. And that problem can be so easily solved.
Decide on a place, like a simple hook by the front door or a console with a dish, to put the keys.
Have a shelf or little holder by the Tv for the control.
I also consolidate my cleaning products. Instead of 20 different sprays and bottles, I use a concentrate that produces gallons of cleaning sprays. I use dryer balls instead of sheets. We use one set of dishes all year.
If you are overwhelmed with where to start, then start with the room that causes you the most unease.
Start with 20 minutes. Otherwise you might never start.
See, if you tell yourself that you will work on this area for 20 minutes, then you do exactly that, how will you feel?
You will feel good. Accomplished. More confident. Because you did what you set out to do.
And then your brain knows, that you can do this again the next day.
If you need help with coming up with a plan, I know a local organizer. She helps with garages, kitchens, getting ready for a move and all things in-between.
Look up Julie Son with Simply Organize Now.
She says it is very refreshing to have a organized home. It helps with releasing stress.
Imagine the overwhelm dissipating.
Need help? Message me.
PS: Message me for a free consult to start moving toward a more confident and organized you..
You are loved. Deeply loved. Loved beyond measure.
Until next time,
Isabelle Call or write for a free life coaching consultation #732-331-2246 Isabellestephensoncoach@gmail.com