Declutter Session Success: Simple First Steps

The process of decluttering your home and knowing where to start can be daunting. To help you begin tackling the clutter, I’ve put together some simple first steps for a successful declutter session.

The simple first steps for a successful declutter session.

Be prepared and create your action plan.

Allocate a day and time that you will dedicate towards decluttering a specific area of your home. Preferably choose a time when you won’t be rushed or interrupted.

Decide which area you would like to tackle. If its a whole room write a list of areas within the room and do one of these spaces at each declutter session.

Use timers to allocate clutter clearing time as well as to allow time to tidy and put things away.

Clutter Clearing Supplies.

In order to have a successful declutter session you will need your action plan as well as the necessary supplies to complete the task at hand.

Firstly gather some boxes, bags and cleaning supplies. Use items you already have around the home such as, washing baskets, cardboard boxes, plastic storage containers and garbage bags. You will need, a box in which to place items for donation. A bag for items you wish to discard. And a box or basket to gather items so you can return them to their rightful place in the home.

You will also need some basic cleaning supplies to clean the floors, surfaces and any furniture in your newly decluttered space. Such as a broom, vacuum cleaner, mop and bucket, cleaning cloth, and spray cleaner.

Make sure you have everything at hand to complete the task before you begin.

Use A Timer.

Using a timer will help to break down the job into more manageable tasks. Set a timer for 30 mins or 1 hour and pick one area such as a set of drawers or shelves to sort. At the end of the time, return items to their proper place, discard any rubbish and place items to donate in the car, ready to drop off at a local charity.

If you have an entire room or large area to declutter, I suggest breaking the task down into smaller jobs so as not to become overwhelmed with the task before you. Create a list of all the areas within the room that you need to declutter. As you move from area to area, you can tick them off the list.

Do one small area at a time so you can see the results of your hard work. This will encourage you to keep going.

Deciding what stays and what goes.

To start, remove all items from the area. As you sort through the items, make a decision as to where it belongs before you put it down. When sorting each item, ask the following questions.

Is this item rubbish, broken or no longer working and needs to be discarded. If so, place it into the rubbish bag.
Is this item something you no longer use or want. If so place it in the donation box.
Is this item something you still use and want, but it doesn’t belong in this area. If so, place it in the put away basket or box.
Does this item belong in the area you are decluttering? If so, place it in a clear area away from where you are working so as not to be in your way, ready to be put back when you finish.