Simple Declutter Tips

So many of us are desperate to declutter.

All the stuff cluttering our homes is overwhelming, isn’t it?

But the problem is, so is decluttering!

After years of binge decluttering – only to find myself 6 months later with a house full of clutter – I finally discovered a totally different and much easier approach that has helped me declutter and organise my home, simply.

It’s based on a very easy three stage declutter plan:

1. Letting go just 10 things every day – that’s 300 a month! 3,000 a year!
2. Then adding in one 30 minute easy-does-it declutter project every week
3. Topped up with quick power purges once a month

The results really have been life changing. My whole family truly is happier without so much stuff. 

I have shared all my simple declutter tips in this FREE step-by-step declutter guide but I also wanted to share some great declutter tips from other writers that helped me big time.

These are some of my faves.

1. The Psychology of Clutter

The first is getting over that sense of being so overwhelmed you can’t even get started. This post from Jen at Clean and Scentsible is really helping for tackling the “decluttering paralysis”

 

2. Sentimental Clutter

Now, I’m sure you’ve heard of the KonMari method to decluttering, even if you haven’t read the book.

My problem with it – OK one of my problems with it – is it’s just too brutal. We do have emotional attachments to stuff. Particularly our kids stuff. It may be plastic, it may be tat but it’s full of memories.

So I love this post from Tico and Tina which really acknowledges those memories but has simple tips on how to hold onto those memories whilst actually getting rid of stuff.

 

3. A Quick Declutter Blast

As I said at the beginning, I’m less and less convinced by binge decluttering. It really is just like binge dieting. Unless we change more fundamentally the way we live, the clutter – like the weight – comes back!

But I do think there are times when a short blast of decluttering helps and getting rid of five bags of stuff really quickly can help us start to live more sustainably.

For some really simple declutter tips to help you chuck out no regret stuff check out these lists.

I love the first one from Clutterless because it just focuses initially on the amount of pure rubbish and recycling we have around our homes.

The second list from Redefined Mom has more very quick suggestions for no regret throw outs.

And a quick scan down these big lists from PopSugar and Organise My House will give you some more ideas for things you can get rid of quickly.

And if these aren’t enough do check out my list of 250 things you will feel happier without.

4. Don’t Make An Even Bigger Mess!

A final simple declutter tip I really hold onto is this one from the very funny Dana at A Slob Comes Clean about how to declutter without making an even bigger mess. It’s actually super important because all the mess Marie Kondo has us making is the very reason her declutter method is such a disaster for so many of us.

 

So there you go, four super simple declutter tips that really worth a read. For more hands on support decluttering and organising your home do have a look at my FREE step-by-step declutter guide or have a read of these:

• Why Your Declutter Failed
• Clutter & Mental Health
• Declutter Motivation
• Just 10 Things : The Very Gentle Declutter Method That Works

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