How many of you promised yourselves that you would use lockdown to finally declutter and get organised? Me too! And yet seven weeks in and there are still those pesky jobs sitting on the the To Do list. If you are looking for a bit of motivation to get you started here are some of my favourite decluttering tips – there are quick and easy wins and others to help with the more daunting decluttering tasks.
Get into the groove
Decluttering does not mean your house becomes a homage to minimalism. Think about what you feel makes a home and what you like to surround yourself with. If your environment makes you unproductive or stressed out this would be a good signal that it is time to tackle a declutter!
Take stock
Before you get started ask these three questions: What is working well? What is not working well? How much does ‘not working well’ impact my daily life? This helps you set your priorities and what resources you need to help you get the job done.
Effortless organisation
Organisational success often revolves around the habits and activities you do naturally. For example – think about your morning routine when you wake up. Around the essential activity of getting out of bed and morning ablutions you might have included: Stretches, beauty regimes, clothes out the night before and making your bed. Use systems and strategies to establish good organising habits.
Team activity
Sharing a house is a group activity and so should household organising be! Giving each person their own area of responsibility will help spread the load as well as helping build organisational skills.
Make your bed
Everyone should make their bed! Surprising benefits include helping with your overall productivity and respecting your sleeping space is linked to respect for yourself. Famous video about the importance of making your bed by Admiral William H. Raven
What do with all the toys?
Too Many Toys by David Shannon is a children’s book (also on YouTube) which highlights the problem perfectly and is a great conversation starter (for all the family!). Draw up some boundaries that everyone is happy with and if you are struggling to negotiate there are some great tips on Lets Lasso the Moon.
Out of date – out it goes
Set up a visible shopping list on the fridge (or, if you prefer, use Alexa/Google Home) and then clear out your cupboards of things that are out of date – spices, make up and medicines are the biggest culprits! If you want to replace them add them to the shopping list as you go along.
Little wins – big impact
Start small (a cupboard, a drawer, your car, your handbag!). It will not be too overwhelming, time consuming and help get you into the decluttering groove.
Paper, paper everywhere
Set up individual baskets and trays for any post or paperwork coming into the house. It keeps things sorted right from the start. Place it near the paper recycling so you can recycle envelopes and junk mail immediately.
Do not buy storage!
So many of my clients started off by buying ‘miracle’ storage solutions or lovely folders only to find they are not the right size, shape, capacity or they did not need them at all!
And finally, keep this quote by William Morris in mind: “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful”.
Happy Organising!
