How to delcutter your forever home

The average American home has over 300,000 things in it. And 50% report that they have at least one room that has been taken over by clutter.

To start the process of decluttering, start by following these 3 tips:

1.       Start small.  We get overwhelmed by all the stuff.  So we ignore it.  We close the door because out of sight is out of mind.

To overcome the reluctance to deal with clutter, make a start.  One drawer, one shelf, or one box at a time.

2.       Get a system.

Find 4 boxes and label them.

• Gift

• Donate

• Trash

• Keep

• Gift. Place sentimental or valuable items you no longer use in this box to give to family or friends who will appreciate them.

• Donate. Give your gently used items to a local charity (e.g., Goodwill).  You are giving these items to a good home.

• Trash. Put items you can throw away in this box. Anything that is worn, broken, or missing pieces should go here.

• Keep. Retain items that you use regularly or that have strong sentimental meaning.  Ask yourself if you have used this item in the last year.  If not, consider putting it in the gift, donate, or trash box.

3.      Request/Gift consumables, services or experiences. Many of us don’t need more stuff.  I gave my mom a snack box that she could use rather than getting her another knick knack.

Reclaim the space in your forever home.  Make it easier to find things and enjoy those possessions you really value.