The Basics of Decluttering
It’s time for a refresher! In August 2023, we talked about the Basics of Organizing. This month, we will feature the foundational element of organizing: Decluttering.
1. Rules to live by when decluttering:
Keep it where you use it. A place for everything and everything in its place.
Make labels, not war. Everything is visible and easy access for everyone; no more “Where is my…?”
Have a place for nothing. Some things just don’t belong, but they need a home, too.
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2. Tactics to use when decluttering:
Put a number on it - when is enough enough? (Ex: “How many pairs of gold hoop earrings do I need?”) Is it possible you could donate 10% of your collection you likely won’t wear again?
Identify trigger items. If you come across something that makes you extra emotional, put in a box, label it and move on to something else. Come back to it in an hour or a month, when you feel ready.
Invite a friend to hang out, or call OFab! Company to support you can be motivating. Whether it’s the accountability factor or the other person’s energy, it can help. Ask them to hold stuff for you - they can hold up one thing at a time for you to decide keep or donate. This way, you don’t have to touch everything - that always makes these decisions harder. Or, call us - we are experts, after all!
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3. Important things to keep in mind:
Decluttering will save you money! If you don’t declutter your home, most likely you will keep buying more things because you can’t find the things you have, ending up with even more belongings and having to get a storage unit that you don’t need and which will only cost you more money in the long run.
See our past blog, “Is Your Storage Unit a Black Hole? (https://ofab.me/blog-posts/is-your-storage-unit-a-black-hole") for how this bad habit works.
“What’s the cost of keeping it?” Many ppl fear that if they toss something, they may need it later and have to spend more money. Does the item take up valuable space in your home? When is the last time you used it? If you can’t justify keeping it, let it go and give others joy. Donations to schools, museums, or specific non-profits are great ways to give back.
See our past blog, “Are Your Clients ‘Collectors’?” (https://ofab.me/blog-posts/are-your-clients-collectors-1) for help with these decisions.
Actually donate your donations - or call OFab! It sounds obvious, but we are realistic, and everyone has that “donate” bag or pile that sits around forever. Put that bag of donations near the entry way or in your front car seat so that it’s annoying and you have to stare at it. When you do donate, the feeling can make all your hard work seem worth it. Or, you can call OFab and we can declutter and take your donations!
This process, regardless of why you’re doing it, is always going to be the least favorite - but often most important - task for homeowners, especially if they have lived in a home for several years.
At OFab, we have over a decade of experience helping people declutter their homes (and more!). We’ve learned a lot about the process and how it can affect people, and we have perfected the art of decluttering! 😉
Our service comes with fun, compassion and understanding for the difficulties involved.
