10 Tips for De-Cluttering Your Home

New Year usually brings the desire for a better life, for change, for less-chaotic environment. No wonder that many of us start thinking – at this time of the year - about paring down our possessions and de-cluttering.

Here are my tried and tested tips on how to achieve an effective clear-out:

1.       Just start – anywhere, at any time. Don`t wait to make plans… draw up diagrams of `what/when/how`. Starting, even on a small box that contains old bank statements, will set you up on a way to bigger achievements

2.       Give yourself realistic deadlines. No need to try to complete the task in 2 days when you are genuinely busy. Even 15 minute `tidying slots` per day will add up eventually

3.       Be decisive. Don`t just push things from one place to another. The point is to free yourself from unnecessary stuff. Make sure you are clear on what you need to have and what doesn`t add any value to your existence

4.       Beware of `just in case` mentality. If you have not used something in the last six months, the likelihood of using it tomorrow is extremely small. The only exception is Christmas decorations

5.       Assess your storage situation. Are you making the most of your current arrangements?

6.       Create three piles: `To Keep`, `Give to Charity/ or Friends`, and `Discard`. Be ruthless. No point holding onto things just for sentimental reasons. If needed, take a photo of the sentimental object so you have it when you want to remind yourself, but don`t keep a tapestry just because you`ve made it while still at school

7.       Likewise, don`t hold onto something which is not pretty. A badly fitted dress has to go, even if it was a present from your mother. You know you won’t wear it. As per above – take a photo and let the dress go

8.       Remind yourself often why you are culling. It is not easy to function in a messy environment. Freeing your personal space will free your mind

9.       Organise yourself – call in a removal team if you are going to discard larger pieces. There are plenty of people who would take your rubbish away and their service is not expensive

10.   Reward yourself for doing well. If you sold some of unwanted  goods, treat yourself to something you will remember, and not necessary another physical object. A lovely massage would be more beneficial than yet another book, or a pair of shoes.

Happy New Year!