Clutter Prevention

There is no point de-cluttering if you will replace those things and end up back where you started. The key to maintaining a simplified home is preventing yourself from reaching that point again.

Here are some tips on how to keep your home free from clutter:

• Establish a "clutter reserve" - like wildlife reserves, these are limited areas where clutter may live freely, so long as it stays within boundaries. In a bedroom, for example, a chair becomes a clutter preserve. A kitchen junk drawer can house vitamin bottles, rubber bands, cut out recipes, coupons, shopping receipts etc. 
• Have a “do not buy” and/or “do not keep” list. If during the de-cluttering stage you found that you have multiple numbers of the same items, add them to your list and keep it in your purse/wallet/phone.
• Have a waiting period before you buy new things. If not being able to stay away from the shops is a big issue for you, consider having a ‘cooling off’ period between desire and purchase. Keep a wish list where you note things you want to buy but wait a week (or longer) and see if you still want any of it after some reflection.
• Borrow rather than buy. Things like DVDs, CDs, Video Games and books can be rented cheaply these days either online or your local library. If you only need an items rarely or as a one-off, ask to borrow from a family member, friend or neighbour (i.e. tools). Alternatively you could buy it together and share.
• One in, one out. Whenever you buy a new thing (i.e. new top, magazine, crockery etc.), at least one old one must be discarded, recycled or donated. Adopting a one in, one out rule keeps the level of stuff below the clutter point by limiting total numbers.
• Limit clutter gifts. If you don’t need anything, let people know. Tell them instead that you would love an experience (i.e. theatre tickets, concert tickets, a day at a spa, a trip to the zoo, cinema vouchers etc.) or get them to make a charitable donation to a charity of your choice. If it is presents for your children, tell them to give them money for their savings account instead. On the other hand, if you do have needs or wants, let people know. Some people insist on giving gifts, even if you say no so it is better to get them to buy something you actually want or ask for gift vouchers. I really like fresh flowers and it is a treat I rarely buy myself so it is always a special gift!

Image courtesy of https://www.pinterest.com/explore/exposed-brick-kitchen/

Sabine

Simply De-cluttering - Part Three

Depending on how much needs to be tackled in your home, the de-cluttering process is unlikely to be accomplished in a week. 

First of all, you need to know what clutter is. Only you know what your clutter is – what looks like clutter to one person is someone else’s treasure! 
In general, though, clutter is anything in your life that you don’t love, use or hold dear – or anything in the wrong place in your home.

To start de-cluttering your stuff, you will need five boxes/baskets/bags with the following labels:

·         Other rooms

·         Sell

·         Donate

·         Recycling

·         Rubbish

      

Image courtesy of http://edmonton-home-inspections.ca/planning-sell-home-declutter/  

Pick one area – this could be a whole room or, if that is too overwhelming, a cupboard or drawer.

Start with your chosen room/area and don’t move on until you have finished – don’t get sidetracked!

For every item that you find, ask yourself whether you want to keep it or get rid of it. Then put that item in the appropriate box/bag. Using the box method means that you can focus on one thing at a time and at the end of the session, simply do what needs to be done with each box.

Sabine