Professional organizers and decluttering experts all say the same thing- there are many rules of thumb when it comes to getting your home in perfect order, and keeping it that way. Here are just a few examples of what they advise against when you want to declutter and organize your home.
Don’t Cling to the Past
We all have clothes from “way back when” that hang in the closet just waiting to be worn again. And there are always sweet toys that your little ones used to play with that you haven’t been able to even consider parting with. Deciding to declutter your home is the perfect time to commit to letting go and donating these items so that they can be used and enjoyed by those who need them. Not clinging to “things” is the first step in really getting things organized, for good.
Don’t Let it Linger
Of course you will need to sort things into categories (e.g., toss, recycle, donate, give to friend, put in deep storage). But here’s the crucial part: Once you have decided where something is going to go — take it there. Never keep bags for charity or boxes for friends in your home to deliver later. Do it now. Finish the process. Take the bags and boxes out to the trash or recycling immediately. If you’re donating something or giving something to a friend or family member, put the items in your car or make arrangements for dropping them off. You’ve done so much work getting this stuff ready to take out, complete the deal!
Don’t Aim for Perfection
Very few people have perfect homes, closets, home offices, and drawers that resemble what you see in magazines, or Pinterest, and T.V. You will ultimately be disappointed if perfection is your goal. The goal is to declutter and organize your spaces in a way that works well for your needs. And that is success.
Don’t Clear your Calendar
Do not set aside an ENTIRE day to organize your WHOLE house. Very few people have the energy and/or focus to spend 8 hours organizing. You’ll likely become frustrated and less efficient as the day progresses. It’s much better to spend a few hours — 2 or 3 — on one project or space. This way you’ll feel motivated to do more, not burned out by the process.
Don’t Get Ahead of Yourself
Do not go out and buy a ton of storage pieces and supplies before you sort through your home. All of those pretty bins, boxes and baskets are very enticing, but they won’t do you any good unless they fit the space (on the shelf, under the bed, in the closet), hold what you need them to hold, and function properly for your particular space.
Ready to get going on your decluttering? Way to go! After things are in tip top shape, have a party.