10 Steps To A Successful Midlife Decluttering Journey

Declutter To Reinvent: Cat Coluccio

Are you feeling like your life is too cluttered and overwhelming? 

“When you declutter, you intentionally let go of what no longer serves you..”

Do you want to simplify and make room for what truly matters? 

Midlife is the perfect time to take a step back and re-evaluate your life, and decluttering goes hand in hand with this process. When you declutter, you intentionally let go of what no longer serves you, be it physical, emotional or digital, and doing so can be the first step towards creating a life that is more simple and more meaningful. When the clutter is cleared, you have space to plan and take action on the things you really want to do in your next season.

10 Steps To Successfully Declutter:

Look around your home, inside your car, and your workplace. What do you see? Are there dusty knick-knacks, empty coffee cups, and piles of mail overflowing on every surface? By tackling your physical clutter first, you can quickly see results which is both motivating and encouraging. So, to help you kick things off, read on for my 10 Steps to a Successful Midlife Decluttering Journey.

1. Identify Your “Why”

Before you start decluttering, it’s important to understand why you want to do it, as it’s going to take time and energy, and there will be times that you just can’t be bothered following through.

Are you feeling overwhelmed and stressed? 

Do you want to simplify your life? 

Are you wanting to downsize or travel more?

“Decluttering can be a big project, so it’s important to break it down into smaller, achievable goals.”

Or do you just want to get rid of the clutter that is affecting your day-to-day life? Knowing your “why” will keep you motivated and on track throughout the process.

Make A List:

2. Take An Inventory.

Take a look around your home and make a list of all your possessions. This will give you a clear idea of how much clutter you have and where you need to focus your efforts. This in itself can feel overwhelming, so break it down to one room or zone at a time. 

3. Set Achievable Goals.

Decluttering can be a big project, so it’s important to break it down into smaller, achievable goals. Start with one room or area at a time and work your way through your home. This will help you feel less overwhelmed and keep you motivated.

4. Say Goodbye To Duplicates.

Do you have multiple coffee makers or vacuum cleaners? This is really easy way to start releasing your clutter. Get rid of the duplicates and keep only what you need. This will help you simplify your life and reduce clutter.

5. Get Rid Of Things You No Longer Use Or Need.

Go through your list and get rid of anything that’s broken, outdated, hasn’t been worn or used in years, or just doesn’t bring you joy, a la Marie Kondo. Don’t hold onto things “just in case” you need them in the future. If you haven’t used it in the past year, it’s time to say goodbye.

6. Implement The “One In, One Out” Rule.

When you bring new things into your home, make sure to get rid of something else. This principle works especially well with clothing, and will help you maintain a clutter-free home by preventing it from becoming overwhelmed with new items.

“Getting rid of clutter is only one part of the equation..”

7. A la Marie Kondo.

Once you’ve decluttered, make sure to give everything a designated place. This will make it easier to put things away and keep your home organized. Getting rid of clutter is only one part of the equation – maintaining your clutter free space is the other! Clearing your pile of bills and junk mail might have felt great at the time, but as we know, give it a week or two and there will be more. Having a designated place to put them will help you maintain your clutter free bench and table tops.

Embrace This lifestyle:

8. Embrace The Minimalist Lifestyle.

Minimalism is all about owning only what you need and letting go of everything else. Embrace this lifestyle and make a conscious effort to reduce the amount of stuff you bring into your home. You’ll be amazed at how much lighter and more peaceful your life will feel! Remember though, minimalism in your home might look different to someone else’s – and that’s absolutely okay.

9. Get Creative With Storage.

If you need to keep items that you don’t use often, consider creative storage solutions like under-bed boxes or vacuum-sealed bags. This will keep your space clutter-free and make it easier to find things when you need them. Obvious items here are seasonal items like Christmas décor or summer camping gear.

Decluttering Goals:

10. Celebrate Your Progress.

Decluttering can be hard work, physically and emotionally, so make sure to celebrate your progress along the way. Treat yourself to a massage, a night out with friends, or a relaxing spa day – but maybe not a shopping trip! You deserve to both acknowledge and celebrate following through with your decluttering goals. 

Decluttering your home and simplifying your life can be a big project, but it’s worth it. By following these 10 steps, you’ll be on your way to a successful midlife decluttering journey that will leave you feeling lighter, happier, and more in control. 

So, what are you waiting for? 

It’s time to get started!

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