Home Kuel Thought Leader: Lori Roach
At this point, you’ve probably read what seems like a million articles on decluttering.
You know “why” you want to declutter; you know the areas of your home that need to be decluttered; and you know the benefits of decluttering.
But somehow, your house is still full of “stuff”. You just don’t ever seem to do the actual work of decluttering your home. It feels so overwhelming! Everywhere you look – you’ve got stuff! Where do you even begin? It’s time to understand the actual process of decluttering. Something to move you from thoughts to action.
I’ve got a step-by-step guide to walk you through a decluttering project from start to finish. And to make sure you take action – there are only 5 steps! Let’s go!
Choose Space To Declutter:
Your first job is to choose one specific, finite space to declutter. Choose a small space. A bathroom cabinet. A linen closet. The kitchen pantry. The choice of where to start is yours, but make sure that it is small and specific.
Next, follow these five steps in order. These are the exact actions you need to take to declutter any space quickly and easily. Although it may sound like a lot to go through, it’s simpler than it looks in writing. And, you will be successful.
“The choice of where to start is yours, but make sure that it is small and specific.”
Decluttering Step 1 – Create A Vision:
Always start with a solid understanding of the project.
- What do you want this space to look like once it’s been decluttered?
- How do you want it to function?
- Are there structural changes, equipment needs, or specific items you need to take care of before decluttering?
- Take measurements, if needed, and list any organization or storage items you might need to realize your vision.
Decluttering Step 2 – Empty Your Space:
Start with a blank canvas by clearing out the area you want to declutter. Remove everything. Yes, everything. Clean the area. Place any organization or storage items where you want them.
Decluttering Step 3 – Organize Your Items:
You are going to declutter before you put anything back. You will need three to four boxes or bags for this step. Sort items one at a time into the following categories:
- Throw Away
- Give Away/Donate
- Keep
- Optional: Set Aside (re-evaluate in three months) – Use this one sparingly for sentimental items you aren’t ready to part with yet or items you know you should get rid of but aren’t quite able to let go of just yet.
If you skip over this step or put things in the wrong category, you’ll be right back where you started. Be tough on yourself! (Do you really need 20 dishtowels, or are six enough?)
Take some time to reflect on what you’re thinking and feeling throughout this process. Notice where you feel resistance to letting go. Don’t try to deny your emotions, just acknowledge their existence and continue separating your items anyway. Accepting the frustration, guilt, and even sadness of letting go is a part of the decluttering process. Feel your feelings, but keep taking action.
“Accepting the frustration, guilt, and even sadness of letting go is a part of the decluttering process. “
Decluttering Step 4 – Put Every Item Where It Belongs:
Now for the fun part… It’s time to return items from your “Keep” pile to your space.
Organize items you plan to keep by function or category into distinct zones within your space so you can find and use what you need easily. Every item should fit neatly into the space. Don’t overcrowd. Make it look pretty, too – the more you like the look, the more you’ll be inclined to keep up with the changes and not slide back into a decluttered mess.
Keep your horizontal spaces (countertops, tables) at least 80% clear. Use minimal décor – maybe a plant, small stack of books, single decorative object. Too many items will just become distracting and make it harder to clean. After you’ve replaced your “Keep” items, it’s time to toss all the items in the “Throw Away” bags.
Next, place items you want to donate in your vehicle to drop off at the donation center within the next week. Don’t let them take up any more of your precious space.
Finally, place any items you’d like to reevaluate later somewhere out of the way for now. Do not put them back into your newly organized space! Store them out of sight until you are ready for their second look.
Decluttering Step 5 – Reassess Your Space:
Now it’s time to take a step back and evaluate your space from a fresh perspective. Take note of how the finished space makes you feel. Does it function as intended?
“Do not put them back into your newly organized space!
Keep an eye out for any items that don’t seem to fit the overall look or function of the space. You can still toss, donate, or give away additional items to make the space even more functional and/or aesthetically appealing.
Do a trial run of any tasks or activities you have planned for your newly organized space and make note of any obstacles or challenges you encounter. For example, is it easy to access your new work area or do you need to move a few things around first?
Roadblocks like this can lead to frustration and procrastination, so it’s best to address them right away. Once you’re happy with your decluttering results in one space, repeat these steps for each space you need to declutter and organize.
Before long, you’ll experience the many benefits of living and working in an area that is clean, organized, and free from clutter. Look at you go!
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About the Author:
Lori Roach’s professional career has encompassed convention management, corporate training, education administration, and – most important to her – full-time motherhood. As she entered her mid-fifties, she found herself moving to a new city – leaving her friends and job behind just as she became an empty nester. Seeking both purpose and a new challenge, Lori started a blog, CircleSquareOval. Her goal is to help every woman “shape a modern midlife” by focusing on self-discovery, confidence, and connection to the world around them.
A bit of a gypsy at heart, Lori has relocated twenty-two times in her life, making her something of an expert on settling into a new space, unpacking and decorating quickly, and creating a feeling of “home”. She joins Kuel Life as a Home Category Expert.
You can read more from Lori at CircleSquareOval and find her on Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest as well.
