Dear readers, let us learn about this deeply satisfying habit. I have tried my best to cover everything there is-to learn about it.
This week we shall work on *DRUMROLL*
DECLUTTERING
What is it about?
So decluttering is basically — getting rid of what you don’t need. Our homes are full of stuff that’s just lying there — catching dust. Some are useless, others useful but maybe not for us. Empty forgotten chapsticks, old bills, dried-up pens, clothes you don’t fit in anymore — the list is endless.
Decluttering is about holding things that matter to you and discarding the rest.
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What do you do with the stuff you don’t need?
(a) Donate
(b) Repurpose/upcycle
(c ) Discard
(d) Re-home — give it to someone who values it
(e) Garage sales (Try to avoid this one as you might end up re-homing the stuff that did not sell)
Why is it important to de-clutter?
A mess-free organized home — you may say. But let me tell you that is an after-effect. Like an added benefit.
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Decluttering is a form of SELF-CARE. It brings in a sense of satisfaction that is unmatched. As you see boxes and boxes of stuff being cleared from your home, it feels as if you have just let go of a burden that you have been carrying. It brings in an IMMENSE sense of ACCOMPLISHMENT.
Re-homing old toys and books and giving them to the needy — gives you a sense of purpose.
Upcycling old clothes into bags and kitchen napkins, even bookmarks! — there is so much that you can do.
The Science Behind Decluttering
Clutter is known to increase the stress hormone — cortisol and lead to decreased focus and productivity. A number of studies have shown the remarkable difference in working in an organized vs disorganized environment and home is no exception.
So, does Decluttering really have a positive impact on our brains?? There is only one way to find out — let’s TRY it 😊
SUPPLIES!
5–6 Cardboard boxes of different sizes
Organizers — Baskets, Cookie tin cans, Pen stands, drawstring cloth bags, shoe boxes.
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It would be a good idea to hit the nearest store and buy a few organizers to help you in your de-cluttering journey. Invest in good ones. Else there is always — DIY 😊
– An Alarm clock (Yes!)
STEP 1
Understand the rules of the game
RULE NO 1: Every item would fall into the following category
(a) Items you need
(b) Items you don’t need.
(c ) Items of sentimental value.
As a golden rule — discard anything that you haven’t used in the past year.
RULE NO 2: BE strict about disposing of items you don’t need! The thing may be useful but not to you. No item can be a MAYBE.
RULE NO 3: Dispose of duplicates — that extra stapler, the décor items you haven’t used in years. The multitude of additional stationery. Discard. You have NOT used them. You never will.
RULE NO 4: Never talk yourself into it. “I might need this”. “Just in case” — are trouble. It is better to give it away to someone needy. If you are de-cluttering — does mean you are abundant, isn’t it? 😊
RULE NO 5: Don’t let the guilt get over you. A brand-new watch that you haven’t worn in years. Stop feeling guilty. Well, maybe it isn’t your style. Gift it to someone.
THE GOLDEN RULE THAT CAN GET YOU OUT OF A TIGHT SPOT.
If you are doubtful about whether to keep something or not — go the Mary Kondo way. Honestly ask yourself — Does it spark JOY? Yes — keep it. NO? — Discard.
STEP 2
Grab your journal and ask yourself the following questions. BRAINDUMP for more clarity. This is important. Don’t skip this step.
– 3 Reasons why I Should De-clutter?
– What do I intend to do with disposed of items — My plan.
– Where do I start?
– 3 areas of the house that need the most attention
STEP 3
GET SET GO.
Remember the alarm clock (or your phone) we talked about in supplies? Time to take that out.
Start small. On the first day — maybe max 15 mins of your time — start de-cluttering. Set your alarm to a time you feel comfortable. Start with one corner of the house that you feel you can accomplish in that time.
It could be as small as a single drawer or maybe a whole cabinet.
Take time out whenever you can — and set small attainable goals. The idea is to stay on track and be consistent.
Use the cardboard boxes we talked about to discard items. You can classify these boxes as
– Donation box
– Repurpose/upcycle box (Be careful here. Don’t bite off more than what you can chew. Even if you have an iota of doubt that the item might land up in your house again — toss it into the donation box)
– Gift items (Stuff that you can give away as gifts to friends and family)
– Sentimental value (Be selective. The item should “spark joy”)
STEP 4
Earmark a place where you can keep the boxes — before you give them away.
Donation Box: Visit the nearest donation center as soon as you find the time. PRIORITY 1
Gift items box: It can take time to empty as you find suitable occasions.
Repurpose/upcycle boxes: They can be your weekend projects. Try to finish off ASAP!
Sentimental Item Box: Secure it in a trunk. Store the items well.
Step 5
Treat yourself to a job well done. 😀
Image by iStockPhoto.com
The first time you de-clutter, it can be overwhelming. You may end up feeling guilty of all the money that you have spent on stuff you didn’t really need. It is OKAY! We all do it.
All that matters is the BIGGER picture — Someone who needs it — gets it. Good Karma 😊
De-clutter away!!
And always remember — “The journey matters as much as the goal”
Do clap and leave a comment if you have anything to add.
Namaste.
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This post was previously published on medium.com.
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White Fragility: Talking to White People About Racism | Escape the “Act Like a Man” Box | The Lack of Gentle Platonic Touch in Men’s Lives is a Killer | What We Talk About When We Talk About Men |
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Photo credit: iStockPhoto.com