We all have some level of mess and clutter in our homes, and even in our lives. And, no matter how much we try to ignore it, the energetic effects are present and doing more harm than we know. Clutter is really a result of a chaotic state of being. This is why we tend to have more clutter and disorganization when we are busy and overwhelmed. And, yes, this can happen to anyone at any time.
If you want to get some order back in your home and life, focus and planning will need to happen…preferably sooner than later. Yeah, procrastination is a common enemy of those who have piles of clutter lurking around every corner. So, without further ado, let’s dive into some helpful ways to take control of clutter.
Create a Doable Plan
I don’t recommend de-cluttering without a plan, so get out a pen and paper and draw a map of your home. Label each room and decide where you are going to start and plot your best path to get the job done. With a plan, you are much more likely to succeed in a shorter period of time. Remember, to give yourself time and some wiggle room, just in case things don’t go well. It’s easy to get exhausted and sidetracked when you go through your things (memories).
Have 4 Bins (Keep, Trash, Sell, and Donate)
It’s no good throwing everything you find in one room into boxes that will likely end up in the garage or attic. Instead, make a decision on each item right now by sorting and placing it in the appropriate bin. This has always worked for me in the past. That said, remember to follow through with your choices as soon as possible. In other words, that “sell” bin is not meant to hide in your garage for months and months…or years.
Bring in Reinforcements
If your clutter is too overwhelming, you may need to bring in reinforcements. Often, people hoping to remove a large mess from their home will ask family and friends to help. This is an excellent way to get it done efficiently and also gives you some social time. Make it a cleaning party with refreshments and maybe a cookout.
Your attendees can help you make decisions and even take some of the clutter off your hands. This can also help with anxiety, frustration, and any feelings of grief that could come up while letting go of things.
Move Clutter to Storage Temporarily
Perhaps there are too many things to manage quickly and effectively. In this case, one option is to move the clutter to storage until you have the time to deal with it. This can also help if you are planning to do work on your home or are moving. Just remember, this is a temporary solution that I recommend putting a time limit on.
There are several ways to transport or store your belongings. You can move them into a storage unit that you rent by the month. There are also portable pods that actually sit on your property. You can also go through things a little at a time if you prefer to.
Rent a Dumpster
If you have large pieces of furniture and more boxes than you care to count, consider looking for a cheaper bin hire to catch all the trash and junk. It may seem extreme, but it can make the job more efficient and convenient, especially if you don’t have a way to transport things to the dump.
It may seem like an impossible task at first, but taking steps toward clearing your home will motivate you along the way. Think about how clean and energetic your space will feel once you’re done. Focus on that and I know you will finish the job!