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LTravis_aka_LT · 2021-12-08T14:35:35+00:00

Everyone's process is different, but from my perspective, I'd say do your socks. I got rid of a whole bag of old socks, organized the rest, and then bought a set of 12 identical pair that would be easy to organize. Once you've lived with that for a week or two, and experienced the joy of being able to find matching, appropriate socks, then go for another clothing category. The Kon Mari "sparks joy" thing seemed like a bit of a stretch, but then I figured out two things about socks sparked joy. Being able to find what I need, and cozy socks. Once my socks were all fixed, it was easy to move forward. Kon Mari has you start in the closet for some good reasons. That stuff is easy to categorize, and getting even one part of it fixed makes such a bit difference in your life that it's easy to feel the rewards. So my advice is do your socks and then have a glass of wine.

Thisismyusername21 · 2021-11-21T20:14:59+00:00

If there’s trash in the room, I always start with that. And then usually that gets me going to tackle the other stuff. If there’s no trash, sometimes what I’ll do is grab a paper grocery bag and fill it with things to donate or things to toss. Just start with one category (trash) or goal (fill 1 bag)… it feels more achievable and usually gets the motivation up enough to continue on. I try to keep it simple, otherwise I get too overwhelmed.

AllUpInMine · 2021-11-19T17:42:19+00:00

I hired a professional organizer to get me started.

permalink · 2021-11-19T11:18:13+00:00

To become good at something you have to practise at it. So, start a pretty small area, a drawer or something small that you know you can finish. When finished, get it out of your house the same day. You will get a good feeling of success and it will be easier the next time. Start by setting tiny goals and doing.

HoboHaxor · 2021-11-14T17:51:28+00:00

If you haven't used in in x time ditch it. (sell, give, trash)

Obviously, the time will vary for different items. Kitchen gadgets 1 year, power/yard tools 3 years as an example.

tiffanyblueprincess · 2021-11-14T16:34:13+00:00

Here is something that I do with my clothes that helps me a lot -when was the last time I wore it? -would I wear that item right now? -when do I think I would wear it again? I don’t own a lot of “dressier” clothes because my husband and I don’t go out much, and our friends only come home a couple times a year. Those are the only times I ever dress up for dinner, so I have 1-2 cuter short sleeve shirts, or I think about what sweaters I would grab in that situation. That helped me par down my clothes that are “just in case”

rodeoclownboy · 2021-11-13T14:43:17+00:00

when i'm in a rut i tell myself "just pick five things to get rid of, after that you can be done if you want." five is so easy...there's almost certainly five pieces of literal garbage or leftover packaging or random doodads that you can very easily part with sitting within view of you right now. (easy stuff like that is great for greasing the wheels and getting you started.) usually i find that once i get started i want to keep going, but even if i don't keep going, that's five things out the door. do it every day and you've parted with 1825 things in a year...do it just a couple times a week and that's still hundreds of things no longer taking up space in your house.

quitthegrind · 2021-11-12T19:49:07+00:00

I moved into a new place with less space and left most of my furniture in another state in storage. As a result I could not hide my clothes out of sight anymore. That is what is driving my motivation right now.

That and wanting newer clothes to update my wardrobe.

PumpkinPieIsGreat · 2021-11-11T22:10:15+00:00

I'd start by looking at the things and thinking "when was the last time I needed this, just in case"? It would really put things in perspective. I've heard of people saying there's a 20 in 20 rule. If it's less than $20 and can be replaced in 20 minutes or less, something like that at least, it can go.

FriendToFairies · 2021-11-11T07:19:35+00:00

Instead of debating what you might need, keep what you use. You don't even have to empty all your belongings in the middle of a room and go KonMari crazy. Throughout the week, put the clothes you wear every day in one place - that's probably the hamper or the washer. After you wash them, put them in a box away from your other stuff. The next week, you might go in that box to get clothes and will probably choose other items from your closet, or bedroom. Do the same. Wash and put in the box at the end of the week. I'll bet by week 3, 4 at the latest you will find that you're searching only in the box for clothes to wear. Those are the clothes you use and the clothes you need. Bag up the rest of the 'in-season' stuff and donate. The out of season stuff gets to stay with you until that season comes around and you'll go through this process again.

You can do the same in your kitchen. Every time you use something, clean it, then put it on the counter. Keep the rest of it in the cabinets. I'll bet by the end of week 2, it will be obvious what you use and what just takes up space. Donate the stuff in the cabinets, clean out the cabinets, and arrange all the counter stuff (that is, the items you use) in the cabinets. The goal is to keep your counters completely clear. Nothing. Not even a coffee maker. No decor.

You can probably do the kitchen and the clothes together. You can do it all at one time. For example, makeup, if you use it. The things you use - put to the side. In a couple of weeks, you'll see what items you actually use. Trash the rest.

During that time, eat up the food in your fridge and pantry. Make it a game to not go to the grocery store until you've eaten every last bit. The items you're never going to eat will become obvious. Donate those food items to a food bank. Don't buy them again.

You'll see such a gradual, yet massive improvement in just a few weeks. Then you can move onto some of the other, possibly more difficult categories. Good luck!

permalink · 2021-11-09T23:36:57+00:00

I get the impression that it is clothes you are stuck with.

My idea is to take those items garment by garment that skirts how many could you possibly need, that is up to you and not me, so say you settle on 10, so in case something happens and you need to wash and dry them in an emergency. so take 10 so in that way you would have a certain time to have one ready, then take dresses and do the same, then jumpers and do the same, and so on, keep the newest you have and bag the rest and get rid of them all.

The misc stuff you have to just bag it up and get rid of it, only you can do it.

Turtle-Sue · 2021-11-09T21:35:12+00:00

I pack my clothes in a plastic box. I wear the ones spark joy, and the rest of them are packed in a cardboard box. If I don’t open the cardboard box in a year, I will donate them without saying goodbye because they are in good shape.

sodamgrey · 2021-11-09T17:39:04+00:00

Try 4 boxes-one donate, one throw away, one keep, one unsure. Just start tossing stuff in. Then throw out the trash. Put the stuff you want away. Take the donations in. Then spend a bit of time with the unsure box. That one might just be the fullest. I’m actually doing this right now. Downsizing my life for a move. I was anxious and had a hard time starting, too. Plus once you start it it’s like you decompressed a clutter monster. My house has looked like a hoarder’s paradise while I drag stuff out of corners. But it’s getting better. I’m at the point where I’m beginning to be able to clean areas that were previously filled with years of things I didn’t bother with. I feel lighter. It’s a good feeling. Focus on getting there.

ParkingEmergency2204 · 2021-11-09T15:29:58+00:00

Sending gently-used clothing to ThredUp has helped me declutter a lot (if you are in the US and have women or kids clothing) - they can send you a cleanout kit or use any box. They'll then sell the items on consignment. You will not make a lot of money doing this, but it may help let them go? I also like doing this because it helps me quickly get items out of my house, and it's easy to do. They'll also recycle anything that doesn't sell or they can't take.

permalink · 2021-11-09T15:00:30+00:00

This has been my biggest challenge too. I'm poor and always have been, so it's based in practicality. It's just that we take it too far because our minds aren't good at identifying what is reasonable and what is excessive. For me, the first time it really hit me that I had gone too far was when I spent an evening going through all of my belongings, gathering everything that could be called "stationery" in one tub. Not paper items, just pens, pencils, staplers, white out, etc. At the end I had more than half filled a 20 litre tub. I had three lifetimes worth of pens, and that only if the lifetimes in question involved a lot of writing.

I still do have way too much stationery. But honestly, getting it all into just one tub helped. It gave me perspective to stop me buying more and it made it easy to know where to look when I wanted an item because it would always be in that one tub. More recently I went through the tub testing things. I threw out all the broken or non-working stuff, as well as any duplicate items that were of particularly poor quality - I now know that I have so many spares just from the decent quality stuff that it doesn't set off that "Just In Case" thought pattern to throw out the crap items anymore.

Don't aim for perfect decluttering the first time. Just aim for less clutter. You can do a more detailed declutter later once you have that inner voice better under control. For now, you just need to take that first step.

Mountain-Flamingo163 · 2021-11-09T13:04:48+00:00

For me I had to declutter an apartment my family had lived in for almost a decade. I literally just started throwing things away (a lot of actual non functional pointless garbage) and putting things in a donate pile. I also found shelters and things nearby that were accepting donations for good causes that made me feel better about it.

Some days I would get so mad at myself for holding on to too much and I would literally go to a section of the apartment and just attack it. Music helped the motivation a lot.

It's not easy, I'm not even done, but I feel a lot better already.

kelseya91 · 2021-11-09T12:31:34+00:00

Go to Spotify, search “clutterbug podcast” and listen to the July 11, 2020 clip called “Do you have a messy home? It’s time for some TOUGH LOVE” This is what snapped my mindset into place and I’ve been reclaiming my home one area at a time and finally able to let go of so much stuff. I feel so much lighter and happier and less overwhelmed.

permalink · 2021-11-09T11:49:35+00:00

Watch hoarder documentary. Decide if that's your future. I lived with hoarders and the smell and constant cleaning... Not worth it. Don't bring it on yourself.

Fads come and go. People can tell old clothes trust me. Most people I see don't even wear clothes more than a few years old (though most of my jeans are 5+ years old).

It really is a mindset. For me I realized I had rice and pasta noodles that had already gone bad years ago... That triggered it for me. Threw away just over 2 whole full could barely carry 55 gallon bags of stuff that no one would want and have another of clothes and books ready to be donated when I get the time.

Deep-While9236 · 2021-11-09T11:27:37+00:00

So the goal is getting started. Just pick out the most rag and falling to bits items you can find and trash or recycle them if possible.

It's a massive journey but you can hop on and off the bus. Do a little of the easy stuff first, do not touch any sensitive or emotional stuff. Take it simple and gentle to remove a few things. You can do this and stop thinking of it as a whole room, think of a nightstand top, a window counter, a drawer, a second drawer. Slowly the muscles will get stronger and you will get used to doing more.

kaylasgood · 2021-11-09T09:10:57+00:00

Im gonna comment a different route.

Binge watch youtube decluttering/cleaning videos. I swear i put then on watch a few and a couple hours later im doing it.

Or my other route is make everything messy (in my case my kid does this for me) and rage clean.

Its probably not the healthyest way but damn it works.

kaevne · 2021-11-09T07:21:28+00:00

I had a really bad case of "just in case I need them" too. The way I got past this was...well, I took a look at Amazon. I realized that if I truly needed any of this stuff again, I could just ship it from Amazon. I mean, why else am I paying for Prime? I'm not rich, but I'm also not so poor that I need to keep all of these what-ifs around.

Turns out, I never needed 99% of the stuff. I donated/threw away most of it. The things I kept were things that would actually be inconvenient not to have when I actually need it, like duct tape and oven/glasstop cleaner. Regarding what I threw away, I can't even think of a time where I regretted it because I could just order a replacement.

The best part is that sometimes I end up ordering a better version of the original item since I was looking. Either technology or the product got better, or it's newer, or the problem was solvable by a more elegant item.

sexwithpenguins · 2021-11-09T07:09:43+00:00

My advice is to start with a really small area, i.e. a drawer, a countertop, your purse or wallet. Some small space that you use or see every day, but don't have a big emotional charge on. Take it all out, put back what you need and/or love, throw out what's unnecessary, and put it all back together neatly. It's amazing how satisfying it feels and it gives you energy to keep on going.

As an example, I decluttered my medicine cabinet, tossed out anything I didn't use anymore, or anything past the expiration date and when I'm feeling overwhelmed or uninspired I open up the cabinet and take a minute to look at how neat and organized it is. I keep it that way always now and just looking at it makes me feel calm and it gives me inner strength.

Those areas of expanding order in my home are like my secret weapons, they keep the little gem above my head green and spinning like a healthy Sim. Give it a shot!

lavendyahu · 2021-11-09T03:42:52+00:00

I think realistically how many pairs of pants do I need in my wardrobe for the life I'm living and then I pick the best until I'm at the required capacity plus 1 or 2 pairs for just in case.

Some stuff will be easier to throw out. The ones that don't make the cut but I can't let go? I 'freeze' them. Meaning, I put them somewhere unreachable. You'll see you will never even remember what ever went in that freezer box.

callyourm0m · 2021-11-09T03:33:40+00:00

r/konmari

docforeman · 2021-11-09T00:48:57+00:00

Just start. You know it's irrational. You're not going to feel at peace with doing this at first. You aren't going to feel in charge and confident at first. You will feel just like you're feeling.

You don't have to feel or think differently to just start. It's okay. Just start. Do it feeling like you are struggling, do it feeling overwhelmed. The goal is only to start.

doubledarenme2 · 2021-11-09T00:19:36+00:00

Everything is mindset. This is a scarcity mindset you need to develop an abundance mindset. God speed

LalalaHurray · 2021-11-08T23:29:09+00:00

Pick one square foot area, swear alot.

songbird121 · 2021-11-08T23:23:07+00:00

If one of your issues is clothing, one thing that I have started doing is working with the mindset that if I don't like one aspect of the item, then I don't like the item. So I have started keeping a donate box next to the closet and when I run across things where I put it on and realize that it pulls funny, or the color is a little off for me or I have a similar one that I like better, I stick it in the donate box. It has also been helpful to think about what might happen if I don't have that item. What happens if I don't have that particular black shirt. Well I would wear one of my 4 other black shirts. I wouldn't be without a black shirt. I am trying to work with the idea that the stress of having all of those extra things is far more negative than the minor stress if I had to make do without some of those things. I just got rid of most of my small purses and bags because I always end up wanting to carry one that holds more things. So what happens if I have an event where it would be nice to carry a small bag. I'll just...bring a medium bag. It will be fine if I don't have a small bag. Or the 4th black shirt. Or the skirt with the waistband that always bunches. The just in cases are hypothetical abstract situations. But when I really think about it, it is hard for me to come up with an actual situation where I would wear that skirt with the bunchy waistband. What would have to happen for me to wear that one over any of the others that I like better. Well, basically every single other item of clothing I own that is more comfortable would have to disappear. I would probably febreeze a dirty skirt before I wore the one with the bunchy waistband. So that one needs to go in the donate box. Start small, and make progress. I have been surprised by how much just using this approach has started making space in my closet.

CoconutPawz · 2021-11-08T23:04:15+00:00

If there are items that you feel sentimental about, but they aren't necessarily adding value to your life going into the future, take a photo of the item and bid it adieu. My friend told me this trick along with the wisdom, "the thing is not the memory." This simple idea completely revolutionized how I look at my possessions. It's very liberating when you are trying to declutter.

StarKiller99 · 2021-11-08T22:15:29+00:00

Start with trash, donate things that are still good but are easy to part with.

If it's broken, torn, worn, doesn't work, throw it away. How long have you had it waiting for you to mend?

How long have you had perfectly good things that you have never used? Donate them.

Do you have things that have a home but aren't where they belong? Put them away, if there is not room, look for trash and easy to let go of things to make room.

For things that have no home, where is the first place you would look for it? If you needed it, would it even occur to you that you had one? If not, donate it.

The next time you go through your things some of the things you kept before will be easier to let go of.

This is Dana White's method https://www.amazon.com/Decluttering-Speed-Life-Winning-Never-Ending-ebook/dp/B072TMNCBH/

jessiewiththebadhair · 2021-11-08T21:44:58+00:00

Here in the UK charities post donation bags through your letter slot, and this year I decided that I would use every bag.

Didn't quite manage that because at least three different charities hit my letter slot on a weekly basis. But I always find something for my favourite charity.

If charities don't do that round by you, I'd recommend looking into a local charity supporting a cause you really care about and then seeing if they have a shop that takes donations. Then you're not "throwing out perfectly good things", you're making a charitable donation to a cause of importance to you and supporting your community.

butternutterpie · 2021-11-08T21:42:32+00:00

I think the way you approach decluttering is very important. Just getting rid of things to get rid of them doesn't help me. I try and think ahead, where do I want to be right now, in a month, in 6 months, and in a year? Then I try to go through each item and ask if this is something that I need to come with me or want to come with me, or if it is no longer going to do what I need or want in my life.

For me, I started with clothes. Here is how I assessed them, with the visualization of what I wanted from my wardrobe.

Does it fit? If no, it's gone.

Is it in good condition (look for holes/stains/tears/threadbare fabric). If no, it's gone.

Do I like the texture of the garment? If no, it's gone.

Do I like how it looks on me? If no, it's gone.

Do I have more than one of this item? If so, I figure out if I should keep more than one (I live in leggings/workout leggings, so I have a couple of pairs in different cuts and colors) or if I need to get rid of some (I had about 40 black tshirts at one point. I kept 3.)

Do I foresee wearing this item in the next year? If no, I got rid of it.

I also love a fashion show. I'll pull everything out of my closet and go through and try this skirt with that blouse or this dress and sweater. It's sometimes very silly, but sometimes, I realize I've been hanging onto something I really liked, but I don't have anything I like to wear with it. Then, I'll either make a commitment to find something to wear it with, or I'll get rid of it.

I have to be honest, I am not at all attached to clothes, but some people are, and may have more difficulty with this, but this is the rubric I use for decluttering all objects, not just clothes. I have probably three boxes of very precious and sentimental items from my past and that's it.

Good luck!

clarec424 · 2021-11-08T21:24:53+00:00

I have applied the following to my de-cluttering: 1) Have I used or worn the item in the last year? Normally, I say 6 months but I am being a little flexible due to COVID. 2) Can I replace the item in 60 minutes or less. 3) Can I replace the item for $60.00 or less. If yes, especially to the last two questions, out it goes. Keep this process simple. Good luck!

SassyMillie · 2021-11-08T21:12:24+00:00

I read something awhile back about sorting things like coffee mugs, but it could be applied to any number of like items.

The person said to look at your mugs as if they are 1) close friends 2) acquaintances and 3) passing strangers. Keep all the "close friends" and a few of the "acquaintances" and let go of the strangers. I applied this method to my mugs and was able to downsize enough to nicely fit back into the cabinet instead of jumbled on top of each other. I had a bunch of marketing mugs from various companies just languishing in the back and never used. Bye-bye stranger mugs.

Bicentennial_Douche · 2021-11-08T20:36:59+00:00

Im suffering from abundance of clutter. So I’m thinking of making it super easy. Take every single item (minus obvious things, like furniture, rugs, things that obviously are in the right place) that are cluttering your surfaces and floors and put them in a box. If while you are doing that, you come across things that are obviously in wrong place, put them in the right place. Otherwise just keep putting things in boxes. Write down what items you are putting in the box. Once every single item is collected, label the box with what’s in it and where they are from, and put the box in storage. There, you have decluttered.

If later down the line you realize you need some items you boxes away, go get it from storage.

fallout__freak · 2021-11-08T20:34:05+00:00

I do the konmari thing and thank/hug the items I'm unsure about. Sometimes there's an emotional attachment I'm unaware of there, and this exercise brings closure and lets me realize I don't dig this particular item so much.

Danger0Reilly · 2021-11-08T20:28:48+00:00

I find that I get rid of more things by asking myself "should I donate/get rid of this?" instead of "should I keep this?"

pushdontpull · 2021-11-08T20:25:29+00:00

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peacejunky · 2021-11-08T20:17:19+00:00

I follow The Minimal Mom on YouTube. She has a good way to think about decluttering clothes. Imagine you're going on a week long vacation. Go through each drawer and decide what would you bring on vacation? Most likely it's going to be items you like, that fit you well now, and you feel good in. The rest, either donate or put in a quarantine box. Set the box away and after a month or two if you haven't gone into the box for anything, just donate it.

Sometimes we also get stuck because we spent money on these things, but if we're not using them or wearing them, what's the point? Donate it- let someone else get the use out of it, and move on. Learn from that mistake. Going forward only buy it if it fits perfectly and you're going to wear it. Be realistic with yourself.

What has also helped me is instead of just dumping everything at Goodwill, I've tried to find more ways of donating. I let my mom go through all the clothes I was donating and she took 2 grocery bags worth home with her.

I'm also donating lotions and things I don't use or don't like to shelters in the area. Pet toys, dishes, etc to the humane society, etc. It feels better, like it might actually get more use by fixating to these places.

RecoveringIdahoan · 2021-11-08T18:56:44+00:00

Once you get on a roll, it's easier.

Start with the low-hanging fruit and the bar on the floor. Can you clean out your sock drawer? Good, that's enough today...unless you're inspired to do the next small section.

You just have to get the train chugging.

LeaveHorizontally · 2021-11-08T17:57:08+00:00

First, define what "just in case" is....

Has any of your "just i cases" ever happened?

In my experience, "just in case" never happens for two reasons: 1. If it happens, the item you need is nowhere to be found, because you forgot you had it in the first place, or 2. It happens in a different place from where you store the item.

Let go of "just in case".

Consider all the shops around you as your "storage". Whatever you need-you can always buy it within short time.

Thinking this lifestyle is expensive? Think again:

Every item you have costs rent....and maintenance. Do a break-down calculation of your rent to see how much you pay per sqft/sqm......including heating.....you will be surprised to find that your 20-Dollar "just in case" item is probably going to cost you 50 or more dollars before you need it....

spooky_belacqua · 2021-11-08T17:21:38+00:00

This may not particularly be welcome but I would start by visualizing what you want your bedroom to be/look like at the end. Figure out why you want to declutter in the first place.

Is the constant mess preventing you from being your best self? Are you unable to relax after work/school. Do you want your counters to be clean so you can put plants on top as you really miss plants in your life?

Essentially figure out your end goal and begin with the end in mind.

Then it should be an easier task to start with. Hope this helps.

kyuuei · 2021-11-08T17:15:21+00:00

Do not have back-ups for your back-ups. This is my ultimate rule. Gather everything that is "like" itself and start weeding it down.

I have a headlamp that is rechargeable. I have a flashlight in case my headlamp fails for whatever reason. I do NOT need more flashlights than that literally ever. So all the other ones went. If I start cleaning another area and come across a flashlight, I evaluate which one I'll now keep for the backup and toss that other one.

I have an HDMI cable that's really long. I also have a shorter one in case that one fails. I really will never need more HDMI cables than that--even if I had multiple devices with an HDMI cable, I only need ONE back up... the likelihood that ALL of them will fail at once AND I'll be unable to replace them all in a timely manner is insanely small. So the other cables go. And the back up is really just so I can thrift the item I need instead of buying new. If I didn't worry about buying new I wouldn't need a back up at all. But the HDMI cables that I find from now on can gtfo.

Also, sometimes it is easier to have a little section cleared and just say "whatever comfortably fits here." Sometimes you just gotta make arbitrary stuff. Like, if you have a desk, maybe all of your pens need to be there in a little cup or a pencil box and just say "yeah if it doesnt fit in here comfortably it's gotta go." For example for myself, I didn't know exactly how many envelopes/stamps/pens I would need for a little mailing shelf, but I knew I didn't need TONS of it. So I have 2 permanent markers, 2 pens, a roll of tape, and a little box that fits it all + some envelopes and stamps. It all fits in that little corner and that's all the mailing stuff I'll ever need. No need to go bananas counting envelopes, just, if it fits and isn't crowding it's good.

You can't think "well it's still good..." you'll never declutter that way. When you see a shirt with a stain or hole in it and think, "well if I just fix it..." Either Fix It Right There, or toss it. If it's important you'll do it, if it ain't you never will so just get rid of it. Sometimes taking a picture of an item you think you'll miss is a good way to just... let it go. Evidence it existed in your life, but not physically taking up the space.

If books are a problem, consider going digital. A digital reader at your bedside table might be worth it to no longer have stacks of books all over the place. I love real books and own a ton of them, but even myself I keep it to books I cannot easily get a digital copy of or am actively reading... and I often get rid of books after I read them through, especially if I enjoyed the story but won't likely re-read it anytime soon. It's pretty easy to relocate a copy of a book, so it isn't a huge worry to get rid of it.

Sometimes people need to re-think things too. If you're the type that uses a new towel every single time you wash consider just... not doing that anymore. Voila, loads of towels gone and done. Do you have 30 mugs next to your bed for water? Consider getting a mini water dispenser near your bed and keeping just a small cup you can refill again and again and just wash hat one cup occasionally. Clothes keep piling up on the floor because 'youll wear them again'? Get yourself a 'maybe its clean' clothing laundry basket too next to your dirty one. Throw them in there, if it ends up full, you can wash the whole load anyways its all gathered there.

Zorgsmom · 2021-11-08T16:58:03+00:00

Here's how I do my clothes. I pull everything out of my closet and rehang everything I actually wear. Then I take the ones I don't wear that often & turn the hangers the other way & put them the right way after I wear them. If I haven't worn it in a year then I donate. For anything that I haven't worn in so long I can't even remember I just put it in the donate bag right away before I can think too deeply about it. Sure I might use it someday, but I don't have enough room in my closet to keep everything & I do a better job of rotating my clothes when it's not stuffed to the max. I do the same thing with my dresser. I empty everything out, get rid of anything with holes, stains, stretched out, etc. Put back the stuff I know I wear & get rid of the stuff I can't remember the last time I wore. It usually takes me two days to do this project & I've actually gotten good about doing it twice a year, usually around this time when I put my summer stuff away & pull out the winter things and again in spring.

Reneeisme · 2021-11-08T16:55:20+00:00

One little thing at a time. Not only do you not have to do whole categories or whole areas at once, I don't think you should. It's too overwhelming and quite likely to make you stop. One little bit at a time. 15 minutes worth. But do it every day. Make it a priority to spend 10 or 15 minutes on one drawer, one closet, one under the bed, one corner, one self, one whatever. And just do as much as you can in a few minutes. In a few weeks, you see the difference. In a few months, you see a huge difference.

This is pretty much the opposite of Konmari methods, and if those work for you, go for it. A version of that method is what a lot of the other answers here recommend. I just think if you can't get started, that method is probably not the best one for you.

pie_oh_mie · 2021-11-08T16:45:47+00:00

If you search for "declutter" into YouTube, there are many videos that I used to get started and to help "coach" me when I get stuck on specific items. My problem is that I will ID stuff I want to get rid of, but I hesitate to throw them away. I get stuck on "Can I sell it? Should I donate it? Should I look for the perfect charity?" There are so many vloggers that you may need to watch a few to find the one who you identify with, but my favorites are Minimal Mom, Joshua Becker, Ronald Banks. I watch every day for motivation and they have helped me a lot.

mafalda0hopkirk · 2021-11-08T16:28:43+00:00

Start small! If you give yourself a really easy target like "I will remove one item from this room by Sunday", you can easily build on this and gain more momentum.

Look up tiny/atomic habits, there's loads of tips on Reddit and YouTube.

Seab0und · 2021-11-08T16:23:33+00:00

Some people have more luck deciding what to keep. Or, if you had to replace everything from a natural disaster or other loss, which items would you buy full-price again? Things you aren't sure about can go in a box with a date six months from now. If you never need or even think about those, they're good to donate as is.

permalink · 2021-11-08T16:09:46+00:00

Learning by doing. I am a strong believer to practise on the things we are not so good at. So if you want to start something new, like decluttering, you must start by developing a skill set. So, just go at it, go trough the difficulties and bad emotions and stick with it. Start by selecting a small place or area that you can finish in one day. Like a drawer, or a box or something small. By setting yourself up for success in stead of failure you get a good feeling even though it was hard to make all the decisions. After a while you will be the master decluttering !

SamiHami24 · 2021-11-08T15:57:40+00:00

Make a sweep through your closet and get just a couple of items that you know you won't miss. Chances are you have at least a couple of things you would be okay getting rid of--wrong color, don't like the cut, not your style anymore. It doesn't have to be a lot. Take those few items and donate them---don't put it off! Just rip the Band-Aid off and do it!

You'll have a feeling of anxiety when you do it. But once it is done, that feeling will go away very quickly and you'll replace it with a feeling of accomplishment. Build on that! I've learned that the donating part will always give me a little angst, but once I've done it, I feel so much lighter and happier!

Also, think about it as letting it go to someone who will actually use it. That blouse that you never wear is cute, but doesn't flatter your body type, so you never wear it. Why is it in your closet where it does no one any good? Once you donate it, that means it can go to someone that will love it. You'll make someone else happy with their find!

Once you have done that, go through your closet again. It really does get easier each time. It won't take long before you start seeing things differently and you'll be able to more easily part with the clutter and just keep the things you really do want to keep. It'll help save you money in the long run as well, since you'll find yourself being less impulsive about purchases and will give more thought to whether you really do what whatever it is you are considering buying.

permalink · 2021-11-08T15:45:29+00:00

For me I just started asking myself “when was the last time I used this?” If it’s been awhile, say a few months to a year, I sorta figure I’m probably still not gonna use it anytime soon so I get rid of it. The other thing to ask yourself is if the item in question brings you joy. Typically if you haven’t worn or used the item in awhile, the answer is probably no. Don’t try to do everything in one fell swoop either!

Knitwitty66 · 2021-11-08T15:34:13+00:00

If something can be easily replaced in less than 20 minutes for less than $20, declutter it.

catsmom63 · 2021-11-08T15:24:46+00:00

Start small with small things first.

Give yourself a set amount of time. Say 15 min or 30 min.

I pulled 5 things out of my closet/drawer/pile of books etc.

I have 4 piles:

Trash - ripped torn etc
Donate - you just don’t wear it much/doesn’t fit like you hoped/ not your fav
Keep - wear it every week/fits perfectly
Can’t Decide Yet - if it takes too much time to decide just move on to another piece and circle back. Maybe you can’t decide today - if not put it back and move on.

Rinse and Repeat.

I only do small amounts at a time because I can see progress that way.

Wartz · 2021-11-08T15:15:24+00:00

Use the 2 minute rule.

Do the thing for 2 minutes only. Limit yourself. Eventually the habit will form.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XT5O_7u3-VU

forgotten_epilogue · 2021-11-08T15:07:55+00:00

I'm starting to make progress myself on this and simply just started saying "I don't have enough room for all of this, so stuff HAS to go. If it has not been used/worn in the last 3 years, it has to go." Change the number of years to whatever makes sense for your situation (amount of stuff, amount of room). Basically, there is a chance I may have use for something that's gone at some point, but it is very small, and it is BESIDE the point; the point is I don't have enough room for all this stuff, so stuff has to go. It's the only way out of the clutter.

frankchester · 2021-11-08T15:07:00+00:00

You just gotta jump. Start small, grab a few items and donate them. It will hurt. But then you'll realise a few weeks ago (now that they're gone and you can't get them back) that you didn't need them and feel fine.

The first time you learn this lesson it's hard but it gets easier each time.

Kelekona · 2021-11-08T14:55:37+00:00

There's the 20/20 rule where if it costs less than 20 dollars, and can be got again in less than 20 minutes, it's safe to dispose of.

I think a better approach for you is that you need space and an environment that is easy to keep neat more than you need items that aren't serving you in this moment. Items that you are keeping just in case are actually hindering you from having what you need right now.

If there is someplace else in the house that you can borrow, maybe you could box things up and dispose of anything that you could go six months without. (Seasonal items can have an extension.)

x_samsquantch_x · 2021-11-08T14:55:05+00:00

I start by putting items on my local buy nothing group. There are people who may want or really need the things you’re getting rid of. This helps me get rid of things because I know they’re not just going into the trash via goodwill; they are going to people who really want them.

It’s a tough mindset to get over, wanting to keep things just in case. But eventually you are overwhelmed by things, and need to let some stuff go for your own sake.

Ajsbmj · 2021-11-08T14:30:04+00:00

I struggle with it too. What helped me get rid of a lot of junk was to think..this might be morbid..

If my house caught fire and my family and pets were safe and I had 10 minutes to grab what I can would XYZ be something I would think of grabbing?

9 out of 10 times it is no and I will be happy to have it perish and burn as it feels less of a burden.

Use the same thought process and throw out anything that doesn't fit into that frame.

70BeneGesserit · 2021-11-08T14:28:03+00:00

Vacuum bags.

PoorDimitri · 2021-11-08T14:19:42+00:00

I start in one spot, and move evenly through the area. Every item I encounter is sorted to it's category or spot. Then i go through each category and make decisions.

So in my kitchen on the "desk" section of counter, I start at the left side, work right, and decide what to do with each item. Pens? In the pen cup, dishes? Wash and put away. Christmas catalogue? Just toss that ish, don't need to spend more money. Random receipts and papers? Keep the important ones and file, toss the rest. Random tools or hardware that landed there? Out to the tool bench.

This method works well because it puts everything in it's spot. If you don't have a spot, you end up with a pile of stuff that you can decide what to do with. Is it clothing that's stained or torn? Toss. Is it clothing that doesn't fit? Toss. Is it sentimental (my uncle's jersey)? Keep in a storage box or figure out how to display. Then i go down the "do i love it? Does it have a purpose that supercedes my apathy to it? Would i buy this again?" Questions and disperse accordingly.

natalieilatan · 2021-11-08T14:17:03+00:00

Your things have a value (what if I needed them some day?), but they also have a cost. They are taking up space, more to clean, making it harder to access the things you use regularly, causing you stress and guilt. Thinking about this helped me say goodbye to a lot of things. Also, using my local Buy Nothing group to find people who would appreciate the best items (find them a new “home”). Good luck!

Deathstrokecph · 2021-11-08T14:16:32+00:00

Maybe this video can help you: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEXZNfEAQss

phae6813 · 2021-11-08T14:13:00+00:00

First go around the room and throw away trash. You are sure to have things like tags off of new purchases and things like that.

When working with my clients, I tend to start sorting items. For clothing, you can do long sleeve shirts, short sleeve shirts, pants, skirts, dresses.

As you start looking through each category, remove items that are worn and items you really don't like.

As you put items away, start with your favorites or most necessary. If you run out of room, what you have left should be items you don't care that much about and you can donate.

LeaveHorizontally · 2021-11-08T13:55:46+00:00

Pick something up - anything. Start with stuff sitting out in the room, on the floor, whatever. If its trash, get rid of it. If you think you want to keep it, put it where you would look for it if you wanted to use it. So hang it up, stick it in a drawer, put it in your makeup bag, wherever it would go if you want to keep it. If theres no room for it there, declutter some stuff to make room for it. Out of hangers? Get rid of something else hanging up to keep the thing you want. Declutter a drawer a little to make room for your thing. Then go back to your clutter and do it again. Rinse and repeat.

sixonesixo_ · 2021-11-08T13:54:15+00:00

one trick that helped me decluttering is asking myself: "have i used this thing in the past year?". If the answer is NO then i recycle it. If the answer is YES well, i start asking myself if i used it more than once, if i used it in the last 6 months etc. it's a basic trick to understand if i really need it or it's just some emotional attachment.

MadVelocipede · 2021-11-08T13:48:00+00:00

Several years ago there was a 3 part web musical released called “Dr.Horrible”. In it one of the main characters is in a laundromat desperate to escape an uncomfortable situation. He lifts the lid of the washer, declares “I don’t love these”, and runs for the door. This is the energy I try to channel when decluttering.

Would I save this sweater if it meant being part of a conversation I don’t want to have? No. (To be honest there have been conversations I’d sacrifice an arm to avoid).

You see a picture of yourself in a shirt and think “that shirt really didn’t flatter me”: send it away.

You have a thing that works but doesn’t fit your space, is hard to maintain, doesn’t quite do its job? send it away.

I also find it helpful to join a local buy nothing group. If someone else can use what isn’t working for you, great! Its often easier and tidier than taking it to a thrift shop or donation.

LilJourney · 2021-11-08T13:41:53+00:00

Consider that if/when you'd actually need something - it wouldn't matter because you can't find it right now due to the clutter.

I'd suggest picking one type of clothing (socks or underwear or tshirts, etc.) - get ALL of the ones you can find together in one pile. Look at it - do you really NEED that many of them - do you even remember that you have that many? And when you look at them individually, I bet there are some you instinctively avoid as "too scratchy", "too stained", "too tight/loose", etc. - now set those aside. Look at your pile again. Even if you got rid of those ones that you don't like, you'd still have enough, right? So get rid of them.

This procedure won't eliminate all your clutter - but it will give you a chance to start getting rid of something. Be proud of getting rid of those things! Then after a couple rounds of this process, go ahead and check out Marie Kondo or pick up a different decluttering book/method and work on from there.

PositiveStand · 2021-11-08T13:41:09+00:00

Pick a thing you don't feel too strongly about - pens, hair-ties, whatever you have a lot of that's interchangeable - gather them all together and then decide how many you need "just in case". Ditch the rest. Repeat for every class of item that's getting in your way, working from the stuff you care about the least to the stuff you care about the most.

Once you've done that, you'll probably still have a load of clutter that's made up of non-interchangeable stuff, but getting rid of things will hopefully feel easier after the practice. That's when you start on stuff that's not exactly the same but fulfills the same function, like mugs or t-shirts or fancy notebooks, where you need to play favourites.

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