7 Steps to Decluttering BEFORE 2021
Do you find it hard to believe that 2020 is almost behind us? I think most of us can agree that 2020 has been one of the most challenging years, and will all be ready for the clock to strike midnight on December 31st. While it technically is just a new date on the calendar or a new date to write on a form you're filling out, it is also a new beginning, a clean slate (can’t help myself). What if it really was a new beginning, an energetic change from one of the most challenging years we have all just lived through. Do you think you will notice a difference? Perhaps it depends who is sworn into office in January? Perhaps it will be a shift in your own mindset?. Most people, as proven by studies, decide before the new year, that as the clock strikes midnight on December 31, they have goals in mind, aka… New Year’s resolutions. We strive to eat better, get out of debt, have more self-care, exercise more, and get organized. Sadly, those goals only last for a few days or weeks into the new year and then old behaviors take over, or the lack of drive and determination is lost and what started out to be lofty goals for transformation, end up being a pipe dream.
What if we decided BEFORE the new year to set goals and achieve them so that we could start the new year, fresh, renewed feeling lighter, more organized, healthier, and just all-around a better version of our old selves?
I know you can do it, and with a shift in mindset, a goal, and a plan, you can set yourself up for success to achieve things big and small, so that 2021 starts on a positive note because we all know, we need that!
So, let's take a quick look at the ways that you can set yourself up for success BEFORE the clock strikes midnight. Hey, wouldn't it feel good to have one less thing to do in January?
Take time to get clear on what you want to change in the new year and write down your goals. Perhaps start this on a weekend (11 weeks in counting) when you can carve out time to sit down with some coffee or tea and a notebook. Everyone has goals, whether big or small. Mine often looks the same but somehow feel different each year. So, before you know how much time you will need to accomplish this task, you have a little research to do.
Start by scanning each room, open every drawer, really take in the whole space. Write down or think about your pain points. Are there items that you don't like, need or use that are taking up precious real estate space in your bedroom? Unhealthy food taking up space in your kitchen? What about the vases lurking in your laundry room or garage that you never use and don't like?
Each area of your home serves a purpose. It is precious real estate. It deserves to shine and sparkle so that you can be in that space feeling calm and peaceful. It is your sanctuary. Are you ready to get started?
Step 1.
You need to decide that you're done living in clutter. Your home is not a storage unit. Repeat that a few times. Visualize a home that feels spacious, decluttered, and like a sanctuary. You need to feel this fire in your belly and commit to making a change. You feel like you want a new you, a new space, and a new clear mind. Mindset is where it all begins.
Step 2.
You will need to carve out some time in small chunks, roll up your sleeves and commit to getting the job done. If you are not feeling it and just can't seem to get past yourself, hiring a professional organizer is the best way to make big changes in a short amount of time. Professional Organizers work quickly and efficiently, they have no attachment to your belongings and they will help you move mountains (piles of clothes really). It's like hiring a personal trainer when you have no motivation to work out or a nutritionist when you can't figure out how to stay on track with eating well. Many organizers have boot camps or courses or even do virtual organizing and hold you accountable while you get it done!
If you are interested in working with Clean Slate Home Organizing and are in the Bay area, schedule your consultation today!
Step 3.
Follow the tried and true rules of organizing. It’s a system that works well, I promise:
Start in one spot, set a timer if that helps, or just let things flow and be open to whatever amount of time it takes to get each job done. Pull everything out, and group like with like, purge and purge again. Use post-it notes and write the following on each one of them: keep, recycle, donate, trash, and relocate. Pick each item and make a decision quickly about whether it's something you want to keep, have a reason to keep, or you do not want.
Move out the things you don't want, deal with the things that need tending to (broken vacuum cleaner? Ripped pants that need to be sewn?) make a list, and put them in your car to deal with asap. Put the things you “might” want to keep in a “maybe” bag for later (it should be a small bag) and store out of sight in the garage or storage space.
Step 4.
Decide if the use of space is working or not. Put an objective hat on (think that you don't live there and pretend you're helping a friend) and think about the flow of the space and what has worked and what has not worked. Make the necessary changes needed, like moving a piece of furniture, relocating something to another room or adding a storage piece, or anything else that space might need to be used in the best way possible.
Step 5.
Put everything back, but before you do this, decide if you have a budget to invest in bins and baskets for space. Having things contained in bins and baskets is the way to add style to your home while keeping it organized. Most organizers shop at The Container Store because they have so many options and a variety of styles. It is always best to measure to make sure that what you love will fit in the space and work well.
Step 6.
Label. You can buy labels on Etsy or at The Container Store to label almost anything.
Step 7.
Donate what you decided not to keep and get it out of your house quickly.
Take a deep breath and enjoy your new sanctuary!
My suggestion is to follow the above by starting in one room. If you start in the bedroom, decide how much time you have and start with one project at a time. Maybe it's the night tables? Or maybe it's a bigger project like the closet. Set yourself up with 5-7 days per space to ensure that you have time to go through things efficiently and make the changes you deserve to make.
I hope you find these tips helpful and can begin to transform your home now so that when the clock strikes midnight and it's 2021, you can bask in the joy of your sanctuary and check one thing off your New Year’s Resolution list. I hope this brings you much peace and joy in the coming year!
Happy organizing! You got this!
Xx
