Get a Headstart on Spring Cleaning with These Easy Decluttering TipsBy Tracey WinikoffIt started when I went to retrieve my birth certificate in the place it’s always been—only this time, it wasn’t in its trusty, dependable spot. Within minutes, I turned into a whirling dervish, flipping everything in my path upside down, my mind in overdrive, thinking of anywhere it could be. As I dashed from room to room, more desperate and frustrated by the moment, I found myself doing a little reorganization along the way. Because that’s what we do when we’re frantically searching for something important, right? Was it really necessary to comb through and tidy up my desk drawer at that very minute? No. Did it remind me that it’s time for spring cleaning? Absolutely.Oh . . . in case you’re wondering . . . I found my birth certificate the next day, right where it’s always been, just playing hide-and-seek, sandwiched between documents I should have gotten rid of a while ago. Hello, decluttering.So, who’s ready for a little refresh? With a few easy-peasy strategies, you’ll be basking in your lighter, happier space before you know it.Why Declutter?Offering both physical and psychological benefits, decluttering is brimming with advantages: Increased ease of finding things.A greater sense of calm—a tidy environment quiets inner and physical chaos while promoting greater productivity, focus, relaxation, and sleep.Less visual clutter equals greater visual relief—an automatic de-stressor.Less energy spent managing, cleaning, and dusting unused stuff.A Few General Decluttering TipsTackle one room at a time. If that’s too much, try a corner of a room at a time. Small successes make for big ones.If you struggle with decision-making and whether to keep or part ways with an item, ask a friend for help. Having an objective perspective can help diminish the waffling of should I/shouldn’t I and ease the stress of letting go. Sentimental items can be the most difficult to release. Some precious belongings are non-negotiables and must remain. Others may carry a little guilt should you choose to say goodbye, even if they’re not your cup of tea. In this case, consider snapping pics so you can revisit the image anytime you’d like, and free the emotional grasp. A Variety of Decluttering Methods You’ve likely heard of Marie Kondo and her “does it spark joy?” approach. That’s a great tactic, but decluttering isn’t a one-size-fits-all methodology. We’ll visit a few other strategies here. Mix and match to customize a method that works best for you.One In/One OutPerhaps the easiest of the bunch, it’s just as the name suggests. For each new item brought into the home, a current item must bid adieu.The 10-10 MethodJust as straightforward as the One In/One Out strategy, the 10-10 Method requires clearing out ten items in ten minutes. Short spurts keep us focused, eliminating time to reconsider hanging onto belongings. The 80/20 RuleThe premise is to keep 80 percent of our belongings while parting with 20 percent. It’s not meant to leave our home feeling sterile or stark, but rather comfortable and breathable. While this method is great for reducing that pile of T-shirts or endless array of mugs, it’s not intended for sentimental items or collections.The Move-Out MethodCan’t remember the last time you used or wore something? Box them up and put them out of sight for a few months or a year? You determine the time. If you don’t use the items within that period, you probably don’t need them.The Aspirational Clutter KickerI’m the queen of aspirational clutter. The tote bag stuffed with yarn for the blanket I’ve been meaning to finish knitting for, oh, a few years. Or that exercise equipment I’ve sworn I’d use for ten years now. Or the clothes I’ll fit into “one day.” Intentions are good, but life happens. Holding onto these “I’ll get to it” items can weigh heavily upon us, serving as a reminder of unfulfilled promises to ourselves. Or perhaps, they represent money spent on another whim. Ask yourself, realistically, when you’ll use the item (factoring in how long you’ve held onto it already). Could you easily replace it in the future, when you’re actually ready to use it?Consider setting a firm date by which you’ll use the item. If that date comes and goes, and the item remains untouched, perhaps the time has come for selling, gifting, or donating the piece.As you make your way through your belongings, you may find that you have items you’ve decided to keep but don’t need on a regular basis. A storage unit will keep your possessions, big and small, safe and tucked away without having to say goodbye to them. Let’s just say they’re visiting their vacation home. Storage units are especially helpful for seasonal or bulky items—ahem, Santa’s sleigh and reindeer. For ideas on what to swap out as seasonal items and how to store them, take a look at our Seasonal Storage Transition Tips Made Easy guide to help get you on your way. Ready for a calmer, less cluttered home? Explore your storage unit options with us in Arroyo Grande. Think of it as a gift you’re giving yourself. Feel the stress melt away and enjoy the serenity of your sanctuary—and your life.
