READY TO CLEAR THE CLUTTER?
Lyn’s Daughter Founder and Senior Move Manager® Marion Schloemer helps people declutter for any number of reasons. As a member of the growing Senior Move Management industry, Marion is usually busy helping folks prepare to downsize or move.
“But,” she says, “The other big reason people want to declutter is to eliminate the stress caused by searching for something, or spending money replacing an item they just can’t find.”
Marion knows just getting started can sometimes be the hardest part of clearing clutter. It’s why she’s created a six-step approach that can be used by people of all abilities.
Step 1 – Start small if you need to
Marion recommends you focus on one room or space at a time.
“Tackling the whole house at once is a recipe for getting quickly overwhelmed and giving up.” Instead, kick off the process with a smaller room that doesn’t have a ton of storage – maybe a bathroom or even a closet.
If that’s too much, start with one drawer.
Step 2 – Set an egg timer for 15 minutes
Put 15 minutes on your timer and start decluttering. When it dings, evaluate how you’re feeling. On a roll and making decisions? Great – Keep Going! But if you need to take a break, then do that. IF YOU NEED TO, start with five minutes at a time. “You’d be surprised at what you can get done during a commercial break,” Marion says.
Step 3 – Focus on the easy stuff and save the sentimental stuff for later
“By all means, start with the easy stuff! Books you know you’ll never read again … collections of florist vases … duplicate kitchen utensils. Stuff like that can usually find a new home.” Do you Need it? Do you Love it? Will you USE it?
Step 4 – Use the Four Box Method
As you go through each space, use the “Four Box Method” to force a decision. Create four boxes (or piles):
Trash – This cannot be sold, given away, or reused in any way.
Donate – You’re ready to let this go and it’s in good shape. (i.e. Would you give it to a friend?)
Recycle – You’d be amazed at the number of things you can recycle when you declutter: Magazines, newspapers, torn linens, even socks with holes.
Sell – You just never know what’ll sell on consignment or the online marketplace.
Step 5 – OHIO
Only Handle It Once … This is especially important if you are serious about clearing the clutter. If you’re undecided about whether to let it go, ask yourself, “If I were shopping right now, would I buy this item again?”
Step 6 – The Secret to Success
Give yourself GRACE.
The piles of stuff you’re looking at didn’t accumulate overnight, so it’s not going to disappear overnight unless you’re chucking everything into a dumpster.
“Decluttering is hard work because the decisions you’re making can be emotionally taxing,” Marion counsels. “But we can do hard things … with time, and with grace.”
For help decluttering your home, aging in place, or getting ready to move, schedule your consultation today! https://calendly.com/lynsdaughter/30min
