We are spending more time at home. Maybe it is time to declutter.
Declutter can be mental or physical. Links to Harvard’s mindfulness practices on this website address the mental side. I’ll focus on the physical.
How does one declutter? Strategies abound.
Here are three:
- If you have not used/worn an object/article of clothing in 1 year: donate it or throw it away.
- Minimalists suggest keeping only 30 items of clothing (this might be a bit hard to imagine – so try any number that is more comfortable).
- Professional organizer Marie Kondo recommends asking one question about each object you own: does it bring you joy? An immediate and affirmative answer means you keep the object. Any hesitation or a negative answer means you donate it or discard it.
Seem scary? Maybe.
Here is something to think about. We keep a lot of items for the memories they elicit. Those memories are still with us whether we have the items in our possession or not.
You do not have to discard your grandfather’s watch. I plan on keeping my grandfather’s watch for a long time. Instead, think about items like knickknacks and china (does anyone ever use their china?) and the boxes stuffing your garage and shed. Why do you have them?
It is the old adage, less is more.
Notes:
My house is neither clutter free nor do I follow these strategies exactly. However, I have downsized my wardrobe over the last year. I have also donated and thrown out many items.
I might have a renewed interest in decluttering because the whole household is home all day, every day.
