Even though the thought of this process can be painful, consider making a personal pledge to purge twice a year, once in the spring and again in the fall – especially if you are working from home or your children are starting school.
Here are the things to keep a clutter-free home day in, day out.
The Daily Declutter
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Put things away.
Don’t let dishes build up in the sink, leave folded laundry in the basket or hang coats over chairs. Instead, please take a few precious moments to put things away where they belong.
- Add items to the grocery list as you are out of them.
Rather than relying on memory or picking up items from Costco that will last you two years, keep a running tally on the fridge or your smartphone. This will prevent the temptation of impulsively buy things or overbuying items you already have at home.
Seasonal Purging Ideas
While daily tips are focused on keeping your home neat and orderly, the suggestions below are meant to divide things into four categories:
- Keep
- Sell
- Donate or
- Throw away
If you decide to sell or donate, promise to list or cart away items within 24 hours.
- Tackle every closet, cabinet, and drawer.
Find clothes you don’t wear anymore because they don’t fit or have gone out of style. If you don’t love it in your closet, you won’t wear it out in public. Instead, you may want to take it to a consignment shop or send it to thredup.
Remember to look in the hallway closets, kitchen, and laundry room. These can be “hiding” places for neglected items. The general rule of thumb is that it needs to go if you haven’t worn or used it in the last twelve months.
- Spend time in the garage and basement.
Storing things in these places only delays the process. While it makes sense to box away seasonal items, sports equipment, or camping gear, it doesn’t work for things you can’t decide what to do with.
If you have adult children, give them their items now.
- Review all items in the fridge and pantry.
It is easy to forget that condiments, spices, or freezer items have expiration dates, too. Preferably monthly, but at least twice a year, go through each item and pitch expired food.
- If you have young children, do this when they are out.
Out of sight, out of mind will work for you.
