5 easy things you can declutter right now!

(Warning: once you’ve started, you won’t be able to stop!)

The main obstacle to decluttering is knowing where to start. If someone told you to spend an hour decluttering, if you’re anything like me, you would have a meltdown!

Where to start? There’s so many options it’s overwhelming - like finding a needle in a haystack (go with me here).

Now if someone gave you a list of 10 easy things you can declutter quickly, this gives you a framework- a list to go through and tick off- much better right!

So here it is. You can spend an afternoon doing several, or do one a week. Either way it will get you going and once you see your progress and appreciate the changes, you’ll feel motivated to keep going.

Set a timer for 15 mins and see what you can achieve in the time. Put some music on (I can highly recommend 80’s motivational - Flashdance, Rocky, Pointer sisters) make yourself a coffee and get going! The more fun you make it, the easier it is.

Item 1: Shoes

These are an easy win and you will see the difference to your hall, shoe rack and wardrobe.

Ask yourself these questions:

-Have I worn them in the last year?

-Do they need fixing/ will I ever get round to getting them fixed?

-Do they fit?

-Do I enjoy wearing them?

-Do they feel like me or a pair I would buy now?

Item 2: Cutlery draw

This will take 15 mins and when you see the result, you will be opening it every 10 mins to admire your handiwork.

-Take out any cutlery which is not cutlery you use everyday.

-Keep only what is useful on a daily basis ie. Cutlery, a couple of utensils, sharp knives.

-Take out anything which is other utensils, elastic bands, bag ties, old takeaway menus, packets of unused chopsticks.

-Clean the draw and put back the items in a way that makes them easily accessible.

-Feel the satisfaction of a well organised draw!

Item 3: Magazines and newspapers

Do you have magazines or newspapers hanging around? Do you keep them thinking you’ll read it later/ cook that recipe / refer to that article and 6 months later it’s still clogging up your living room?

If you haven’t come back to it in 6 months, chances are you’re not going to (make that 3 tier marzipan cake, read a feature on mops or update your knowledge of Bolivian politics.)

If you really think you might come back to it, take a photograph of the recipe or article, that way it’s not taking valuable floor space. Or get a magazine rack - don’t stuff them all in! Declutter first and only put in recent or treasured copies. Then when the rack is full it’s your que to declutter again.

Item 4: Knickers and bras

Do you have knickers and bras that have:

-Gone grey in the wash.

-Have baggy elastic.

-Are too tight or too big.

-No longer are your style.

Sometimes we can change how we feel by wearing underwear that makes us feel good. When bras fit really well or we have a matching set, it really makes us feel good and cared for.

Often, because the outside world doesn’t see them, we put up with old underwear in a way we wouldn’t put up with our clothes getting that worn.

So go through your draw and declutter anything that doesn’t feel or look good.

If you have changed sizes and have hardly worn underwear, you can donate it to Smalls for all- a charity which gives good quality underwear to people who can’t afford them.

Now admire your draw- you’ll feel great in everything you’ve kept, or it’s a good time to buy new ones!

Item 5: Bathroom Cabinet

This is the graveyard for old make-up, medication and ear cleaners! We often let it pile up, thinking we may use it at some point (but it goes off/ is no longer needed/ forgotten about.

Make-up generally needs replacing after 6 months due to bacteria growth. Lotions, balms and creams all have use by dates (shorter than you think but check the bottle).

Unused medication can be returned to the pharmacy for them to dispose of.

Once you’ve decluttered, get everything in to categories. Create sections for:

-Medication

-Dental care

-Beauty products and make-up.

-Holiday items

Remember to put the things you use frequently in easily accessible places.

It’s so satisfying to open your cabinet/ cupboard/ drawer and have everything organised and ready to use.

This list will give you a starting point and I hope it will inspire you to continue decluttering.

Getting a few things in order will show you how you can start small and have a big impact.

Instead of feeling overwhelmed, it will feel manageable and when it feels manageable, we can manage it.

If you’d like to learn more ways to get started, click below for my free guide:

How to start decluttering when you’re stressed, stuck and overwhelmed.

Or if you would like one to one support, I would be delighted to give you a free consultation.

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