Frugal Friday #11: Top 10 Decluttering Tips
Last week, I told you how clutter stresses me out and takes time away from my life. I also promised you some tips for decluttering your house. Here goes . . .
1. Commit to change - I said last week that getting organized and decluttering is like losing weight. Really, it is. You have to be committed in order to change. Being organized is a lifestyle. That also means that some days we mess up, just as if we would when losing weight. But we have to start out new each day toward our goal.
2. Set small goals - Take it one drawer at a time, one box at a time, and then one room at a time. You didn’t accumulate everything overnight, and you can’t do it all at once. See, it is like weight loss.
3. Set a timer - The Flylady really promotes this one and it works. Decluttering sometimes seems like a huge overwhelming task, but if you set a time limit of 15 minutes, it won’t seem so bad. So set the kitchen timer for 15 minutes and get busy!
4. Change your mindset - This is one that I am working on. Too many times I say, “Oh, but I might be able to use this again” and I know I haven’t used the item in two years. In times like these, remind yourself of the stress it incurs and junk it. Say it with me . . . It’s just stuff!
5. Keep it simple - This means two different things. One way to keep it simple is not to run out and buy a bunch of organizing gadgets right away. First you need to sort through what you have and figure out your needs, not the other way around. It also means keep it simple in what you keep. Do you need 12 bottles of Bath & Body Works body wash?
6. Sort and purge - This is one of the most important steps and you need to be brutal. Try to detach yourself from your belongings. It’s just stuff, right? If you haven’t used it in a year, then get rid of it. :Gulp: Did I really say that? Yes, I need to take my own advice. If you still can’t bring yourself to get rid of it, then put it away and give yourself a time limit of 6 months or a year. If you still haven’t used it by then, get rid of it!!!!
7. Have a yard sale - Sometimes selling your stuff and getting some money for it helps to take away the pain of letting it go. I’ll sell just about anything I own. It’s just stuff! Keep saying it.
8. Think of the money the stuff cost you - By this I mean think of the square footage in your house the things are taking up. Or in my case, think of how much it costs to move the items when you move to a new area. You have to box it up, put it on the truck, unload it, and unpack it. It costs money (and labor) to move. And also, think of the stress and aggravation. Is this stuff/junk really worth it????
9. Put organization into your daily routine. - Have the kids clean up their toys before dinner and before bedtime, go through the mail each day, put away catalogs when you’re done with them, clean out your junk drawer while you’re on the phone. There are things that can be done each day that only require a few minutes, but will make your life much easier. I really need to make the mail a daily priority!
10. Teach kids to be organized. - Each night have the kids put their backpack by the door, put away their toys, put their clothes in the hamper, put away the soap and shampoo when they’re done. Teach them when they’re young so that one day it can become a habit.
I hope these tips are helpful or inspiring for you. Do you have any decluttering or organizational tips you’d like to share? What works best in your home?
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POSTED IN: Top 10 lists, cleaning, frugal friday, time management
11 opinions for Frugal Friday #11: Top 10 Decluttering Tips
tanyetta
Jun 8, 2007 at 10:24 pm
perfect :)
Karen
Jun 9, 2007 at 5:15 am
Thanks Tanyetta! :D
Pat Veretto
Jun 9, 2007 at 7:51 pm
There’s one more thing that might help. When you begin to tackle the chore, choose a time when you don’t feel rushed or stressed. Make it relaxing. Put on music, get glass of tea, or whatever.
I find when I don’t worry about the next chore or I’m not distracted by multitasking, or no one’s trying to talk to me, I’m more efficient at doing things like this.
Kate
Jun 10, 2007 at 12:03 pm
This is a great list. I am going to apply one tip a day for the next ten days to my own de-clutter operation.
Char
Jun 11, 2007 at 7:17 am
I love this list! I am a FlyBaby that just keeps taking baby steps.
kellys
Jun 11, 2007 at 2:55 pm
Pat had a great idea but I would add to that idea to let the DH watch the kids or find a baby sitter for the really big jobs like an out of control closet or rooom. I get more done when I don’t have a toddler hanging on wanting my attention. You shouldn’t even have to pay or the sitting if you promise to return the favor. All women need a little time to themselves every once in a while but aren’t willing to pay for it.
Gwen
Oct 31, 2007 at 8:48 am
Hi Karen! Came across your site through Dollar Stretcher. And I love your space. Kudos to you and Kelly. I am from the Philippines and been “devouring” tips to further motivate me in our journey for financial stability. I came to realize that money and home organization are linked to each other. A cluttered home will result to a messy financial standing due to unnecessary purchases that we impulsively make. It ruins our checkbook and creates a chaotic home. I am also keen when it comes to house clutter. I use creativity with whatever I have. So I clean as well as save. One system I use is that I go through our inventories (clothes, shoes, bags. etc.) twice a year, during school break (around April here) and before Christmas. I only buy what they need after checking and after Christmas (since my kids receive a lot of clothes & toys as gifts). Sometimes I end up buying few things from my list. While those that we don’t need are given to friends and relatives. Another tip is that whenever I buy example a shirt, a shirt is also taken out. This has helped me organized our closets. For those starting to declutter, give shopping a rest except for food and other needs and take stock of what you have. You’ll be surprised on how many pens, scissors, etc you have. Keep up the good work. =)
Karen
Oct 31, 2007 at 9:47 am
Gwen, I’m glad you found our site. You’re right, disorganization and clutter will lead to financial problems. I wrote about that a few weeks ago in my article, 75 Ways to Save Money. When we can’t find our bills, we pay them late and get charged late fees. Good luck on your journey to financial freedom! Hope you’ll drop by Thrifty Mommy again. :)
Cathie
Jan 9, 2008 at 9:09 pm
I just found your website and love it! Every weekend I charge my 14 year old (and husband)that she “owes me” 30 minutes of cleaning time. BEFORE I agree to pick up her friends etc. It’s helped reduce clutter and she is egger to do it!
Jenny
Feb 27, 2008 at 12:47 pm
this is a great list.
Karen
Feb 27, 2008 at 1:16 pm
Thanks Jenny. I’m glad you commented on this post because it caused me to read it and do a self check. I’ve been getting rid of a lot of stuff lately, but I still have a lot more to do.
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