The first, and often most important step to getting organized, is to declutter. As professional organizers, we know that this can be a big struggle for many people. So many decisions to make! How do you know what to keep? We asked our team for their favorite tricks. So here are some tips to be like Elsa and LET IT GO!
General Decluttering Tips For Your Whole Home
If it’s not a “Hell Yes!”, it’s a no.
Marie Kondo would call this “Sparking Joy”. This is our more casual version of that advice. If you don’t love it- why keep it?! This is one of Naomi’s favorite saying. I even hear her voice when I shop, before the clutter even enters my home. Love it or let it go!
One-In, One-Out
This is an easy one. When something new enters your home, let it replace something old. This prevents you from mindlessly accumulating and ending up with 8 spatulas. This is also an easy one to teach to kids. “This is a great new unicorn hoodie! I wonder if there are any old ones that don’t fit anymore?”
Rule of 20/20
This is a favorite from The Minimalists. If you’re holding something in your hand, trying to make that decision and feeling stuck, this can be the deal breaker. If you can replace it in under 20 minutes for less than $20, let it go.
Rule OF 90/90
Another favorite from The Minimalists. Have you used this item in the past 90 days? If not, will you use it in the next 90 days? If your answer to both questions is no, it’s probably a safe bet that you can get rid of it.
The EX-Test
This is MY favorite! If this item was left at an ex’s apartment, would you contact them to get it back? (LOL!!)
Is it broken?
If it has been broken for more than a month and you haven’t fixed it, you’re not going to get around to it. Let it go.
stop saying “Just in case'“
Don’t allow a “just in case” to take up space.
Would i buy this again?
If you were shopping right now, would you purchase this item again?
Decluttering Your Closet
is the item in good condition?
Is it ripped, stained, faded, broken buttons, etc? Don’t bother hanging on to clothes that look worn and sloppy.
The Hanger trick
This is a popular decluttering method on social media. Turn your hangers backwards. As you wear your clothing, turn the hangers the other way. At the end of year, any hangers facing backwards are a sign that you haven’t worn that piece of clothing for that year. It’s time to purge that item. A word of caution with this one: backwards hangers may decrease the day to day functionality of your closet. However, this is a great tip for visual learners.
listen to a stylist
Rachel Nachmias, a style consultant and author of The Curated Wardrobe, offers this advice: When buying an item ask yourself, “Is it practical? Is it flattering? Do I like it?” These questions work for both shopping and when decluttering.
does it fit?
There’s nothing wrong with keeping a few items of clothing if you are currently fluctuating sizes for whatever reason- we get it! A limited selection of clothing in a size up or down makes sense for many people, especially women in our “momming” years. But if half your closet is taken up with clothing that no longer fits, it may be time for some purging. Unless there’s a great reason to hang on to a piece of clothing, if it doesn’t fit, say goodbye.
Decluttering Sentimental Items and Gifts
recognizing the reason for the gift
The importance of the gift was the giving and receiving, not the physical object. We someone give you a present, they want you to enjoy it. If you no longer do, it’s ok to re-gift it or donate it.
Treasure or chore?
A box-full of sentimental items is a treasure, a garage-full, a chore. Whether you are hanging on to sentimental items for yourself or for your family, less is more. Too many sentimental items is overwhelming! Looking through these keepsakes should be a pleasant way to reminisce, but if you keep everything your memorabilia will be a source of stress instead of joy.
Hi, I’m Meghan
Professional organizer, mom, former educator, wife, and auntie. I am dedicated to minimalism, greener living, and community service.
I believe organization can relieve stress and help all aspects of your life function more smoothly. I hope the information here can help you create a more peaceful home and lifestyle!
