When trying to declutter/minimize...

What's your rule? If you haven't used it in a year, do you get rid of it? 2yrs? 6 months?

I feel attached to some things that I know I don't NEED...but I might miss...but if I keep thinking like this I won't be able to de-clutter.

Also, I am going to donate things to goodwill like I normally do, but if its worn I'll throw it out. What about personalized stuff I never used...throw it out?

Any other tips?

ETA: WHere do you put your "everyday" stuff so its out of the way (in the bedroom)

Message edited 6/13/2010 2:47:53 PM.

Re: When trying to declutter/minimize...

I would donate everything if it's in good shape, even personalized stuff. I hate to toss anything that's good.

I like FlyLady a lot- you should check out her website because it's made it easier for me to get rid of things. She points out that when you donate something, it "blesses" another person. And I'm not religious but I like that thought a lot (which is really the same as "someone else could probably use this more than I can." I suppose.)

I don't really have a time related rule. I do think it's ok to keep some "sentimental" things that you won't use, but I try to keep that under control.

FlyLady also talks about the "27 Fling Boogie" where you walk around with a bag or box and put in 27 things to either throw out or donate. I do that sometimes too. I also set up a box in my garage so that there is an automatic space for stuff I want to give away. It's easier if I am not staring at something till the Veteran's Org. can come pick it up.

What do you mean by "everyday" stuff?

Re: When trying to declutter/minimize...

I have the same problem. I want to get rid of clutter, but I always feel like I will use what I have at some point. I have to remind myself that I'd rather have the empty space & a neat house than the junk I never use (I think about that show Hoarders to remind me of this). I don't really have a time rule, more just that I try to ask myself if I really need it or want it.

I try to keep my "everyday" stuff in drawers as much as possible or in organizers so they're not just lying all over the place.

Re: When trying to declutter/minimize...

Re: When trying to declutter/minimize...

Re: When trying to declutter/minimize...

i read somewhere to hang all your clothes with the hanger facing backwards. then as you wear the item, hang it correctly back in the closet. at the end of the season donate all items still hanging the wrong way. sounds like a good plan. for pj's we have hooks in the closet.

also planning on buying a platform bed in the future that has draws on the bottom.

Re: When trying to declutter/minimize...

This has been hard for me since I have old college tshirts and sorority shirts that I have kept over the years just bc I had some sentimental attachment to it. And it just takes up SOOO much room, I finally went through it all and just kept thinking...when was the last time I wore this?? If it was more than a yr then I tossed it.

You just have to think when is the last time you wore it. If it has been a while then you just have to let it go. If it hasnt been worn in the past year, odds are you wont wear it in the next year.

Re: When trying to declutter/minimize...

As for clothes, I try to go by... If I didnt wear it at all last winter/summer season, Im prob not going to wear it this season....

Re: When trying to declutter/minimize...

Here are some questions I ask myself when trying to determine whether to keep something, throw it away, or donate it:

What type of clutter do you have? Paper, things, clothing? For me it is paper.

Does everything have a home?
Do you put it in its home or leave it out? What is preventing you from putting it away?
What would make you want to put it away?
If there is an obstacle preventing you from putting something away can you move/fix it?

Do I still have a use for the item?
Is it worn out?
Does it still fit?
Is it stained?
Is it damaged?
Do you know someone else who needs it more than you do?
Can you easily access a copy of it on-line?
If you could take a photo of it and toss the item would you still miss the item?
Does it have sentimental value? Why? Do you have multiples of this item? Do you need all of the multiples?

Lastly, there are some things you need to give yourself permission to keep, just make sure to find a home for them in your house and put them there. For me, that thing is cards. I save all the important ones in my MBR closet. It took me a long time to give myself permission to keep them, and that freed me to get rid of the ones that were not important to me. I hope this helps you.

Re: When trying to declutter/minimize...

Thanks all, I'm gonna try to start using these suggestions...

For us, its SOOOOO many books...and clothes. I have waaaaay too many clothes. I need to get rid of A LOT!

Then there are other random things too, like we redid a room into a playroom for DD, so now there's a random lamp, small table and couple of other things there is no "home" for

Also, all of our laundry is upstairs, the laundry room is downstairs...and our kitchen towels when they get dirty, have no home--they end up sitting on top of the washer until they get put in the laundry.

I need to figure out some solutions and homes for some of these things.