How to declutter your space

We all have that drawer filled with cords, cables, batteries and things we just don’t want to chuck away, but do you have more than just the drawer filled with bits and bobs? Nothing like moving spaces makes us realize how much junk we’ve accumulate over the years and how much space it takes over, but sometimes it’s hard to say goodbye to those sentimental objects. Besides using self storage as a option to hold all your unneeded objects, decluttering your housing space will also declutter your mind, allowing for more creativity to spark joy in your life.

Here are some great tips to help you chuck out the items you may no longer need:

Photo by Hydrate Marketing

Have a goal in mind

A goal helps you stay on track and get the results you want while keeping the pressure down while Write down what you want to achieve through SMART goals.

Specific: Well defined, clear, and unambiguous

Measurable: With specific criteria that measures your progress toward the accomplishment of the goal

Attainable: Attainable and not impossible to achieve

Realistic: Within reach, realistic and relevant to your life purpose

Time-bound: With a clearly defined timeline, including a starting date and a target date. The purpose is to create urgency

An example of a goal could be that you want the lounge room decluttered by the end of the weekend, or to have two bags full of items to donate, or throw out three objects you don’t use anymore.

Breathe!

Just thinking about getting rid of the things you’ve bought, been gifted or cherish is overwhelming, but it’s important to stay focused, take a deep breath, think positively and enjoy the journey you are about to go on and the results will be worth it!

Storage is an option

It is important to regard the use of all our items and what is important or not. Sometimes we have an item we may want but not at this very point in time; such as an antique wardrobe given by a dead relative. It’s important to keep in your life: but it won’t fit in your new apartment. This is where Smartbox comes in, with competitive prices and biggest storage unit available in Sydney, the Uber Box has been made to keep you stress free from the troubles of storage space. Click here to find out more

Don’t look back

A box or corner space is great to have as a visual guide of all the belongings that you’re throwing out, but make sure to not go back through it, as you may be tempted to take back some of your choices and you will create the recurring problem again. Once it’s in the “throw out” pile, it’s gone!

Don’t chuck it in the trash, donate what you can!

Whenever you can, avoid throwing things in the trash because it will just go to the landfill. Try to donate to a charity, friends or even make profit and sell the items if you have the time. Blankets are a commonly thrown out item but it is encouraged to donate them to pet shelters, as they are always in need. Supermarket juggernauts like Coles and Woolworths usually have a donation bin for plastics, batteries and some metals which will be respectfully recycled.

Nine months should be the limit

One of the biggest thought processes of a hoarder is “I may need that one day”. This is a terrible mindset and how we went up having too many items in our lives. A great rule to live by is the Nine Month Rule. Have you used this item within the last nine months? If not—it can be thrown in the declutter pile. This will stop the cluttering situation in the future.

Take a before and after photo

This is also a great visual queue to help you understand your process. No matter how far you get into the decluttering project, whether it’s one box, an hour or a day, you will see the difference and be motivated to do it again.

Be patient and take your time

Every little bit you do counts so take your time and don’t try to do it in all in a day. Task yourself with small sections to complete daily or weekly will get you further to completing the goal than trying to do it all in one day.

Ask a friend to help

Two pairs of hands are always better than one and the project will go quicker if you have help. A friend will also have a second opinion and be honest, helping you throw out anything you are questioning the need for. They could also find things that they would like to have which will add a sentimental value for you to exchange to them.

Track your progress

A visual queue, as previously stated is a significantly important factor in progression and will encourage you to keep going. Writing down what you want to discard, keep or donate will keep a collection of any duties that follows the decluttering system, such as where are you going to donate all the unwanted toy?

Inspire yourself

Nothing motivates people more than positive sounds. Pump on some jamming music, listen to your favourite podcast or put on a show in the background to really make you energised and that time fly by. Next thing you know, you’ll be done!

“Sunk cost” doesn’t exist

If you think you shouldn’t discard an expensive item because of the price, then you’re going to be in trouble! You’ve already paid the price tag of whatever the item is, and if you believe it needs repairs, won’t fit in the new space or it just isn’t suitable, then don’t just keep it because of the price. Sell it, donate or even give it away—you’ve got your worth out of it, now someone else can enjoy your treasures.

Get into the habit of decluttering

Nothing will make you more satisfied then never having to do a massive clean again so develop a habit to tidy up once a month or year and you’ll keep a mess-free home and mind.