What does a “recovering slob” have to say about decluttering?
Cas Aarssen is the woman behind the Clutterbug Organizing Philosophy, which she developed after years of struggling with disorganization and clutter (when she realized that she doesn’t organize in the traditional way). She outlines four different organizing styles and suggests ideas to help people stay organized. I’ve researched her methods and implemented them with some of my clients. It’s good stuff! (Try taking the online Clutterbug quiz to learn more.)
In her January 10 podcast Cas shared five simple habits that changed her life and helped her get organized. Here are two specifically related to decluttering; try them for three weeks and see what changes in your space!
Make 15 minutes every day to declutter. Set a timer and scan your space; pick up trash and recycling, throw away the junk mail, wash the dishes in the sink, put items back where they belong, etc. A few minutes every day really adds up! It also makes your next day easier while also teaching your brain to clean up.
Prioritize regular decluttering, removing things from your home by throwing out or donating. This doesn’t mean “stuff shuffling,” when you move things from one place to another. Have a donate bin all the time and keep your eyes open for things you can let go. Three spoon rests? Pare them down. That gardening book a friend gave you years ago that you never read? Maybe a friend would love it. (These are real examples from this week.) Get in the habit of identifying things you no longer need and removing them from your space. It’s kind of addicting, in a good way!
Need support, ideas, and accountability? Let’s talk.