15 Pieces of Bad Decluttering Advice You Shouldn't Listen To
Decluttering brings a host of benefits from mental space to freeing up time to saving money to keeping an orderly home. But, not all decluttering advice is good advice. Here are 15 pieces of common decluttering advice that may not work for everyone.
1. Only touch it once
This shouldn’t be a hard and fast rule e.g. when decluttering clothing, it may be helpful to try it on or move it from pile to pile.
2. Just toss it
There’s no need to be wasteful.
3. Declutter all at once
Decluttering organically, as you go about your day, is more realistic.
4. Display the things you love
Having too much out on display feeds “display clutter.”
5. Have the same number of dishes as people
Find a method and number that works for your family.
6. Just buy it again
Some say if it’s cheap (under $20), toss it. If you need it, you can buy it again. This perpetuates wastefulness.
7. Hold it and see if it sparks joy
When you focus on an item, it may create an artificial emotional connection.
8. You need a capsule wardrobe
Your number of clothing items shouldn’t be an arbitrary figure. It’s fine to have versatile pieces like jeans, instead of capsule outfits.
9. Don’t bother selling it
Selling benefits you, and the item will be used by another.
10. If you haven’t used it in a few months, let it go
Seasonal items defy this rule.
11. Never buy in bulk
Buying large packs of items you know you will use saves you trips to the store, and gas, and reduces plastic packaging.
12. Just donate it
Sometimes, one man’s trash is just trash.
13. Keep a maybe box
This can morph into a junk box.
14. Everything you own should be at 100%
If you love an item or find it useful, don't contribute to waste.
15. Declutter community rooms first
Working inside out may be more helpful. Tackle personal spaces first and turn your bedroom into a peaceful suite that will bring momentum and clarity to the rest of the decluttering process.
Bad decluttering advice
There’s a lot of decluttering advice out there. What is the best and worst advice you’ve received? Let us know in the comments.
For more decluttering advice, discover how to declutter your closet backward or the best way to declutter sentimental items.
To see more videos, check out the Mia Danielle YouTube channel.
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