Decluttering Tips That Don't Work (And What to Do Instead)
Living a more simplified life for almost three years Candice has accrued a lot of decluttering tips. Experience has helped her see which methods work and which ones need adjusting. Here are some of the things that she has changed her mind about, as well as some solid tips that she has stood by since the beginning.
When she first started on this journey, she would declutter a space by pulling everything out at once. This would leave her with a huge pile and essentially a huge mess. A messy pile is not just overwhelming, it’s demotivating. Now she recommends going into the messy area instead of bringing the mess out into your main living space. Start by bringing in a garbage bag and throwing stuff away.
Candice used to suggest using a ‘keep box’ for items you’re unsure of. Now she advises against even having a ‘keep box.’ The fastest way to a clutter-free life is to get stuff out of your house. If it's not a clear yes, it's a clear no.
There are tips that Candice still stands by. For example, she still advises against decluttering your spouse's stuff. Lead by example. Seeing how much happier you are, and how much less time you spend cleaning will help motivate your spouse.
Candice also still recommends starting with the easiest items. Begin by getting rid of garbage, broken items, and things that are not sentimental. Anything you haven't used in the last year is clutter.
Decluttering tips that don't work
Have you adjusted your process to declutter your space more effectively? Share in the comments what you’ve learned in your minimalist journey. There are always ways to improve and more efficiently create a clean and clutter-free home.
For more decluttering tips, discover this guide on how to declutter things you might use "one day" or how to have better stuff by curating quality over quantity.
To see more videos, check out the Simplify This Life YouTube channel.
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I'm really sick of reading these decluttering articles where folks are advised to throw things out. This just propagates Americans' disgusting throwaway culture.
I see so many useful items thrown away. It's a sin.
Instead of throwing things away, make the teeniest effort and donate your stuff to a thrift store or organization that supports refugees or other folks who could use it. Or list on Freecycle.com
How to stop cluttering? Stop bringing the excess into the house in the first place. Seems simple to me. Is it a want or a need? Short lived trend/fad? Find a hobby besides witless consumerism.
Ask a relative or good friend to come and oversee.
Explain your goals. Give them a chair, beverage and notepad to list the charity items. Then reward them with lunch or dinner.