The idea of decluttering might seem overwhelming and not your idea of fun.
However, going through this process, whether you take a week or a year, can be great for your mental health as well as your home and family. Decluttering does not have to equate to a minimalist way of life. In fact, it simply means having things organised and not having more than you need.
So, how should you go about decluttering your home? Continue reading for the first three steps, which will leave you feeling satisfied and brighter.
Step 1: your wardrobe
Take every single item out of the wardrobe. If your partner has things in there, separate those as that is not your responsibility unless you have been asked to help. Next, look through the clothes properly. Are there any that have been unworn for over a year? If so, they should immediately be placed in a bag for either selling on or donating to a charity thrift store.
The only exception to this rule would be a ball gown or something like that, which would likely only be worn a handful of times anyway. Now, look for any clothes that no longer fit. Are you likely to increase or decrease in size to make them fit again? Keeping ill-fitting clothes is not really a healthy way to live.
Certainly, any clothes, which are damaged or stained, should immediately leave the property. A textile bank would be a good option, so they can be recycled in some way. Now, look at everything that remains. These tend to be the clothes that you wear on a regular basis and ones that actually fit.
Put them back into the wardrobe. Although not strictly necessary, you will undoubtedly feel happier if all items are arranged neatly and placed on matching hangers. Check out Hangorize for a wide variety of hangers to suit your needs.
Step 2: your make-up and toiletries
Empty out your make-up bag, box or suitcase onto a large plastic tray or surface covered with a towel. Immediately, throw out anything that you know you have owned for longer than the expiry date. On all items of make-up, there is an indication of the side e.g. 12M which tells you how long they last for.
Although it is tempting to keep items for longer, you do risk health problems, particularly with eye make-up, as the bacteria build up. If there are unopened items of make-up and you know you are unlikely to use it, consider passing on to a friend or family member. Alternatively, women’s refuges often accept donations.
Step 3: your jewelry
Having a large jewelry collection might seem a wonderful thing. However, storing it in a neat, logical way can be tricky. Think about the pieces that you actually wear. Are the others simply meaningful keepsakes from family members perhaps? If so, there may be alternative ways of keeping them.
For example, framed jewellery alongside a photograph and some writing from that family member can look beautiful. For expensive items that you no longer wish to keep (from ex-lovers, for example), like diamond rings, visit a well-respected jeweller, who will be able to tell you the items’ worth and may offer to buy them from you.
