The new year is right around the corner and most of us want to adopt the new year new me concept. However, doing so is easier said than done. For me after I figured out what I wanted I learned that to achieve these goals I needed to set up an environment for success. A huge part of that process is decluttering. Then, the question popped in my head.
“Where do I begin?”
Looking around it was easy to get overwhelmed by all that I thought needed to be done. Then, I remembered something I learned from watching a few YouTube channels of yard cleaning. In each video, the hosts explain how they tackle the property with overgrown foliage. They recommend splitting the work into sections. For example, they start with the front yard edging the sidewalks and pathways and digging up the dirt that has piled up over them. They then trim the trees and bushes. The last thing they do in the front yard is mow the lawn and clean up the mess left behind.
When that section is complete, they move on to the next section. Usually, it’s the side of the houses on the property. They use the same process. Then, it’s the back yard. When the work is complete, the property looks amazing.
This process is applicable to decluttering your home and your life. This article will give you ideas on what can be decluttered and what “sections” you decide to work on first. Stick with me because before you know you will be ready to begin anew. The list below is in no particular order so use your discretion to help you complete the process. Before you begin, I highly recommend tackling one room at a time. I like to start with the kitchen. Again, you can begin anywhere you want.
When my family was packing our things to move, I realized this would be the perfect time to declutter. That way there was less to pack and making the move easier.
- Pots and pans.
Damaged or worn-out pots and pans are of no use and even dangerous when cooking. As I was sorting, I found pots and pans I didn’t use anymore because they didn’t work the way I needed. I tossed them and replaced them with new ones after the move.
- Dishes, bowls, cups, and silverware.
There is no need to keep dishes and bowls that are damaged, even just chipped. I avoided using the ones that looked bad because of the damage. There were also ones I simply did not like anymore. So, I was able to cut my dishware in half. That was much simpler to pack and move to the new place. The same was done with all the other dinnerware. Thus, I lessened my stress immensely.
- Food
You read that right. I like to go through the pantry first. I removed cans and bags that expired or no longer edible or just not wanted. I do the same with the freezer and refrigerator. I understand the concept of “what if I need them?” We were taught this by the older generation, especially Gen Xers like yours truly. Well, if you haven’t used it yet you’re not going to. For example, someone gave me a can of yams. While I appreciated the intent no one in our family eat yams. That can of yams sat in the pantry for three years. It was time to either donate it or trash it.
Leftovers are no different. If there is a container with leftovers and you still think you’re going to eat it, I have a question for you. If you skip over that container repeatedly even though your only option was those leftovers, why are you keeping it?
- Cleaning supplies
With inflation through the roof, we decided to try products that were cheaper to help save costs. I purchased dish soap that had a lower price tag than the one I prefer to buy. That was a massive mistake. That dish soap was so watery, and barely cleaned anything. I used twice as much to get through just the dishes. Even more with the pots and pans. It was not worth the lesser price. I went back to my regular dish soap. But I kept the other bottle for “just in case.” I never used it after that. So, there was no reason to keep the bottle.
Cleaning supplies with squirt nozzles are no good if they are barely spraying anything. It is time to discard.
- Personal hygiene products
You are not getting anything more out of that empty toothpaste tube. Or the empty body spray. Or the shampoo and conditioner. Plus, you already purchased a new one so why hang on to the old one? I think you understand the point.
This is just the beginning. You are able to go through your home and apply this mindset to your decluttering project. If its damaged, if you have not used it all year, or it simply doesn’t fit the décor or your style or anything in your wardrobe, it is time to say thank you and wish it well.
Be practical about your decluttering. Do not think too hard. It does not have to be a complicated process. Give yourself a reasonable time limit so you know you can finish this without getting stressed and overwhelmed. Just start with one thing and soon you will be motivated to tackle more. It won’t take long before you realize you achieved your goal. Good luck and happy new year.
Cultivating Elegance 