“Once I made the decision to donate everything, I felt incredible freedom, and I was able to move through my clutter so much more quickly.”
Dana K. White
Ok, I know what you are thinking…didn’t we just have a post a few months ago, called The January Purge? Decluttering is not a “one-and-done” event. It is a necessary and ongoing process.
We all have varying degrees of clutter in our homes and have adapted to it. You might not even notice it, but it is there. Recent household clutter has begun to annoy me (again) and I suspect I am not alone. Ask yourself these questions:
- Do you spend a great deal of time cleaning your house, but it still looks messy?
- Are you pushing away piles of clean clothes to find room to sit on the couch?
- Do you have to take out every dish in the cupboard just to find the one you are looking for?
- Do you have closets full of clothing, yet you don’t have anything you can wear right now?
This time around I come equipped with the knowledge from an ebook I’m currently reading:
Author Dana K. White has given me eye-opening realizations; so much so, that I felt like she was talking directly to me. I will break down a few ideas that I found particularly helpful.
Are You Decluttering, or Are You Organizing?
There is a difference.
If you are moving clutter from one area of your home to another, you are only organizing your clutter. You are not eliminating it; you are hiding it. Shifted clutter is commonly found in basements, attics, sheds and garages.
This might seem like a practical solution, but it is really just a clever way to avoid the inevitable. You are just kicking it around, without really dealing with it once and for all.
It is best to just pick up that clutter and walk it straight out of the house! Throw it away; give it away. Sell it.
Clothing, Again
We just did this, right? Not exactly!
Somewhere in your home, stuffed in closet or drawer, you have those size 8 jeans and other items that you promised to yourself you would fit into again. They’ve been in that spot for 10 years.
Get rid of them!
The prospect of you fitting in them again is unlikely. If you are able to lose the weight, guess what? They are no longer in style.
And here’s the saddest part of all: no one wants to see your old lady ass-crack and muffin top stuffed in a pair of low-rise cut-offs!
Straight to Donation
If you’re not looking for money, the best thing to do is donate. This was my biggest take-home from the book. Find a hassle-free church or charity organization in your community.
I do NOT have the patience to sort out everything in neat little piles. I want this stuff gone, and I want it gone now! I’ve asked around and no one wants my fine China, porcelain figurines, designer purses and never-worn clothes.
I won’t haggle with people on eBay, Craig’s List and other online sites. It’s not worth my trouble.
Donate! Donate! Donate!
Where to Begin?
Go room by room. If that is too overwhelming, start with a closet, or a corner.
Get rid of anything you don’t love. This includes items with absolutely no sentimental value. Consequently, there are many items I would part with right now, but my husband would not be happy! Make sure there is mutual agreement over what must go.
If you are like me, spending your days cleaning your home, but it still looks like a trash heap, I highly recommend giving Dana K. White’s book a read through.
Trust me, decluttering your home is a worthwhile undertaking. Stripping away what you do not want or need will open up the space for you to see, use and enjoy the items you truly treasure. A more clutter-free lifestyle will help lead you on the path to peaceful and joyful living.
Thank you for reading! – Barb, the River Blogger (Btrb)
Feel free to reblog anything I post. I welcome all comments and discussion.
The River Blogger 
Home clutter to me represents various stages of your life that once dominated each day. If you throw out the clutter, how does that impact those cherished memories that so remain?
You ask a great question. And this is the exact reason I have such a clutter problem. But I’ve noticed as I declutter the unimportant stuff, I am able to see an appreciate the items that I truly cherish. Thank you for your comments. 🍁
I’d love to know the exact criteria to define what is important or not?
I’m here thanks to Suzanne. Hi!
The distinction between decluttering and organizing strikes me as something I’ve never thought about before, and it is so true. I say I want to declutter, to let go of stuff, but I’m just making it tidy while I dither about what to do with it. Thanks for this insight.
You’re welcome! Decluttering is a never ending ordeal in my house! I still find myself shuffling junk around! And thanks to Suzanne for referring you!
At my age we look at downsizing! When we moved to this area several years back we got rid of a lot of things. I have not missed any of them. You are right about giving it away. There is freedom in doing that.
I agree with you “Decluttering is not a “one-and-done” event. It is a necessary and ongoing process.” You have inspired me to declutter again, I’m sure I can find stuff to give away LOL Every time I declutter and give stuff away it makes me feel so good, I feel lighter. Thanks for the inspiration xo
Thanks for the inspiration to get going on the clutter. I wish I knew where to donate cookbooks.
Wrap them up as a wedding gift? Good luck! And thank you for the comments! 🌻
Thank you, Barb! I was saving my clutter for a yard sale by stacking things together in a bonus room. The stack started “weighing heavily” on me…. no pun intended. I DONATED it all. I am too busy for a yard sale. What was I thinking?! Feeling so much better now! It was cathartic to donate it all. I am not finished, yet, but your article has motivated me to complete the task. I love your blogs! Thanks, Marsha
Thanks for all the tips Barb! I am always looking for ideas for getting rid of clutter!
Thank you, Karen! 📦
🌶
Yes, I have that song in my brain now! 🌶
Another great blog full of interesting ideas. Thanks
Thank you, Liz. I have been cleaning out my closets, for real! 🌻
Good ideas. I did some of this over the last two years, Thanks.
It feels good to downsize, doesn’t it?
Oh yes.
Great post and I enjoy editing my life every so often! Moving is the best way to make yourself edit down your belongings – ha! I do check myself if I am reorganizing a lot to see if I really need all the stuff that causes the repeat clutter. Thanks for sharing those tips and suggestions 🙂
So true about moving! I moved every 3-4 years when I was in the Navy, so we tried to keep a light load. Thank you for your comments! 🌸
I don’t have this problem, but I read your post with interest.
Joanna
You are lucky! I am determined to work on my clutter problem! 🌷