Tips to Declutter

Contributed by: Marty Sinclair with help from Shannon Villasenor, Hive Overland Park

By the time we get to the middle-stage of life, let's face it, we have accumulated a lot of stuff. The thought of a possible downsize sometime in the future is terrifying for some of us. Perhaps taking some time now to chip away at a few things in our homes, OR helping our parents out with a few of these chores, will make things easier when the time comes for a move down the road. Plus, getting rid of a few things lightens our daily loads by reducing stress and inviting calm to our living spaces today!

We thought a breakdown of some of the most problematic areas would be a helpful way to get started. We gleaned a few ideas from Shannon Villasenor, Hive Overland Park, who also works for a senior relocating company called Gentle Changes.

The piles of papers.

Old utility bills, credit card statements and even routine mail can pile up and become overwhelming. The small piles begin to multiply, and the task of “getting through it” seems impossible. Take 30 minutes a week to go through a stack of papers, and create a pile of “to be shredded.”

TIP: Put the shredder next to your chair, and shred in the evening while you are watching TV. You can also search for free shredding events through your city, bank or local realtors throughout the year.

Clothing.

Do you know the 80/20 rule? Most of us wear 20 percent of our clothing 80 percent of the time. Be mindful of this rule, and see if you are really wearing those clothes towards the back of your closet. Spending 15 minutes a week going through your closet can do wonders.

TIP: When a local charity calls with the message, “We will have a truck in your neighborhood,” don’t pass up the date. Use this as a goal and start sorting through your clothes. If a clothing item has a thick layer of dust on it, it might be time to release it ;)!

Family Pictures.

The heart strings can tug here. The questions about what to do with photo albums and pictures are always at the top of the list. The reality of dividing up a lifetime of family pictures is tough and can come with a lot of emotion. One suggestion would be to consolidate all of your photos together in clear plastic tubs and mark them “FAMILY PHOTOS.”

TIP: Bring your tub to a family reunion or a gathering at the holidays. Invite everyone in your family to help with identification on some of the older photos and/or help sort through the "keepers". You can enjoy the trip down memory lane as everyone helps you go through the pictures!

Passing possessions along to other family members.

Time for a little tough love self talk. Most of the time, our family members already have too much of their own stuff and don't know how to tell you "no thank you". Start now with conversations with your family about items that you think that they might want. Do you think they will want every drawing they ever made? Ask them! Do you think they will want Great-Grandma's fine china that you have always adored? Ask them! If they want those items, they will let you know. Otherwise, let them go!

TIP: If your family member has indicated an interest in items you have asked them about, have those small items ready and waiting by the front door the next time they come to visit. As you send them off with a hug and a few items in their hands, your decluttering is on the move. And you have the opportunity to share the special meaning of each treasure.

What tips/tricks do you have for decluttering?

Please share in the comments.