I often share that story with clients trying to make fresh starts in their own lives. When they start listing the excuses of why they CAN’T get rid of Aunt Ann’s chair, the second set of dishes, the broken mirror, the dusty records in the attic, etc… I remind them that they are trying to move FORWARD in their lives. I gently suggest that instead of holding onto the stuff out of fear and guilt, they can let someone else use and enjoy it! Not only will the stuff have a new life, but there will be room in their home and heart for things that will bring them joy to look at and use. So clear out the clutter!

1. Contain the project. Choose one half of a closet, one quarter of a garage, or one box of papers. Make it an area that you can finish in an hour or two.
2. Get comfortable and prepared. Have a chair or pillow to sit on, have water on hand, and have boxes ready for the things you are keeping, the things you are letting go, and the things that need further consideration.
3. Set a timer for one hour. During that one hour do not answer the phone, wander to the fridge, or otherwise get distracted. When the timer dings, take the box to the donation station immediately. Move the sellable items to a corner and post them within 24 hours. Action is key!
4. Make money.  If you are going to sell your items through Craigslist, decide how you want to use the money you make. Write down that goal or post of picture of it in the workspace you’re organizing. Use that picture to help you push through, focusing on what you’re bringing *in* to your life by *letting go.* (Bonus Tip – remember that your time is valuable too. Evaluate if the money you’ll get is worth the time you’ll spend cleaning, photographing, and listing the item, not to mention meeting up with potential buyers, or standing in line at the post office. Sometimes you’re better off donating the item and moving on!)
5. Forget how to read.  Unless you are focussing on paperwork for the hour, NEVER read, sort or file the papers you find while decluttering. You’ll NEVER finish because either you’ll drown in nostalgia or get overwhelmed. Instead, have a small box on hand, toss the papers you find into it, and make that a separate organizing project.

 

Once you finish a section, celebrate. 🎉 Enjoy the moment of success, and congratulate yourself on being one step closer to having the life and home you want!

 

MAY YOUR HOME ALWAYS BE HAPPY!