Still inspired, I began creating my own strategies for decluttering and minimizing and started to make amazing progress. If you didn't hit the link to the above article, no big deal. Sort of. Well, then make sure it’s displayed or used so that it has a purpose and place in your home. The first step to take before you can really let go of the majority of the clutter, you need to come face-to-face with your fantasy self. Decluttering your home is a notoriously difficult task. Start by asking if you need an item. Obviously, If you have semi-adult or grown children you can go ahead and ask them. These decluttering questions will guide you in the process of purging, so you always know what to keep and what to get rid of! Your DIY Guide to all things decluttering! You could also choose to give it to them now. I was on maternity leave after giving birth to my second child. What makes it so hard is that decluttering isn't just about stuff—it's also about emotional baggage and unfinished business. Period. That being said, we are a middle-class, family of four who live in a rural town. Recommended Resources. 8. I live in Northern California less than an hour from two of the most devastating wildfires in our state’s history – the Carr Fire in Shasta County and the Camp Fire in Butte County. Specifically, there are three questions you need to ask yourself that will make the whole process easier. This is the oldest one in the book…but it works! If you watched her Netflix special you see this play out a few times, but especially with the family that has the Christmas collection. Visually stressed … What am I going to do with the stuff I get rid of? If you are a frugal-living, large family living in a city you may not be able to apply the exact same strategies in your home. Please know: decluttering emotional areas and sentimental items is hard. What do you ask yourself when decluttering? I’ll be honest here, decluttering is difficult for me because I hate to waste. Here are nine questions to help you get the most out of the decluttering exercises. One of the biggest downfalls of her method is the single decluttering question she relies on: For many of us, especially beginners, this question will not help you get rid of enough stuff to help you reap the benefits of minimalism. I have a book collecting problem. There’s no sense in storing it away just for someone else to toss it or donate it later. Let’s be honest, 12 months is a generous amount of time. Do you use the item on a regular basis? Cary Fortin. 1. Once you’ve made the decision to declutter and simplify … This is basically the... 2. Use left/right arrows to navigate the slideshow or swipe left/right if using a mobile device, But you can give yourself a time-limit to make that decision, Hopefully asking yourself these three questions: How do I feel about it? These questions will help you to determine what’s clutterso that you can have more clarity in deciding what stays and what goes. I’m highly sensitive to noise, so noise-generating playthings were already my arch nemesis. My clients’ top three are: “I have to go through those,” “Someone could use that,” and “But I need it!” If you’re still stuck on an item (or items), remind yourself of the WHY behind what you’re doing. Join our Community Below! If they say yes, then you create a system like a Trust to ensure it goes to them when the time comes. When was the last time … However, If you do plan to pass it down to your children, then you need to move on to part #2. My guess is that the same will be true for you…. and How much will it cost to replace? Unsubscribe at any time. Once you’re clear on that, taking the 30-day declutter challenge will be a breeze. Chances are if you... Can it be replaced for $20 or less? The authors’ words had struck me deeply as they promised a life of less stress, more happiness and a sense of calm in our home that had been lacking for years. Today I’m sharing my top 10 decluttering questions to ask when purging! I share the tips and strategies on my site that have worked best for my family. © Simply Well Balanced, 2020. Regardless of our desire to simplify our homes and lives, our attachment to objects can make it difficult (or near-impossible even) to let them go. And will you actually get it done? Decluttering is a process, one step on the path toward a simpler, more intentional life. As you consider each item, ask yourself the following questions. Lauren Tingley is a formerly stressed out, working teacher-mom of two who tried to "do it all" and ended up losing herself in the process. It was just too overwhelming and complicated. 3 Questions I’m Going to Start Asking Myself Before I Get Rid of Something. Courtesy of boomercafe.com: Less stuff means less maintenance, less cleaning, and less stress. This is actually a two part question, and you really should answer yes to each part in order to decide to keep the item. Times are a changin’ though. Consider whether you would use the broken item if it were in good shape (see question #3 above). They are not organized or labeled and as sad as it may be, the truth is that they will probably be tossed when my parents pass. I do this because the method that I started with, didn’t work well for us and I figure there have to be others in the same situation. If you brought the item into your home because it was a ‘great deal,’ ask yourself if you would have paid full price for it. Then keep the item(s) for now, but as I said above, be sure to display them and pass on any stories or history with your children frequently as they grow up so they are aware of its significance to you and your family. So here are three questions to ask yourself when you are having a hard time decluttering that should make making those decisions a little bit easier. Here are a handful of questions you can ask yourself when decluttering: Have I used or admired this in the last year? My parents have a garage full of pictures, papers from my childhood and other family heirlooms. (You know the sad story of Justin Case, … This decluttering question works especially well if the item in question is broken. on how to get started!! This step is truly what transforms your belongings into  cherished family heirlooms. If an item isn’t useful (to you), loved (by you), or something which you (currently) have space/time/resources to maintain, then it’s clutter. What will this space look like when I’m finished decluttering? However, I do think that there are some guiding questions that can benefit anyone who is on  a mission to live with less that will help to clarify what to keep and what needs to go. You’re probably ready to live more minimally because you were overwhelmed. This question applies to a lot of areas of the house. Read what the number one thing you must do when decluttering is by clicking here.Â, If you didn't hit the link to the above article, no big deal. If you did, then by all means, keep it, sister!! With my husband gone at work, by toddler at pre-school and my infant asleep for hours, as they do in those first few weeks I got to work. 7 Questions to Ask When Decluttering Get link; Facebook; Twitter; Pinterest; Email; Other Apps; By Karen Trefzger . Are you feeling guilt, dread, or some other negative feeling when you pick that item up? Questions to Ask Yourself While Decluttering 1) Do I use this item regularly? Does it help me live the life I want to live? If you decide to keep them, I highly recommend displaying the item(s) so that you see  and can enjoy them as much as possible now. Lauren's ideas and advice has been shared by Parents Magazine, Good Housekeeping and Women's First.Read more about me! Would you try really hard to fix this thing, or pay someone else to? As much as I love going into client’s homes and assisting, supporting and guiding them through the process – I can’t make those decisions for them. But if you didn't even realize the item was gone or missing at all, I think it's totally reasonable to send it to the donation pile, guilt-free! If the answer is no, and it’s has been around your home for a while, it’s time to donate it. Of course, we don’t just want a clutter-free home. As you go through each area of your home, think about the last time you Clutter is simply delayed decisions. Decluttering, Most Popular. You'll get the info (stat!) When you’re decluttering your closet, one of the most important questions to ask is, “Does this fit?” A few things to keep in mind: First, remember that fit is not just about size. Clearly, you needed a change. No one can decide what to keep (or let go of) except for you. And perhaps most importantly, how do I want to feel when I’m there? 10 Questions To Ask When Decluttering. Or follow me on Pinterest or Instagram, Your email address will not be published. This meant we didn’t have much to declutter in this department, but it was still a good reminder to ask this question … 1. 1. Three decluttering questions to help you make serious progress as you create a calm and clutter-free home. Get your inner Elsa on sister, LET.IT.GO. Recently, I had a viral post on my experience with the KonMari Method. Keep reading to learn the 3 decluttering questions you need to ask to make serious progress. Step-by-Step Decluttering . The two most important decluttering questions. But if you don’t, ask yourself if you really like it. Which is great, but I want you to pay attention to the other feelings also.Â. I have been throwing out, recycling, giving away, selling and donating things right and left. Is This Something I Would Like to Bring with Me Into My Future? These questions really are the first step when figuring out how to declutter. At the very core of it all, the reason we simplify our things is to increase the quality of our lives. The 11 Decluttering Questions You Should Be Asking Yourself. How do I feel about this item?? When did I last use this? However, maybe your kids say they don’t want the item(s). (turn on the music for some inspiration? In that case, you have to decide if you want to keep them knowing that eventually they will be donated or thrown away. There’s no reason to get rid of something that you obviously love, need, and use. Have I used the item in the last 12 months? Is it worth fixing? … As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, © 2015-2021 Simply Well Balanced ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, The 3 Essential Decluttering Questions You Need to be Asking. Is it beautiful? Removing … So I have been on a mission to declutter my home and life. You started out super motivated and inspired to declutter. Every item in your home should be either something you use regularly or love. If the answer is yes – keep it! But through this process, I realized that there were several questions I would ask Liz that helped her decide what should stay and what should go. All relics from a past life that I thought I’d want with me in a future life I didn’t yet … An experience like this teaches you what is truly valuable. What will I be doing in this space? Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. I’m determined to simplify and get organized once and for all. My 31 Bags in 31 Days was a … It was absolutely heart-wrenching to watch and hear stories of close friends and neighbors who lost absolutely everything. These are two very telling decluttering questions to ask yourself. This is basically the point:Â, You need to pay attention to the emotional response you have to every.single.item. It'd be inexpensive to replace.Â, On the flip side: If you are looking at something that is considerably more expensive to replace, and you don't quite feel comfortable getting rid of it, don't!Â, But you can give yourself a time-limit to make that decision i.e. if you haven't used the item within six months you will donate it.Â. As New Minimalists, we believe that less time spent organizing, cleaning, tending to and … !Â, Make your Weekly Meal Plan on autopilot using Themed Dinner Nights, choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. You will come across similar items during your journey, and when you do this question will save you from the dangers of decluttering regret; that awful feeling when you realize you donated something you actually needed to keep. If you had to re-build your entire life from the ground up – what would you choose to include the second time around? Ultimately, simplifying is a personal choice and is dependent on your family’s priorities, wants and needs. Do I need it? Date Published: May 15th, 2019 Categories: Junk Removal Baltimore Tags: furniture removal, furniture removal howard county, hot tub removal, Junk, junk pick-up, junk removal ellicott city, mattress disposal, Removal Companies, Rubbish Removal. I have this dream of having a … Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Simply Well  Balanced with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. That’s where these clarifying decluttering questions come in: Question #1 – Does this item improve or make my life easier on a frequent (daily/weekly/monthly) basis? For example, I HATE ironing. Years ago, after both of my grandparents passed away, I opened up a storage unit in San Francisco to store some things of theirs (plus a few of my own). That is why it is important to find out if your children plan to keep the items you are holding on to. We got rid of a lot of toys this summer. Inspired by two books I had read during my pregnancy: The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo. Even after they “decluttered” they still had hundreds of items to store and organize. ), I think when you decide to really, really go through your home that the whole Decluttering Process, you are going to find some items that you haven't used in a long time.Â. Within a few months the real differences were profound: However, it took more than asking “Does this spark joy?” to truly put a dent in the clutter that was filling my home. However, I still need to iron clothes for myself or a family member periodically. It helps you to know exactly what you have and where the most important items and documents are at all times. Meal Planning is easily one of the best ways for us mamas... Hey, there busy mama!! If you love something … For example, I HATE ironing… that you touch when you are decluttering.Â, Marie Kondo wants you to pay attention to if it sparks joy. That’s where these clarifying decluttering questions come in: This is an important question, because some items do not spark joy but still need to be kept. Now she shares her tips for fun family activities, minimalist homemaking and simple parenting advice on Simply Well Balanced for families looking to create more balance in their homes. My mother used to refer to herself as a JIC person. Does … Is this an item that means enough to me to pass down to my children? There are thousands and many of them have no name on the back. One of the reasons people get overwhelmed by declutteringis because they don’t know where to start and then they don’t know how to make decisions once they begin. If it’s a non essential, it should only have a place in your home because you like it. 50 Inspirational Parenting Quotes You Need to Hear, 101 Calming Activities for Kids That Really Work, How to Organize Kids Shoes {So They Stay That Way}, 10 Amazing Benefits of Toy Rotation for Kids (and Parents), 35 Sweet Step Daughter Quotes That Will Touch Her Heart, 101 Powerful Affirmations for Kids to Build Confidence and Self-Control. Are you a mama who wants to learn how to create a home focused on quality time and fun as a family? Hi everyone!Are you on a minimalism journey? Why you need this question: This is an important question, because some items do not spark joy but still need to be kept. Are you interested in removing some of the clutter from your life? They will allow you to make decluttering decisions from a meaningful and practical perspective and will ensure that you still don’t have too much crap in your house when you’re done. So you can look at it like this: Is that $1-2 item that you “might” use again really worth storing for the next 6 months to a year just in case? 3 Questions to Ask When You’re Decluttering. Soon my home felt open, cozy and clutter-free. Will help you easily make decisions about what to declutter in your home and what you know you want to keep and help you bring some peace and order to your busy home.Â,  Need some more decluttering and organization inspiration, tips & help?? As you go about decluttering and organizing your home, there are three things you need to ask of all of your things. I remember “that” day like it was yesterday. I fully support the idea of only keeping things you love or improve your life, but as a beginner you need to start developing your “decluttering ninja skills”. These are the skills that are going to help you when you get to those difficult items. And weigh the cost of fixing the thing against the cost of replacing it. This is where I failed with my first decluttering attempt. In fact, I avoid purchasing clothes that need to be ironed. Subscribe to get monthly Organization tips + Printables by entering your name and email- that’s it, it’s FREE! 1. In all honesty, I think any progress is helpful – but to really feel the impact of “living with less” you need to be a little ruthless with your purging. As you go through your home and evaluate your items consider whether or not you would replace this item of it was lost, stolen or damaged. I am nowhere near finished! Decluttering: Three Questions to Ask yourself May 28, 2014 / Lydia Senn. Questions to Ask When Decluttering… We have no idea who is in the picture. I dislike throwing away or … If you do, keep it. There you have it mama! For that reason, I keep the iron – even though I wish I didn’t have to.