Speedy Decluttering: Discard Over a Hundred Items in Under an Hour's Time
A decluttering burst can be just what you need to kickstart a transformation in your living space. Although change can sometimes feel heavy and frustrating, finding ways to have fun along the way can make the process more enjoyable.
The decluttering burst challenge suggests focusing on specific areas of your home, such as the bathroom, junk drawer, kitchen, car, and kitchen counter, and aiming to declutter 10 items from each. For your kid's room, consider getting rid of clothes not worn and toys not played with, and consider donating these items to children with less. Similarly, your coat closet, linen closet, or laundry room might benefit from decluttering linens, towels, sheets, blankets, coats not worn, accessories not seen in a long time, extra hats, scarves, and gloves, old laundry soap, and other unused products.
In your arts/crafts/hobby room or office, declutter anything not being used that takes up space needed for creativity. The same goes for your computer, where you can declutter junk email, documents, printables, and downloads not opened, blurry and duplicate photos.
Don't forget about your closet, where you can declutter clothes that don't fit, shoes that give blisters, items with price tags, things not liked to wear, jewelry, accessories, and a purse or ten. Extra books, decorative items not enjoyed, extra furniture, nightstand clutter, and items in your bedroom or living room can also be decluttered.
Effective strategies for a quick decluttering burst include the Four Basket (Four-Box) Method, setting a short time limit (5-10 minutes), micro-decluttering, the Boundary Method, starting with easy wins, and avoiding all-at-once purges. The Four Basket Method involves using four containers labeled keep, sell/donate, trash, and relocate/storage. Empty the targeted area fully, sort each item quickly into one of the baskets, then immediately deal with the non-keep piles.
Setting a short time limit dedicates a small, fixed block of time each day or whenever possible to one focused area. Micro-decluttering focuses on a very specific spot, like a nightstand drawer or bathroom vanity, and clearing it fully within minutes. The Boundary Method sets physical or visual limits on how much can be stored, and anything that doesn’t fit must go. Starting with easy wins means beginning in areas like a spice rack, a single drawer, or a shelf rather than tackling large rooms immediately.
A decluttering burst challenge was recommended, involving getting rid of 100 items in 60 minutes. If the challenge goes faster than expected, consider using the motivation and inspiration to do another round. Suggested items to declutter from storage (garage, attic, storage shed) include anything in a box not used, missed, or remembered, items saved "just in case", and aspirational items.
One individual embarked on this decluttering journey and added simplicity experiments and a decluttering challenge to their process. They found that piles of paper and clutter were a common issue during the decluttering process, and they resolved this by cancelling their cable television service. They also held a "last yard sale ever" during the decluttering process.
The decluttering burst challenge can inspire long-lasting change in your life. By taking small, manageable steps and using simple, effective strategies, you can transform your home and find a sense of peace and simplicity.
- After decluttering your home, consider subscribing to a newsletter that offers tips on fashion, lifestyle, fashion-and-beauty, home-and-garden, and education-and-self-development to inspire your personal growth.
- As you enjoy your newly decluttered kitchen, explore various travel destinations and plan a trip intended for an amazing culinary experience.
- With your child's room decluttered, you might want to engage them in discussions about the importance of reducing waste and the impact it has on the environment, making it a perfect opportunity for educational and self-development.
- Upon completing the decluttering burst challenge, take a moment to appreciate the transformation in your living space and apply the strategies mentioned in the news article to other aspects of your life, such as your digital files, email inbox, or even your wardrobe for continued personal growth.
