5 Simple De-cluttering Methods to Get You Started

It’s been more than a year since Gwen McKeown’s Essentialism gripped me. But it wasn’t until PC (my husband) and I decided to relocate that I started considering the popular decluttering methods more seriously.

So, let me share some of the popular decluttering methods that you can explore, as per your interest.

1| KonMari Method by Marie Kondo

This is an intensive yet effective way to declutter a specific category across multiple areas of the house. By focusing on what to keep rather than what to give away. You need to go through every item in that category and decide whether it #SparksJoy. Ask yourself “Does this shirt spark joy?”. If it does, you keep it, else you can donate or sell.

2| Four Box Method

Best done room-wise, this method covers all the item categories. You create 4 boxes and label them as Put Away, Give Away, Throw Away and Undecided and then sort your items accordingly. If you’re undecided on what to do with Undecided box, just keep 3. Ensure you don’t use the undecided box too much. Once done, you can process each box accordingly.

3| 30-day Minimalism Game #minsgame by Joshua Fields Millburn & Ryan Nicodemus

The idea of the game is to reduce your possessions over the course of a month. Starting with one item on the first, two things on the second, and so on to getting rid of 30 things on the last day of the month. While starting is fun and easy, it might get overwhelming towards the end of it. But you gotta do what you gotta do. #Deown is the key.

4| One method

Similar to the #minsgame approach, you need to get rid of one thing every single day for a pre-decided period of time. It’s easy, sets up a daily routine and isn’t time consuming. Also, this doesn’t burden you towards the end when you have to choose 30 articles to get rid of.

5| The Minimalists 90/90 rule

This method is particularly good while cleaning up the cupboard and for getting rid of there-is-nothing-to-wear situations. I was that girl, even with the breathlessly stacked cupboards. It says, if you haven’t used something in the past 90 days, most likely you won’t use it ever. If you’re unsure, ask if you’d use in the next 90 days. However, it’s important to be mindful of seasons, especially if you live in North India.

Whichever method you may pick, it’s important to understand that decluttering is a continuous process. You have to be at it. It’s like fitness, you need to keep working out to maintain it.

And of course, you can also combine two (or more) methods to create your own!

Let me know your experience if you choose to use any of these decluttering methods. Would love to hear from you.

Love,
Sumedha – Your Eco Storyteller