After reading an article in the Guardian today about decluttering, I got to thinking about how I deal with clutter. Dealing with clutter can be a very emotional experience. Whilst some people advocate to start small and just do fifteen minutes on your sock drawer, it’s useful to focus on a strategy that will allow you manage your storage better in the long term. Here’s some suggestions:
- Sort your seasonal clothes (winter jumpers and summer shorts) and stow them away when they are out-of-season.
- Set a monthly recycling deadline. Your local charity shop will be delighted, and the Freecycle network provides an excellent way to find a home for almost anything.
- Work out how to stop a paper mountain forming as post arrives. Set-up a system that allows you to reduce the piles that form on the kitchen table. Go paperless, file and shred regularly.
- Check you are using your storage wisely. Items that you use rarely, like Christmas decorations, should be stored in the attic or basement. Cupboards in the kitchen and living rooms should be used for every day items.
- Don’t be too ruthless. Allow yourself a ‘Maybe’ pile, but revisit these things as soon as you can and ask ‘do I really need…?’
I feel Linda Blair’s pronouncement in the article, “Hoarding is often a symptom of an obsessive compulsive disorder” is a little unfair. The accumulation of clutter is often more a symptom of a busy lifestyle, or a relaxed attitude to ownership!
Ministry of Time is here to help you.
For example, we can arrange valuation of antiques, the cleaning of carpets, or the long-term storage of items. We can also arrange for the sale of any items, or their donation to your favourite charity. Get in touch and we can help you conquer the clutter with a highly personalised service.