Fast track your way to clutter-free

Before you start – take a look at our quick tips:

• Take a before picture for reference - comparing 'before' and 'after' photos will make you feel great!

• Set a timer and give yourself a time limit for each section of the room. This will help to keep things moving.

• Add some high energy music.

• Work from top to bottom and left to right.

• Have a plan for getting rid of items you decide to let go.

Gather your gear

You’ll need a few essentials such as: rubbish bags, boxes or baskets for sorting, and some cleaning supplies (for a quick wipe over, not a deep clean). Label your boxes:

• Keep

• Donate

• Sell

• Rubbish

You could also include a Maybe box for those tricky items you’re not quite sure about yet - although this could derail for efforts!

Choose your battlefield

First things first, pick a room. The living room, your bedroom, the mysterious 'junk room'! Any room will do. Just make sure it’s a space where you spend enough time to appreciate the decluttering effort.
 

The plan

• Clear a working space, such as the middle of the room or on the bed if it's a bedroom. 

• Work on one drawer, shelf, cupboard or spot at a time.

• Pull everything out of the area you are concentrating on, and put everything in the designated working space.

The easy stuff

Begin with the easy wins. Look for items that are clearly rubbish – old receipts, broken pens and gadgets, that random sock you’ve been keeping just in case you find its partner. Toss them in the rubbish bag. Instant progress!

The trickier stuff

Be ruthless! We've all heard about the next bit. Make Marie Kondo proud and ask yourself:

• Do I love it?

• Do I use it?

• Am I likely to use it in the next 6 months? (This could apply to out of season clothes you've stashed away)

If the answer is a resounding 'No' decide if it's good enough to donate or sell. A good rule of thumb is - would you give it to a friend? If it's a 'Yes' then it's good enough to donate or sell - if not, it's destined for the rubbish bin. 

The sentimental stuff

Sentimental items are the toughest. If you're struggling with this bit, consider the following:

• If you find yourself holding onto too much, take photos of the items before letting them go. 

• Don't pack them away in a box - if items mean a lot to you, put them on display.

• If you find things from when your kids were younger, ask them if they want to keep them. It makes the decision a bit easier!

Clean as you go

As you clear each are, give it a wipe over before you put your 'keep' items back.

Once you've finished one section, take a quick break and move on to the next. Happy decluttering!

Take a look at our Reduce, Reuse, Recycle tips to for ideas to get rid of the stuff you're letting go.