Most of us dread organizing our stuff. It’s easy not to organize your stuff, to let clutter pile up and become overwhelmed by the huge job of sorting it. Honestly, who would rather organize a sock drawer before going out on a hike with friends, or binge-watching Netflix? But staying on top of organization reduces stress and makes room for more energy and freedom in our lives. So with the goal of reducing stress, we’ve compiled a list of five easy habits to cultivate that will help you to stay in control of your belongings. Let’s jump in.
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Organize your stuff by decluttering frequently
If you’re overwhelmed by clutter, don’t try to tackle it all at once. Instead, set your timer for 15 minutes and commit to working for 15 minutes each day. When the timer goes off, stop working. This slow-and-steady method helps keep motivation in place and prevent burnout. Another fun idea is to listen to your favorite podcast while you organize your stuff. When the podcast is over, so are you, and you have cleaned an area you have been avoiding. Hooray! Ready for another podcast? For more inspiration and ideas on getting started, check out FlyLady’s daily decluttering tips and tricks!
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Don’t let sentimental items pile up
It can be difficult to get rid of sentimental items, but it’s important to remember that memories remain in our hearts, even when we let go of the item itself. It is not disrespectful to get rid of an unwanted sentimental item; it can even be freeing.
Start by setting aside a few boxes for keepsakes. Place family heirlooms and special memories inside the boxes. Consider donating whatever doesn’t fit in the boxes.
If you are ready to let go of a specific item, but still want to remember it, take a picture of the object and email it to yourself. Create a folder for photos of your family’s special items, and store it on your Google Drive or iCloud to reduce physical clutter. Then take a page out of Marie Kondo’s playbook by thanking the item for serving your family and letting it go. If you don’t want to donate it, pass the item on to another family member, or give it to a friend who needs it. Remember that memories remain, even when the item is no longer with us.
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Keep a donation box in your home
Keep a donation bin in a spare closet. If you see an item you no longer need, put it in the bin. If you don’t create a specific spot for donations, your unwanted items will often stay where they are and create more clutter. Designate a day each month to bring your donations to your local Goodwill or shelter.
If you haven’t used something for a year, donate it. If an item no longer brings you joy, let it go. If an object has a bad memory associated with it, get rid of it. Don’t be held down by unnecessary clutter. Let it go and step out into freedom.
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Don’t buy unnecessary items
It’s hard to organize your stuff if you are continually bringing new clutter into your home. It’s easy to buy things online or shop in the Target dollar section, but let’s be honest: We don’t need most of it. Practice purchasing only what you need, as it will save you from building up the clutter that will need to be organized or purged later.
If this is a difficult practice, start small. Set a goal of not purchasing anything for 30 days. Once you reach the goal, set another goal. Baby steps add up to long distances.
By saying no to clutter, you are saying yes to increased mental energy and emotional freedom.
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Set good habits
Setting good habits today will give you more freedom tomorrow. Don’t be ruled by your belongings. Organize your stuff and find freedom in day-to-day living. Try these good habits out for at least two months and they will become second nature.
At Silverado Self Storage, we believe in making room for the things that matter. If you find you are needing more space even after decluttering, check out our Ways to Save page for discounts that we offer. And if you don’t know what size storage space you need, we offer some size suggestions on our What Size Do I Need page. We want to help you say yes to family, yes to freedom, and yes to increased emotional energy. Call us today at 775.787.8600to talk to one of our friendly associates about how you can reclaim your space with our storage solutions!