2016 Goals: 5 Ways To Help De-Clutter

Trying to de-clutter your life for the new year? Here are 5 ways that will help you reset!

To start out 2016, I have a goal. I’m getting rid of things. A LOT of things.

I think I say the same thing every year, but 2016… you’re the one. Thankfully, I have something pushing me to do this. I’m moving! Not away from Philly, but into a house that’s new and bright and lofty and amazing. It’s been about 3 years since I’ve moved, and I’m excited to start the new year off fresh and in a new space.

With any move, this presents the opportunity to de-clutter, and reevaluate possessions. I’ve struggled with this in the past, and I think it’s because I have a hard time letting go of things — clothes specifically. My closet is kind of a joke. The halloween costume I wore 5 years ago still hangs, the jacket I bought impulsively from a thrift store that’s way too big is still waiting to be worn… a lot of items like that exist in there. But why? I should have got rid of them months or even years ago. “Maybe I’ll wear it though! I might need it at some point!” That’s the thought that runs through my head every time I try to clean out my closet. It’s like the plague, I can’t get rid of it. But ha! It’s 2016, and it’s time to knock that thought off it’s rocker. Sorry old me, but the new me, who doesn’t need a million and one different things, is here and ready to do some work. How? Below are some of the things I’m doing that’ll help along the way.

1) Set A Time

Set a time that you’re actually going to tackle the act of de-cluttering. Mark the date on a calendar and set a reminder on your phone. Taking a personal day off of work might even be a good idea if it’s going to force you to do it. De-cluttering takes time and energy, it won’t happen magically, so make a point to stick to the date you set in order for it to get done!

2) Clean

Trying to sort through possessions is almost impossible if you’re working in a messy area. And it’s just stressful. The first thing you should do is clean. Everything. Do a solid sweep of the house and tidy everything before you start setting things aside to keep and throw out. A clean canvas is always easier to work with!

3) Have a Motive

Set questions that you can ask yourself along the way. “Did I use this in the last year?” “Is this something that I absolutely need?” “Does this piece of clothing still fit?”

If you set a motive for why you’re getting rid of the things you’re choosing to give up, it’ll make it easier when you come across things that are giving you a harder time to part with than others. Think back to your motive, then decide if you really need it or not.

4) Sort

As you’re sorting, make piles. You can use boxes, bins, bags… whatever you fancy. I like to distribute things into piles that I label ‘Keep’, ‘Trash’, ‘Donate’, and ‘Sell’. For all of the clothes I keep, I’ll leave them on the hangers and cover the bundles with trash bags for the move. For all of the clothes I want to sell or donate, I put them in plastic zip storage bags that you can find from Ikea! They are the perfect thing to keep/transport unwanted clothes in. (They’re also great for dirty laundry!) Everything else that’s not an item of clothing, I’ll store in labeled cardboard boxes. Staying organized is key when it comes to de-cluttering or else you’ll just make more of a mess for yourself!

5) No Regrets

Out of sight, out of mind. Getting rid of unnecessary possessions should feel good. Skip the emotions and throw away the regrets. You’ll feel better in the long run after you dispose of the things you really don’t need. Welcome 2016 with a clean slate and be proud of it!

Happy new year!

+How do you de-clutter? Let us know in the comments below! 

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