The trick is to change your behaviour and develop some good habits. Add some declutter sessions to your calendar to keep you on track.
Six Monthly Declutter: I do mine in the New Year and at the end of the school holidays. In my family Christmas and Summer mean new toys, games and activities that need a place to be stored. We are rather relaxed during the holidays so many items have not been returned to their rightful homes. So, for us a bi-annual spring clean set us up nicely for the next 6 months.
Check and declutter every drawer, cupboard, and corner. Discard anything that is damaged, too small or no longer used. Then find a place for any new items that need organised. Box and label them if needed & let their owners know where the item belongs.
Monthly Declutter: If you have followed your organisation plan and done your 6 monthly declutter, this monthly check should only take an hour or so. Check each drawer and cupboard remove and sort as needed.
Collect for the Charity Shop: Make this an ongoing routine. Keep a box in the garage or shed for the charity shop. Add to it frequently and make it a habit to drop it off when it is full.
- Clothes. As soon as you spot clothes or shoes that are either too small, never worn or damaged beyond repair… put them in the box. Don’t be tempted to put them to the back of the closet to sort another day. If you have a big bag of clothes at the back of your closet that is waiting to be repaired … someday. Either repair them now or replace them.
- Toys: If your child tells you they don’t play with this anymore put it in a smaller box next to the charity shop box. If in 1 month your child has not asked for the toy, it goes to the charity shop.
Check your Progress: Take before and after photos of your De-clutter & Organise Session. These can be referred to monthly to determine if you are keeping up your new good habits.
Clutter Free & Organised 