Moving our belongings into a house is one of the major ways we turn it into a home, but over time, too many belongings can migrate inside, creating clutter that starts to make our lovely home feel like a big storage unit.
Almost everyone but the most dedicated minimalist could benefit from decluttering their home for a more organized life, but what works for one person may fall flat with another. What you need are options. Look over the following list of three decluttering philosophies to determine the optimum approach for you.
Marie Kondo’s KonMari Method
If you’re into lifestyle magazines and home organization tips, you have no doubt already heard about Marie Kondo’s bestselling book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, but you may not really know what it’s about. The KonMari method is both revolutionary and simple. You take out all of your possessions in a certain category, like clothing or books, and spread them out in front of you, all over the floor if necessary. Then you go through the pile one item at a time, holding each one and asking yourself if it “sparks joy.” If it doesn’t bring you joy; get rid of it. Kondo advises to start with clothing, then move through other categories, saving your sentimental items for last.
Hygge
Hygge (pronounced hue-guh) isn’t strictly an organizational method—it’s a Danish word that basically represents savoring coziness—but the best way to feel peaceful, cozy, and comfy is to have a welcoming, visually pleasing living space that reflects who you are. To declutter the Danish way, you should start by focusing on the areas of your home that are most important for Hygge. If you want to cuddle with a loved one by the fireplace, then you should probably clear away the books and papers on the coffee table, and recycle the towering stacks of newspapers, saving just a few to help you light the fire. If you want to indulge in a day of curling up in bed with a good book, sorting through the clothes that are overflowing the bedroom closet first will create a more peaceful space for reading. Basically, try to get rid of anything that will get in the way of the home life you truly want for yourself.
The 90/90 Rule
Following the 90/90 Rule is a direct and practical path to minimalism, and one of the simplest approaches to decluttering. Just go through all of your belongings, and ask yourself two questions about each item. Have I used this in the last 90 days? And, Will I use this in the next 90 days? If the answer to both of these questions is no, then you don’t really need it and can let it go without regrets.
It isn’t always easy to get rid of our excess belongings, but clearing out the home has a way of clearing the mind and allowing us to refocus our priorities to better suit the life we want to be living.
Happy New Year,
Kathy
Algin Realty
706-473-1707
