2019 kicked off with organizing consultant Marie Kondo’s new Netflix series “Tidying Up” and it has inspired homeowners everywhere to sort through their belongings and get organized. People are enthusiastic about getting their homes in order, but most struggle to come up with working systems that are a true solution to the problem.
As a professional organizer, I often find “how to get organized” books in client’s homes. They have good intentions and desire to live clutter free, but lack the knowledge to do it on their own. It doesn’t matter what rooms or closets need an overhaul or how much clutter occupies the home, there is always a solution. There are a few questions you can ask yourself when struggling to decide if to keep an item or let it go.
Purging Questions for Successful Decluttering
– Does this item serve a purpose?
– Is it useful and in working order?
– Have I used it in the past year?
– Is this the only item I own used for this specific purpose?
– Would I buy it again today?
Ninety-nine percent of the time, if you answered “No” to any of the questions, you no longer need the item.
When items are sentimental and the decision is a little more difficult to make, ask yourself if the item makes you smile. If the answer is still “no,” then you can say goodbye without any guilt. If it is going to stay in your home, start using it for its intended purpose and enjoy it.
If you follow these tips, you will successfully clear the clutter!
–-Lauren White, Intentional Edit – Professional Organizer, @intentionaledit, hello@intentionaledit.com
