“I believe your home tells a story about who you are and who you aspire to be. We represent ourselves through the things we own. I don’t believe in trends. I believe in collecting things that you connect with. We should surround ourselves with things we care about, that have meaning.” -Nate Berkus
What about you? Are you surrounding yourself with things you care about, things that have meaning? Look around your house. Do you feel it represents who you are? Do you feel relaxed and at home? Or do you feel stressed and anxious because there is just too much stuff and visual clutter?
We add to our belongings with every passing year, yet rarely subtract. Closets, shelving, cupboards, and storage spaces build up bit by bit and in time turn into overwhelming mountains of unused stuff.
In the past, you may have tried to get rid of things and organize your home. You purchased organizing supplies, like shelving and bins, and moved items from one space to the next with no actual progress. Chances are you held on to too much stuff.
If this is your story, it’s time to change your approach and get into a different mindset. Rather than trying to keep (and organize) everything you own, try looking at your belongings through a different lens. Keeping only what you truly need, use, and love-only the treasures.
The Treasure Hunt
First Round–eliminating the obvious
Letting go of our stuff can be difficult. If you feel too overwhelmed, start with the simple decisions. Begin in one corner and gradually work your way around the room. Instead of deciding on what to keep, begin by taking away any broken, outdated, and unused items. This should make a good dent and shine a better light on the rest.
Second Round-the tougher decisions
Now it’s time for the finer purge. Looking at each item, ask yourself: When was the last time I used this? Does it fit the vision I have for my home? Is it a treasure? Or, to borrow Marie Kondo’s catchphrase, does it spark joy? Be brutal! Some items will be harder to let go of than others, but in the end, you’ll find that you won’t miss them.
Make purging easier
- Pretend you are downsizing to a much smaller space
- Work in one area at a time to keep from getting overwhelmed
- Ask a friend or family member to help you
- Whenever you’re torn about keeping an item, create a time capsule. Place the items in a bin and clearly label what’s inside. Schedule a time in your calendar to revisit the bin in 6 months. If you haven’t needed the item during that time, let it go
Once you’ve eliminated everything you don’t need, use, or love, you are ready to decorate, get organized, and let your treasures shine.
Organizing and purging isn’t a task you perform occasionally–it’s a way of life!
Need accountability or hands-on assistance with any of your organizing projects? Call or email, I’m here to help, whether in person or virtually. Call 585-201-6009 or write to Yve@organizingbyYve.com.