If you have children, consider placing a donation basket in their rooms to remind them of its presence and encourage them to contribute. This makes letting go feel easier and more natural throughout the week, rather than making it a one-off chore. When it’s filled, sort through the items one more time, then make a trip to a charity shop to empty it out.
Experts recommend the one-in-one-out rule, especially for clothing, kids’ items, and decor. For instance, if you’re considering buying a new dress, do you have one in mind you’re willing to let go of in its place? Ask yourself if you really need to have another dress, and whether you have the extra space to store it. Embracing this mindset makes decluttering a constant, ongoing process instead of a once-a-year event.
To reset your living room:
Fold throw blankets, fluff up pillows, and neatly arrange sofa cushions.
Do a quick floor sweep or maximize the robot vacuum once you’ve picked up items from the floor.
To reset your kitchen:
Wash and dry the dishes, or load the dishwasher.
Take out the trash, especially if it’s full or smelling.
If you’ve run out of energy or feel overwhelmed for the day, keep a designated basket where you can place stray items temporarily. Don’t forget to tackle them tomorrow and return things to their proper places.
