I’m often asked by folks who want to declutter their homes and lives, where to start first. What room is the most important to start with? Is it the kitchen? The living room? The bedroom? Your kids’ rooms? Somewhere else? What if I told you, “None of the above.”? The first things you should declutter aren’t rooms at all. They are other items you use DAILY! Let’s get started with 7 things to declutter today that aren’t rooms in your home.
First of the 7 things to declutter today:
Your Phone –
Think about it. You use your phone every single day. How many apps do you have on your mobile phone that you don’t even use? How much of your memory is being taken up by photos you don’t actually want to keep and won’t ever look at again? What about voicemails that are clogging up your voicemail? What about all the phone numbers you’ve saved over time to your contacts that you’ll never call again? Time to clear them out. Don’t let them take up space on your phone. By decluttering your cell phone, you’ll boost both your device’s capabilities and your peace of mind.
** To get started: Focus on your apps first. Delete the ones you don’t need or use. Then move onto the contacts list next, as time allows.
Your Email In-Box –
Okay. Just like your phone, your Email In-Box needs to be decluttered. Start by unsubscribing from any email lists that you no longer want to hear from. Empty your Spam and Promotional folders. These are jam packed with emails you didn’t even know you had. Empty the folders to free up space and memory. Next, start with your most recent emails working your way backwards and respond to those that need a response, then clear out all the others.
Your Purse –
Think about it. Whether it’s a purse, a handbag, or a backpack, it’s another one of those items you use every day. Some people are OCD about what goes in their bag. (Me. I’m that girl. If I don’t need it, I don’t carry it.) However, most folks could benefit from giving their bags a little tender, loving care. It’s easy for receipts, pens, lip balms, pacifiers, kids’ meal toys and who knows what else to fall into the depths of our purses, never to be seen again.
While having more in your bag then you need to isn’t going to end the world, it is going to make it more difficult for you to find what you need – your phone, your wallet, your keys – when you need them. By decluttering your purse, you’ll eliminate a small amount of stress – and make it easier to find the things you’re looking for when you need them.
** To get started: Declutter your wallet of receipts, old gift cards, expired credit cards and any other goodies you find and then move on to your larger bag.
Your Make-up Products –
These are another of the 7 things to declutter today – We tend to collect Make-up Products like our kids collect Happy Meal Toys. Begin by tossing any shower products that you no longer like, no longer use, or are nearly empty. Just get rid of them. When it comes to your make-up, toss those items that are expired. For an easy way to track how long you’ve had your product, write the month and year when you first open it on a small sticker or a piece of masking tape, and place it on the bottom of the packaging.
Throw it out!
Super important to declutter –
Your Schedule –
Ever feel stressed about how busy your day is? Are you running from one appointment to another? Try decluttering your calendar. (This is a great article from fellow blogger, Julianna.) Many believe that being busy is a good thing. It’s almost a status symbol. However, we all need downtime to relax and chill out. Whatever that looks like for you – be it getting a massage, having dinner with friends, or having a glass of wine while watching Netflix. And if you don’t already have downtime in your schedule, it’s time to schedule it. Decide: What meetings and appointments leave you exhausted? Remove them from your calendar. Are there commitments that don’t help you move toward your goals? Consider saying no and declining some invitations. By giving yourself more time in your day, you’ll find yourself happier and healthier.
** To get started: Find one commitment that you can eliminate from your schedule to allow time for you on your calendar.
Your Car –
Unless you keep your vehicle immaculate, chances are there’s some clutter lurking inside that you could get rid of. Check the glove compartment for expired registration, greasy napkins, and old receipts. Clear out your trunk and see what’s hiding in the corners of your back seat, especially if you have kids or dogs that ride in your vehicle. Remove items that don’t belong in your car and move them to where they do. You will be surprised to see how much more relaxing your commute, or the wait in the after school pick up line is when your car is clutter-free.
** To get started: Start by removing all the trash from your car. If that’s all you can accomplish today, that’s okay! It’s a start!
Final thing to declutter today:
Your Mindset –
It might be the last thing on the list, but it is definitely the most important thing. Let go of your negative thoughts that are contaminating your mind. Tough one, right? I know. It can be challenging when you have developed a habit of stinkin’ thinkin’. Decluttering your thoughts is difficult. Saying 2 positive thoughts for every 1 negative thought is a great way to get started. Journaling is another great option for clearing your mind. Take care of your mental and emotional health and remove that stinkin’ thinkin’ from your mind. This is important for your self-care.
** To get started: Right now, yes, right now, go for a quick walk or simply sit outside for a bit. There are many mental and physical benefits to spending more time outdoors!
7 things to declutter TODAY! What are you waiting for? Get started now. You’ll be glad you did.
Here’s to your decluttering journey and RESETTING your life!
Roberta
“A place for everything and everything in its place.” – Benjamin Franklin
P.S. If you have a great tip for decluttering, I’d love to hear about it, so be sure to comment. I love learning from you too!
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