Here’s a little hack I use, a game, if you will, when I’m looking to do a decluttering jumpstart. It’s great for times when I want to feel productive, but don’t necessarily have the time or energy for something more ambitious. This typically occurs at the end of the day when I’m winding down, but feel like accomplishing a little something more. I call it “5 things”. I find 5 things to get rid of from anywhere in the house. Sometimes this entails items to throw away or recycle such as papers that are no longer needed, or items to donate or sell.
The beauty of a decluttering jumpstart is that it’s quick, doable, and it really does make a difference. Even if I just did the 5 things exercise the day before, I can always (always!) find 5 more things the next day. These easy little daily decluttering habits help to contribute to a home that stays relatively clutter free.
You can do this as frequently as you want. Daily, weekly, or whenever you feel like it. I make a phone calendar entry titled “5 things” because, let’s face it, the things we write down have a tendency to get done. If you feel like overachieving you could always up your game and find “10 things”, or as many as you can in a short time period. Here’s what I found in today’s installment of “5 things”.
Other Ideas of Items to Declutter:
- School paperwork
- Clothes – damaged, not worn or don’t fit
- Expired or unused toiletries or personal care products
- Mail – catalogs, ads
- Extra boxes
- Hair accessories
- Old photos
- Socks without mates
- Food storage containers with no lids
- Expired food
- Books
- Vases
- Writing utensils
- Picture frames
- Tools
- Office paperwork
- Junk drawer items
- Kitchen utensils
- Dried out pens
- Items from the depths of the kid’s backpacks;)