Decluttering & Simplifying

This is part two of my notes from the “Simplify and Declutter Your Home and Schedule” workshop I attended at an AHE conference several years ago. It was a fantastic workshop given by Jess Angove and Rachel King, which really made a difference to the way I run our household and view our possessions! I’m pretty sure the section below was given by Jess. For my notes on part one (given by Rachel King) click here.

Decluttering Tips

• Try setting yourself a goal of a certain number of items to get rid of e.g. 1000 items in 6 months
• Join a challenge group on Facebook
• Set a timer or use a counter
• Take before and after shots
• Drop items off to the Op Shop ASAP – don’t leave them lying around or you may change your mind! Another technique is to tape up boxes so you can’t see what’s inside.
• Have a good storage system that works well for you
• You don’t have to keep an item to have the memory – take a photo, then bin it!
• If you don’t fit it or like it – chuck it out
• Things like books, puzzles and fabric can accumulate without being used – consider culling these
• Only keep the items that you actually use and/or are valuable
• Buy less but better quality
• Consider whether you can afford to replace something you get rid of if necessary

Ways to help simplify your schedule:

• Write down what your values are e.g.
  • to spend time with people I love
  • to do things that bring me joy
  • to do something that makes a difference
• Write down every commitment you have and ask:
  • Is it useful?
  • Is it beautiful?
  • Is it essential?
• Underline the top 5
• Question everything!!