My Decluttering Journey: From Chaos to Calm

Hello, cherished souls! 🌸

A few moons ago, a recommendation led me to the transformative pages of "Simplicity Parenting" by Kim John Payne. Diving into its insights, almost serendipitously, I chanced upon another enlightening read, "How To Keep House While Drowning" by K.C. Davis. These literary gems converged on a profound idea: the magic of decluttering. While a deeper dive into my garage decluttering escapade awaits in a future post, today, I invite you on a behind-the-scenes tour of my decluttering mindset, approach, and the serendipities it birthed.

How Am I Able to Declutter?Both Payne and Davis echoed the liberation decluttering promises. Yet, the mammoth task felt like a mountain I wasn't equipped to climb. My underlying struggle with executive function meant that the mere thought of starting often paralyzed me. But, channeling K.C. Davis' wisdom, I sought reinforcements. My loving husband became my decluttering co-pilot, especially in overwhelming zones like our garage and kitchen. His presence became my anchor, helping me sail through decisions.

Once a month, my secret weapon, my grandmother (a professional housekeeper and ardent admirer of my toddler), graces our home. As I embark on decluttering quests, she's the guardian of our household order, ensuring harmony prevails. Plus, the joy of selling decluttered items? Absolutely exhilarating! A fun 'auction' method on Facebook brought the excitement of bidding wars and a neat sum that funded organizational essentials.

What Do I Need To Declutter?The backbone of my decluttering arsenal? A stash of plastic totes for temporary storage. Currently, two of these troopers in my garage stand testament to a day’s decluttering might. And trash bags - lots of them! The robust contractor bags from Costco are particularly my favorites for heavy-duty clean-ups.

How It’s Helped Already?Tackling the garage, arguably my most daunting space, was like conquering my Everest. The triumph? Immense. This monumental victory carved out space and confidence, empowering me to face other rooms. Selling decluttered items infused my journey with purpose and a touch of excitement, funding essentials and stoking motivation.

Charting Your Own Decluttering Odyssey

As I share my journey, I ardently hope it kindles a spark for you to embark on your own decluttering voyage. Every home, every soul has its unique rhythm, but if you're wondering where to start, here’s a roadmap that might guide your steps:

• 1.) List It Out: Begin by cataloging every space that beckons decluttering. Whether it's that overstuffed garage or that little drawer in the kitchen that seems to hold everything and nothing, put it down.

• 2.) Eat The Frog: A peculiar phrase, but it rings with wisdom. Address the most daunting space first. Why? Because once you conquer this 'mountain', every other task will feel like a gentle hill. Plus, decluttering a challenging area often clears the way, both physically and mentally, for the subsequent zones.

• 3.) Don't Walk Alone: Decluttering, while deeply personal, doesn't have to be a solitary quest. Schedule your decluttering bouts around times when you can enlist help. It could be a supportive partner, a dear friend, or even a professional. Together, the journey becomes lighter, more enjoyable, and incredibly effective.

As the chapters of my decluttering journey unfold, join me in exploring each room's tales, triumphs, and lessons. Whether you're seeking motivation or insights into what works (and what doesn’t), I hope my journey offers you a lantern of inspiration.

Sending wishes for homes filled with clarity and hearts with joy, 

Manna 🌟