{"id":8898,"date":"2024-09-26T19:46:23","date_gmt":"2024-09-26T23:46:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/15-super-helpful-decluttering-tips-for-busy-people\/"},"modified":"2024-09-26T19:46:23","modified_gmt":"2024-09-26T23:46:23","slug":"15-super-helpful-decluttering-tips-for-busy-people","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/15-super-helpful-decluttering-tips-for-busy-people\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Super Helpful Decluttering Tips for Busy People"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Profit<\/a>
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One of the most life-changing benefits of owning fewer possessions is the gift of more time.<\/em> No doubt many of you have already experienced that. When we own less, we spend less time cleaning, organizing, maintaining, repairing, replacing\u2026 even shopping for new things in the first place. <\/p>\n

Life becomes more manageable and less overwhelming at home (and in the world). In fact, the sheer amount of time saved by owning less surprises almost everybody who becomes minimalist. It\u2019s impossible to realize how much of a burden our possessions have become until we begin to remove them.<\/p>\n

But, when you\u2019re just starting out on the journey to become minimalist, it can feel like the opposite is true. It feels like you\u2019re adding more things to do<\/em> to an already busy<\/em> schedule. When you\u2019re working a full-time job, raising kids, managing a home, attending family commitments, AND partaking in a few hobbies, the thought of finding extra time to declutter feels impossible for many.<\/p>\n

Despite the obstacles, it is so worth the effort. <\/p>\n

It might take you a little bit longer to minimize than someone who has more free time, but here are 15 practical, decluttering tips to help you get started:<\/p>\n

1. Start Small and Visual<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Your first step in the right direction doesn\u2019t need to be a big one. So pick a starting area that has a noticeable impact but won\u2019t take much time. A medicine chest, your nightstand, shelving in your living room, maybe a kitchen countertop are all great starting points. These are spaces we see frequently, and clearing them can create a quick visual win, fueling motivation to keep going.<\/p>\n

2. Use \u201cIn-Between\u201d Moments<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Decluttering doesn\u2019t always require long stretches of time. Use spare moments\u2014like while waiting for dinner to cook or during commercial breaks\u2014to tidy a small drawer, a shelf, or your desk. Done consistently, these quick actions will add up.<\/p>\n

3. Schedule Decluttering Time<\/strong><\/h3>\n

For larger projects, carve out specific time in your week, like a Saturday morning or an hour in the evening after the kids go to bed. If you live a busy life, you probably live by the calendar anyway. There are some projects that just require a period of time\u2014so schedule them in and use your time efficiently when you do.<\/p>\n

This will be the hardest at first. But like I mentioned, you\u2019ll be surprised how much time decluttering grants you back when it\u2019s completed. After scheduling just a few of these sessions at the beginning, you\u2019ll find it easier and easier.<\/p>\n

4. Declutter As You Go<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Think of looking for items to declutter as an intentional part of your daily routine. For example, if you try on clothes and decide not to wear them because you don\u2019t like the fit or color anymore, don\u2019t toss them back into the closet\u2014place them in a donation pile immediately. Same with toiletries or self-care products that you just can\u2019t find the motivation to use. <\/p>\n

5. Set Aside 10 Minutes Each Evening<\/strong><\/h3>\n

As part of your bedtime routine, plan on a 10-minute decluttering session somewhere on your way to bed. For example, start by spending 10 minutes in the living room where you watch TV. Or ten minutes in the bathroom where you get ready for bed. Or ten minutes decluttering an area in your bedroom. Ten minutes per day, consistently, will make a huge impact in just a week. <\/p>\n

6. Focus on Frequently Used Areas<\/strong><\/h3>\n

In the earliest stages, focus on decluttering spaces that you interact with daily\u2014like your kitchen or bedroom or closet. Decluttering these areas will make your day run more efficiently right at the beginning.<\/p>\n

7. The \u201cOne-In-One-Out\u201d Rule<\/strong><\/h3>\n

For every new item you bring into your home, remove one that\u2019s no longer needed. If you have a lot of decluttering to do, use the \u201cOne-In-Two-Out\u201d variation. This commonly-used trick will force you to make progress even when you don\u2019t feel like it.<\/p>\n

8. Adopt a \u201cNo-New-Purchases\u201d Rule<\/strong><\/h3>\n

If you like the idea of \u201cOne-In-One-Out\u201d Rule, go for it! But another decluttering tip for busy people is to temporarily commit not to buy anything<\/em> until your current decluttering project is complete. <\/p>\n

There are many people who have changed their lives through a No-Spend Month or a No-Spend Year (this doesn\u2019t usually apply to consumables like food). <\/p>\n

I\u2019m not saying you need<\/em> to do this as part of your decluttering. But deciding specifically not to buy anything new until your decluttering is done will make your decluttering both easier (less stuff coming in) and faster (because of the incentive to finish).<\/p>\n

9. Declutter A Little Before You Sit Down<\/strong><\/h3>\n

I learned a life-changing concept several years: A do-it-before-you-sit-down approach to getting stuff done at home. You can read more of the practice here<\/a>. But the principle is simply this: As soon you get home in the evening, before you sit down to relax, do at least a little bit of decluttering somewhere in your home.<\/p>\n

10. Learn Helpful Questions to A<\/strong>sk<\/h3>\n

When decluttering on a schedule, it\u2019s important to focus on efficiency. So find those questions that help you make quick progress removing things from your home. You might want to try: Do I need this?<\/em> Does this item help my home function better?<\/em> Is this just a duplicate of something else? Why do I have it? What would I use if I didn\u2019t own this?<\/em> <\/p>\n

The question that works best for you might be different than the question that works for someone else. So try out a few. And zero in on the one that helps you make the best progress.<\/p>\n

11. Donate on Your Commute<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Keep a donation box in your car. As you declutter, place unwanted items directly in the box. The next time you drive by a donation center\u2014whether on your way to work or running errands\u2014drop it off. This 1) saves you time; 2) keeps clutter from building up in your home; 3) and helps with the most important step of the decluttering process: actually removing the things from our possession.<\/p>\n

12. Hire Help<\/strong><\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re feeling overwhelmed, there\u2019s no shame in hiring some help. Most people who hire decluttering help do so because 1) They don\u2019t know how to do this on their own; or 2) They don\u2019t have the time to do it themselves. I have personally trained over 50 professionals and individuals in my strategy and approach to own less. I recommend any one of them: Becker Method Certified Declutterers<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Even having a friend or family member help can make the task feel lighter and faster.<\/p>\n

13. Keep the Right Mindset<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Remind yourself that every minute spent decluttering pays off in the long run. For every minute you spend minimizing, you\u2019re likely saving yourself an hour of future cleaning, organizing, or searching for misplaced items. Think of your decluttering time as an investment\u2014and find motivation in that mindset.<\/p>\n

14. Temporarily Cancel a Recurring Appointment<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Here\u2019s the good news: There is a finish line to your decluttering journey. You may need to make an intentional change in your regular weekly or monthly schedule for now, but that change won\u2019t last forever. Once you declutter your home, you\u2019ll be able to add that appointment back in your life plus more if you want.<\/p>\n

15. Involve the Whole Family<\/h3>\n

Decluttering doesn\u2019t have to be a solo activity. Involve your family members, especially if they contributed to the clutter. Set a timer for 20 minutes and see who can declutter the most in that time. Making it a family project can lighten the load and speed up the process.<\/p>\n

Of course, I\u2019m not expecting you to use all 15 of these tips\u2014you\u2019ve got enough on your plate already! <\/p>\n

But finding just 2 or 3 that fit naturally into your busy lifestyle will help you make the progress you\u2019re looking for. With each small step, you\u2019ll notice the difference in your home and, more importantly, in your life.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Profit<\/a>
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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