To start decluttering your parents' house, begin by tackling small, manageable areas like a drawer or medicine cabinet. Focus on visible clutter like counters and then move to less used areas. Keep the process focused on a one-time effort and not an ongoing task. It's also helpful to create a system for organizing and maintaining the decluttered spaces.
1. Choose a Small Area:
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Instead of trying to tackle the entire house at once, start with a single drawer, shelf, or cabinet
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This makes the task less daunting and allows you to see tangible progress early on.
2. Focus on Visible Clutter:
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Begin by cleaning off counters and shelves, as these areas often accumulate a lot of small items.
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Consider organizing common areas like the entryway or living room first.
3. Create a Decluttering System:
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Sort: As you go through each area, sort items into categories like "keep," "donate," "toss," or "recycle".
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Purge: Get rid of anything that's broken, outdated, or no longer needed.
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Organize: Find a home for each item you choose to keep, and consider using shelves or containers to maximize space.
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Maintain: Once you've decluttered and organized, it's important to establish a system for keeping the spaces tidy, like putting items away immediately.
4. Consider Emotional Attachments:
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Be prepared for emotional attachments to some items.
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If necessary, take photos of significant items before discarding them.
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If you are unsure about discarding something, allow yourself time to make a decision.
5. Make it a Group Effort: If your parents are open to it, involve them in the process.
6. Stay Focused and Positive:
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Celebrate small victories to stay motivated.
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Break down the task into smaller steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
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Focus on the positive benefits of having a decluttered space, like improved mental well-being and reduced stress.
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If you are considering a downsize for you or a family member, let's connect. We can help you through this process with ease!
