Decluttering without regret is possible, believe it or not. Yes, it can be hard to let some things go, but with a minimalist approach to your next décor project, the sting can be taken out of removing things from your life. From quality over quantity to digitization, here are some examples.
The One-In, One-Out Rule
It’s only natural to accumulate tons of stuff, and it can be surprising how much in just a single season, especially if you stick to trends. So, you might want to approach your next décor projects with a minimalist attitude. The one-in, one-out rule is an excellent method after decluttering and cleaning up the space. You can even use self storage near residential areas if you want to keep some of the things that you can’t let go of but are taking up space.
Consider Quality Over Quantity
The quality of something over how many things you have is much more important when curating a perfect space or home for yourself. It’s easy to fall into the trap of consumerism and trends, which results in more stuff you probably don’t need. However, one single tip that minimalists live by can change your life. When removing something, think about the quality of the item and whether it adds value to the space. If not, then you can safely remove it from your life.
Decluttering Without Regret with Expiration Dates
Research into habits in the UK has found that 67% of people have clutter and don’t act upon removing it from their homes. Maybe it’s because decluttering can become a huge task, and there is even an emotional component to it, which leads to regret. However, using expiration dates is one of the easy wins for a more comfortable home. For example, seal something you can’t let go of in a box and write a date on it. If you haven’t had to open it, you don’t need it!
Digitize Memories When Possible
Everyone has sentimental items they can’t let go of. Your first birthday card from your children, school reports, and something that was made for you. No one is suggesting that you throw these away with cold-hearted abandon. However, many things can be digitized and then placed in storage. For example, you can craft an online photobook by uploading images of real photos and sentimental trinkets. This way, they don’t take up space, and you can clear the space.
Does the Surface Have a Purpose?
One of the best questions you can ask when dealing with clutter is to define a purpose for every surface. This simple trick can help you organize every space in your house without any space for waste and useless items. Countertops, coffee tables, and desks are all useful for defeating gravity. But they don’t have to be filled with clutter. So, before adding something to a surface, ask if it actually serves any purpose, and think twice if the answer is even close to no!
Summary
Using the one-in, one-out rule is a powerful method for decluttering without regret that minimalists use all the time. Another trick is to use expiration dates to see if you even need an item, and you can also ask if an item will serve a purpose if placed on a specific surface.
