Do you every wish you could declutter and organize your home? Recently, my husband and I moved across the country from one small apartment into an even smaller apartment. As we unpacked our boxes and boxes of things, I was shocked at how much stuff we had! How in the world was I going to fit all of this crap into our teeny tiny apartment?
Even though I didn’t have the space for a lot of our things, I couldn’t bring myself to throw them out! Some of our things held sentimental value, some were costly purchases that I felt would be a waste if I threw them out, and others I worried about getting rid of because they could come in handy someday. “Who knows?” I’d tell myself, “Maybe in the next few years I’ll need eight vases, or those old picture frames that aren’t my style. You never know…”
Is it hard for you too? Do you have endless amounts of clothes you don’t wear, decorations you don’t particularly like, dishes and kids’ toys that are rarely, if ever, used?
Okay, I’m glad I’m not the only one!
It couldn’t have been more than a few weeks in my new apartment when I started to feel like a hoarder. When you cram a bunch of stuff into less than 800 square feet, you start to feel like you could be featured on an episode of Buried Alive. I hated the way my home felt, so cluttered and crowded.
I had heard a lot about the book, “The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up.” It’s also referred to as the “Kon Mari Method.” I decided to give it a read and see if it could help me with my predicament. To be honest, I found it painfully boring. After all, it is a book about organizing…not super exciting. However, I have to admit, it was extremely helpful and as the title states life changing.
If you worry that you might also find it a little dry, allow me to share 1 TIP that might help you declutter as well:
“Do your things spark joy?” I know, it sounds weird—cheesy even. But hold on. Hear me out.
Here’s how it works: Declutter by going through your items, asking yourself, “Does this item spark joy?” Does the item you hold in your hand, ignite happiness in you? Does it make you feel good inside? If you can’t answer a resounding yes, throw it out or donate it.
I decided to try this out! I started in my closet—which was of course bursting with clothes and yet I “never had anything to wear.” I went through each item of clothing and asked, “Does this spark joy?” I was surprised that more often than not, my clothes did not spark joy. I realize now most of the time I buy something, it’s because it’s in style or on sale–not necessarily because I’m in love with it.
After my closet, I moved to decorations. Most of my home decor were old wedding gifts, hand-me-downs, and sale items. They were nice things but they were nice things that other people had chosen for me, or items I’d thought were a “good deal.” I felt obligated to hold on to these items but alas, they didn’t “spark joy”, so I donated them. And guess what? It felt amazing!
The process of getting rid of things was so incredibly freeing! My space was becoming less and less cluttered with every box I donated. My home instantly felt cleaner and so much more organized! You can use this “spark joy” method to declutter your home and to keep it that way. Make sure to apply this tip when purchasing new items. Before you buy anything, ask yourself, “Does this item spark joy?”
As I have applied this tip, my home has become a happier place for me. I may not have as many items as I used to, but I love the items that I do have! My home and closet are more representative of my style and personality and it’s fun to feel like your space and closet are personalized just for you.
What helps YOU to stay organized? Share your tips below!
Author information
Baley
Hi! I'm Baley. I'm a wife to my best friend and a mom to the cutest one-year old around. I love photography, ice cream, high heels, and getting a great bargain. I love watching You've Got Mail on repeat and believe laughter is the best medicine.
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