10 Questions To Help You Declutter

Does the word ‘declutter’ send shivers down your spine? Halloween is coming up, making now a great time to blow those cobwebs away and face your fears! Combating clutter is an everyday battle that we all face, and it can affect the smooth running of your home, s searching for items and feeling unorganised is often due to unnecessary clutter causing avoidable daily stresses. If you’re moving home or need to make space for Santa’s never ending presents, you’re in the right place – below are some helpful questions to ask yourself as you begin to de-clutter your home.

1. Have I used this in the last year?

If the answer is no, you know what you have to do!

2. If I went shopping tomorrow, would I buy this?

If you wouldn’t buy the item, then why keep it?

3. Do I have something similar?

You don’t need two; choose one and chuck the other!

4. Do I need this in my current living space?

One day you might live in a mansion, but until then you must consider the living space that you’ve got.

5. Could I use this space for something else?

Space in any home is precious; needless items have to go.

6. Is it still in good condition?

If something has seen better days, are you really going to use/wear it again?

7. Am I keeping this broken item with the intention of fixing it?

Give yourself the next two weeks to fix it; if you still haven’t, then it has to go.

8. Is this something I love, or has sentimental value?

Allow yourself to have a memory box; if you have too many sentimental items, consider taking pictures of them to add to your memory box instead.

9. Am I holding onto this because I don’t want to waste money?

Not using or wearing an item is already wasting money, so getting rid of it is no different to not using it.

10. Am I saving this ‘just in case’?

Be realistic and honest; unless you have a concrete plan for when you’ll need it, then it can go.

Once you’ve faced your initial fears you can decide what you’ll do with your pile of unused and unwanted clutter. Remember, not everything has to be thrown away; you may want to sell any items that still have value using online marketplaces such as eBay, Gumtree or Facebook Selling Pages. Another option is to donate appropriate items to your local charity shop, or lastly, send your clutter straight to the bin! If you’re still feeling a little overwhelmed and anxious about the idea of de-cluttering, try working through your home room by room, or just dedicate five minutes to a room. You don’t have to de-clutter your whole house in one day, the Colleen Madsen strategy suggests giving away one item every day, and you’ll be surprised at the transformation in your home over a few weeks or months. See what works best for you.

When you’re ready to make a start, answer our top 10 de-cluttering questions honestly; not only will you instantly feel better, but your home will run a lot smoother too. If you would like to sell your property or are looking to buy a new home in North London, contact your local branch in Harringay, Highbury, Palmers Green or Crouch End.