A List of Clutter Questions to ask yourself and the three stages of decluttering!

dianedenmark

2 years ago

Thank you for the wonderful feedback on yesterday’s video which really seems to have hit a chord with many of you! Here are some of the questions I mentioned in the video. Simplifying my space – and my head – brings me peace of mind! That’s what I want for you… Enjoy!

STAGE ONE: Discovering the Flylady System & Zones

Think of decluttering like peeling an onion. As you go round the Flylady Zones, it gets easier to see what you have and what you truly need. Start small! Trust me, the process becomes clearer and easier over time and soon you’ll find decluttering has become a habit! We are not doing any sentimental stuff at this stage.

Focus on multiples! Is this a duplicate of something I already own? Group similar items together (kitchen utensils, children’s books, toiletries, gardening tools, stationery supplies, sweaters, bedding, cleaning supplies, etc). Sorting things by category helps you see your duplicates clearly and makes decluttering simple.

STAGE TWO: Digging deeper

We now start questioning the “why” behind our clutter.

Am I keeping this because it’s an unfinished project or needs fixing?
Am I only keeping this because I’ve already invested time or money into it?
Am I keeping it because it was a gift? Do I use this gift, need it or like it?
Would I buy this again today or with my own money?
Am I buying it because it’s cheap or taking it because it’s free?
Is a well-meaning friend or family member forcing their unwanted items on me?
Is this item part of a “someday” fantasy, for a life I don’t currently have or ever will?
Have I forgotten I even had this or am I holding on “just in case” I might need it?
Could I easily replace or borrow this from a friend?
How often do I really use this item?

STAGE THREE: Letting go and looking forward!

Saying goodbye to the past, focusing on who we are now, where we want to be.

Does this item represent the old me, a different time or stage in my life?
Am I keeping the item only because I have the space for it?
Does this item fit the vision of the life I want to live?
Apply style words for your wardrobe (e.g., chic, colourful and cool) and decorating your home (e.g., modern, minimal and cozy).
Could someone else benefit from or love this item more than I do?
Does this item help me have an organized life or is it holding me back?
Am I holding on to this for sentimental reasons?
Do I really need to keep every item from a loved one who has passed or can I honour their memory in other meaningful ways?

And here’s the video, where we chat about everything from duplicates to sentimental keepsakes to my Mum’s legacy…

Did you see Monday’s video where we decluttered together for 15 minutes in Flyady Zone 5?

Decluttering with Diane in Denmark!

Here’s my list with IDEAS of what to do in this week’s Zone. Remember, we are aiming to SIMPLIFY this year. Improving things a little at a time. We are NOT checking off this whole list!

Simplify Flylady, this week’s Zone – with Diane in Denmark

Did you see last-week’s video – 90 minutes of decluttering my wardrobe and closets?! I’m glad that so many of you found it helpful. And that you worked along, in chunks!