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Writer's pictureSuzie Diamond Cain

How to Declutter: A Beginners Guide to Cutting the Crap & Improving Your Life



One thing that we ALL experience in this life, no matter your race, gender, sexual orientation or class, is - clutter.... man, can it pile up fast?! And with the pace of our modern day lives, it really is no wonder!


As a busy, single, working mum, I am familiar with the race against time. The piles of laundry. The endless school letters. Junk mail. Shopping. Receipts. Dishes. Dinner. To-do lists. Work commitments. Date night. Family visits. More. Dinner... and another forgotten ingredient leading to another second shop on-top of the weekly shop (blog post with cure to this particular problem pending...)


Swimming against the current of our modern day demands can feel exhausting, leaving us with little reserve to tackle our own 'to-do' lists. If you find yourself squinting in anticipation of a painful fall-out when you open your cupboards, or just so overwhelmed by the mounting clutter within your home that you simply don't know where to begin - this article is for you. And I promise you:

  • You can get on top of your clutter

  • You can stay on top of your clutter &

  • As a beautiful added bonus - you can improve your wellbeing as a result

Without further a-do: here are 6 of my top tips to beating clutter & overwhelm today


  1. Start in the Easiest Room

That's right... the bathroom! Starting off in this room is advisable because there are less sentimental items in a bathroom. My process is built upon building momentum so that by the time we get to tackle the harder areas, there is a certain amount of muscle already built. Think of it like lifting weights... you need to start off small before you can hit the high-numbers.


2. Tackle one small shelf at a time

It's natural to want to start off big when you have a big goal ahead of you, but the secret to success is in breaking down each step into bite-size chunks. Decluttering shelf-by shelf & drawer by drawer makes it easier for us to stay on top of the task at hand. Plus, loading large amounts of clutter out onto the floor can be really overwhelming. The aim here is to make this process as simple as possible for you.


3. Create 4 piles

I use labelled boxes, but use whatever you have - label shoe boxes, create piles and organise each section with post-its... just make sure these piles are clearly labelled with the following:

  1. KEEP

  2. DONATE

  3. RECYCLE

  4. PUT AWAY

If you want to improve the organisation of your home, then step 4 is imperative, if you just want reduce clutter, then stick to piles 1-3 only


4. Make it Fun!

Yes, really. One of the reasons we feel resistance towards momentous tasks is because we see it as hard work... but it doesn't have to feel that way. YOU have the power to turn any task into fun my friend and the secret recipe to this transformation is in one word - choice.


So, let's find what makes decluttering fun for you...

  • Could it be the company of a friend and a good bottle of wine?

  • Could you be motivated by a podcast?

  • A playlist?

  • Or some really delicious food?

Whatever turns this task from momentous to must-do for you, do it & do it now!


5. Set Realistic Goals

Everyone's a winner baby, that's the truth. And you are no exception to the rule. All you have to remember is that you are in your own race. So, when planning your goals, take inventory of how much spare time you have. Be realistic about how much time you can spend on each goal. And make sure you keep showing up. If you fall off-task, don't beat yourself up, maybe this simply means that your expectations were unrealistic. Adjust your goals to something that you can and will achieve. And I promise you, you can get there.


6. Whenever you feel overwhelmed during the process, take a break

Take five... and spend it in a different place. Whether that be making your favourite drink in your kitchen, heading out into the garden to recentre, or phoning your best friend while lying down for a few minutes. Taking this time out can radically change the way you feel and give you a chance to rejuvenate. Remember - self care is not a luxury, it's a necessity.


Curious about all the benefits of decluttering? Click here!


You got this babe. I am rooting for you! Don't forget to subscribe for more tips on all things Decluttering, Organising, Parenthood & Wellbeing.


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Sending you so much love!

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