How to Declutter and Get Rid of It!

Home downsizing consists of shrinking one’s living space, which usually includes reducing house square footage, as well as the amount and size of home furnishings and other belongings. People across America are realizing the economic and psychological benefits of home downsizing. In the wake of the recession, the cost-saving benefits of downsizing have caused many to take another serious, long look at smaller homes and more frugal living. Add to this sentiment the national awakening to the importance of living with less and living greener, home downsizing is a trend likely to continue growing.

Decluttering is an integral part of the quest to downsize your home and belongings. In fact, decluttering is one of the first steps to take when deciding to downsize. Items around the house and items in storage that no longer serve a daily or routine purpose can stand in the way of downsizing. Before making any major decisions about what and how to downsize, the clutter must go.

Professional organizers suggest taking one room at a time when decluttering. To decide what items constitute "clutter," if the answer is "no" to these questions, the item should go: Does it have real value in my life today? Will I use it in the next year? Clutter confirmation comes if the answer is "yes" to this question: Will somebody get more use from it? In short, pitch anything that is broken, outdated or difficult to operate. Chances are, such items will not be repaired and will not be used. For some, clothes are the culprits. One decluttering strategy is to remove all the clothes from the closet, lay them across the bed, then try them on. The pitch pile is for clothes that don’t fit, are in poor condition or have gone out of style.

Ridding the home of house clutter doesn’t have to be a money pit itself. Proving true the axiom "One man’s junk is another man’s treasure," there is likely a free junk removal service or eco-friendly junk removal service in your town. Don’t forget the charitable organizations or churches nearby. Collecting points such as Goodwill are excellent venues for unloading unneeded items, and the donation is tax deductible to boot. Family and friends are other possible recipients of items you simply do not need.

Decluttering can also lead to instant cash. Many outlets for selling your stuff exist, including these top five ways to quickly clear your house of clutter:

--Sell items on eBay. Providing a photograph of the item(s) is important to making the sale on eBay, so don’t forget to include it with your listing. Posting the item(s) with a Buy It Now option often results in a quicker sale, and at a price you want.
--List items for sale on Craigslist. Listing your stuff on your local Craigslist is free. The benefit of Craigslist is that buyers are nearby, and they will pick up your items with cash in hand.
--List larger items in the local newspaper. This will cost you, but not much.
--Have a yard sale or garage sale.
--Post items for sale in your town or neighborhood’s coffee shops and other gathering places. Many watering holes and other hangouts have bulletin boards for posting lost-dog notices and items for sale. Don’t underestimate this free resource.

Decluttering comes with a psychological bonus: the feeling of accomplishment, peace, and control experienced after tackling a messy, disorganized room and turning it into a functional space. Studies have shown that those who are liberated from clutter often experience a feeling of euphoria likened to the runner’s high. Looking at a tidy room, you breathe more easily and find a renewed sense of energy. The sense of powerlessness when faced with a problem that’s bigger than you disappears.



Want to learn all about everything from decluttering to garage sale pricing? Visit my website at http://www.thesmallerhome.com for home downsizing tips.

Andrzej Kozlowski has written numerous articles on topics ranging from home downsizing to simple living. He is also editor and co-author of the book, "Living Smart: The Money Saving, Eco-Friendly Guide to Downsizing Your Home and Belongings."