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Quick and easy ways to declutter
Start to clear out your stuff by following these quick, painless steps.
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You have bought too many things and your once tidy space has become messy and cluttered. (Shutterstock/File)
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ou have bought too many things and your once tidy space has become messy and cluttered. Start to clear out your stuff by following these quick, painless steps:
Throw out the trash
A quick way to start your decluttering is to toss away old magazines, newspapers and junk mail. Look through your toiletries and kitchen to get rid of anything that has expired.
Clear out your wardrobe
If you’ve not worn something for six months or more, chances are you probably won’t be wearing it in the future. Pull out items that are too small, too large or too old. Instead of throwing out good quality clothes, give them to friends, relatives or to charity, or make some spare cash by selling them.
If you’ve not worn something for six months or more, chances are you probably won’t be wearing it in the future. Instead of throwing out good quality clothes, give them to friends, relatives or to charity, or make some spare cash by selling them.
Read also: Tidy up your house for Idul Fitri, the KonMari way
Get someone to do it for you
Feeling too sentimental with your possessions? Get a neutral person like your best friend to discard your things while you are not around.
If you didn’t see that dusty photo frame stashed at the back of your drawer being thrown away, you are unlikely to miss it.
However, be careful not to let your friend throw away something valuable so set limitations for him. If he is in doubt about throwing something away, make sure he checks with you first.
Organize your stuff
Instead of leaving items you use around, buy storage boxes and organise them into different categories. Put all your fashion accessories in one compartment, stationery in another, and so on and so forth. If you buy new things, keep the habit of putting them away neatly.
Getting your mess under control is the biggest first step you need to take. After that, it is really about having discipline in maintaining order (and a sound mind) in your home.
This article appeared on The Straits Times newspaper website, which is a member of Asia News Network and a media partner of The Jakarta Post
