How to start decluttering and organising your home – Part 2

Making a mess!

Mess.

That mighty four-letter word dreaded by adults and children alike.

The Cambridge Dictionary explains it as “a dirty or untidy state of things or of a place, or a situation that is confused and full of problems”. Even people’s state of mind can sometimes be referred to as “a mess.” It shouldn’t come as a surprise that we automatically associate it with something unpleasant.

For example, how many times have you asked your partner to “tidy up the mess that is the garage” this month alone? And does your child’s bedroom look like it was hit by a tornado (again) after they invited their friends for a sleepover? I’m pretty sure you also recall being told off by your parents for the same reason as a teenager.

But the truth is, sometimes, you have to make a mess to achieve order. This is a fact and the only way to start decluttering your home.

I know what you’re thinking: mess is overpowering, so I’m going to start small and talk about one single cupboard. But these same steps apply to any room or space, regardless of their size.

Another observation I can share is many people approach organising their living space incorrectly, which can lead to unnecessary stress. They would walk up to that bottomless “miscellaneous cupboard” they haven’t opened for years with the best intention to finally sort through it, and then, one of a few scenarios can happen.

They suddenly remember what they might find inside is nostalgic, painful or just plain uncomfortable. So, they immediately retreat, tricking themselves into thinking they’re still not ready to deal with the contents.

Or they might grab the handle and pull it. But since they’ve been filling the cupboard to the brim, something is blocking it from the inside. It’s now impossible to open it without significant force or risk of breaking it. They then decide to wait for a) their partner, b) a handyman or c) a miracle to fix the problem. And we all know how that ends – by “calling” the miracle, aka me!

Or, often they might even open the cupboard, but seeing an inconvenient mess discourages them from doing anything about it. The cupboard is closed back up, and they promise themselves to get to it when they have “more time on their hands” – a time reference that could also be described as “never”.

Fortunately, I’m here to tell you decluttering your home doesn’t have to be so scary. I’ve devised five unconventional stages to help you get through this process efficiently and with a smile.

Are you ready for the decluttering challenge?

Be warned, however. It WILL get a little MESSY. So put on your favourite tunes and dance as you go.

Stage 1 – I dare you, open that cupboard!

I get it. I really do.

Facing the contents of a long-forgotten storage space can feel overwhelming. That’s why people give up easily and quickly.

But putting off organising your home or pretending the problem doesn’t exist isn’t going to solve it either. You know it, and I know it.

It’s time to take the bull by its horns! (or could I say ‘the cupboard by its handles’)

Stage 2 – Pull it all out like the inner child in you would

Congratulations! You’ve just taken the hardest step in the whole process. Now, what have you been stowing away in the cupboard?

It’s hard to tell when everything is so squished together. The best way to check is to spread it all out carefully on a surface where you’ll be able to easily sort through it.

You know now I wasn’t joking about making a mess, right? But this is the only way you will be able to see what you own and what randomly lives in the bottomless cupboard.

Besides, who doesn’t enjoy making a legitimate mess once in a while? Especially if it’s for the greater good.

Stage 3 – Sort through it, humming TLC’s “No Scrubs”

There’s an interesting theory in fashion. It states if you haven’t worn something for two consecutive seasons, it’s time to dispose of the item of clothing. We can safely assume the same applies to decluttering your living space too.

If a vase has been hidden in the cupboard since you bought it a decade ago, you surely won’t need it for the next ten years. And the unused hand-made invitations to your wedding are a little out-of-date, don’t you think? Pop one in a memory box and get rid of the rest.

I’m not saying you shouldn’t keep your children’s schoolwork. These are great memories to keep for when they are older. But you surely don’t need to keep it all? Choose key pieces and let go of the rest.

Have you got those tunes playing? Great! Reminisce about the past, and shed a tear or two. But then firmly decide what’s staying and what’s not. There’s no going back now.

Stage 4 – Take in the “After the storm comes the calm” moment.

You can now take a deep breath. The worst is already behind you.

Look at the surface where you emptied the cupboard an hour or so ago. It looks different, doesn’t it? Calmer and less chaotic, maybe?

I can picture you’ve divided all belongings into categories depending on their use/purpose and where their final home needs to be. The long-lost paper shredder in the kitchen cupboard doesn’t belong there. Wouldn’t you agree?

Now it’s time to organise the cupboard anew. Just take a few moments to consider what does belong in this cupboard to utilise its space and function best. And while you’re at it, remember the precious “lessons learned”. Less is more. It’s good to know what you own and why you own it.

Stage 5 – Savour that “new cupboard, new you” feeling

All done!

But wait… Can you feel it? Could it be… satisfaction???

Maybe it’s because you’ve reduced the contents of the cupboard by half. Plus, you can now close it with no effort at all. You’ve even labelled some items and put others away in the storage spaces where they belong.

Here, let me give you a piece of advice as well.

Home organising can become addictive. Before your work colleagues report you’ve gone AWOL, plan your decluttering logically and feasibly.

If I were you, I’d also let the family know you’ll be doing exactly the opposite of what you told them not to do: Making A Mess. Maybe it will help them become more inclined to join your little project.

If this still feels too overwhelming, and you’re looking for a professional to help you get to that satisfaction feeling, remember I’m always available to assist you in this messy but fun process.