Page 5 - Senior Times South Central Michigan April 2023 - 30-04

Senior Times - April 2023 Page 5
AVOID DECLUTTERING MISTAKES THIS SPRING CLEANING SEASON
By: Christina Giaquinto, Professional Organizer and Brand Ambassador, Modular Closets
It’s true — clutter takes up physical space, uses your mental energy, and can amplify stress and anxiety. In my experience as a Professional Organizer and Brand Ambassador I have found that decluttering and organizing your home is one surefire way to live healthier and happier. That said, if you want to declutter your home this spring cleaning season, avoid these blun- ders:
just go all-in and start tossing all the items strewn about into one box to sort through later. However, you will streamline the whole process if you plan out your piles first —items you will keep, items to donate, sell, and to throw away. Sort all of the items as you go — then you can easily box up items and keep right on going.
further optimize the decluttering process. Do you finally want to sort through that jumbled junk drawer in your kitchen? Are you ready to organize all of the clothes in your master bed- room closet? Do you have a ton of makeup and other beauty products you really want to declut- ter and organize? Set your goal and declutter accordingly. This will prevent you from being distracted by any clutter in other spaces — as you achieve one goal, you can then set another goal for another space. One step at a time!
Mistake #1: Thinking You Need to Throw Everything Away – Oftentimes, when one thinks of decluttering, they falsely assume that any and all clutter should just be thrown away. Their reasoning is that if articles of clothing and other clutter have been strewn around the home for a long time, the items are obviously not important and it would be easiest to just toss them out. However, don’t make this mis- take, as it can lead to unnecessary waste in landfills. You may also have friends and family who would love the items you no longer want, or you can donate them to charitable causes that need them.
Mistake #4: Decluttering with Everything Still in the Space – Many people make the mistake of decluttering their drawers, closets, and entire rooms with all of the items still in the space. Don’t commit this blunder, as you can really optimize the decluttering process
Mistake #7: Decluttering Without a Snack On Hand – Trust me, decluttering and organiz- ing any space can be tiring! This is especially true if you are moving heavy boxes and equip- ment around. So keep your energy and momen- tum up by having a tasty snack nearby at all times. This can also make the process more fun and enjoyable!
Mistake #2: Keeping an Item You Don’t Need – On that same note, don’t make the mistake of holding onto an article of clothing or other product because you think you might use it in the future. If the item has been sitting in the back of your closet or laying forgotten underneath your bed for months (or years!), then I recommend donating it, giving it away to a friend, or trying to sell it. You get the benefit of less clutter, and the item will go to someone who truly wants to use it. It’s a win-win for you both! Don’t let objects take over you – remem- ber that you always control the items.
by first emptying out the closet / room / space before sorting the items. You will be much more cognizant of the items you decide to place back in the space and consider more if you real- ly want to hold onto certain items you haven’t used in a long time. Also, you won’t overlook items that may be hidden under others.
Make the decluttering process much more efficient by avoiding some common mistakes others make, like thinking you need to throw everything away, decluttering while everything is still in the space, and keeping clutter for a garage sale that isn’t yet on the calendar. Also, do not be so hard on yourself, because this process is a lot! The fact that you are working on your space to make it better is truly such an accomplishment. Good luck!
Mistake #3: Starting the Decluttering Process Without Planning Piles – I get
it, when you finally decide to declutter and organize your home, it can be tempting to
Mistake #5: Keeping Clutter for an Unscheduled Garage Sale – As the saying goes, one man’s trash is another man’s trea- sure! However, if you want to hold a garage sale to sell your old items, it is absolutely key to schedule the day and time you plan to hold it. Otherwise, you may end up having to keep pushing items around your garage that are still cluttering up your space.
Christina Giaquinto is the Professional Organizer and Brand Ambassador of Modular Closets (DIY customizable closet units that organize any space in your home). Christina focuses on giving her clients the tools, methods, and techniques to transform their lives and homes through decluttering and organizing. She combines spiritual coaching and organizing
to help her clients let go of things that do not spark joy and happiness. Learn more at www. modularclosets.com.
Mistake #6: Decluttering Without a Goal and Intention for Your Space – Having a goal you want to achieve for your space will
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