The Home Edit
Starting the Year Fresh with the Power of Decluttering - the HOME EDIT
What's a better way to start the year than with a clean and organised home? Revamp your living spaces and set the tone for a great year ahead with the power of decluttering.
While clearing clutter from your home can be challenging, the benefits are numerous. Not only does it bring a sense of accomplishment, but it also improves well-being and the environment.
As a home design professional, I strongly advise initiating a home edit process with clients before undertaking any design project. This process can help bring clarity and focus before embarking on any room design and is essential in identifying necessary changes to the room. Over time, we tend to accumulate so much unnecessary stuff and forget about it, leading us to believe that we need more storage solutions when, in fact, we simply need to EDIT what we have.
So whether you are clearing a space to decorate or renovate - Join me as I take you through the essential steps to organise your space using Home Edit's top tips!
Get Organised
Set aside a specific time to focus on the task: Prepare three bags or boxes labelled RECYCLE, DONATE, SELL. For the items you intend to keep, ensure they have a designated spot and consider purchasing cost-effective storage solutions to maximise your space.
The 3 R's Mantra:
RECYCLE, REPURPOSE, RELOVE Throw as little away as possible to a landfill. You could donate to charity, sell or give to someone in need, or repair for a new lease of life for someone else to enjoy.
Let's begin!
Begin with the accessible areas first and work through them. Please don't make it a chore; play music, listen to your favourite podcast or audiobook, and have healthy snacks and drinks to keep you going. It sounds like serious stuff, but it all helps!
Be Bold
Don't be tempted to hang on to things "just in case." think about how long you have possessed it. There are many reasons why items get cast aside; be honest and ruthless if this item no longer serves its purpose.
Use the 2-year rule
When you are a little overwhelmed or just can’t decide,
Ask yourself:
Does it bring me joy?
Have I used or worn it in the past two years?
Will I use or wear it in the next two years?
If it's a NO, then let it GO!
"Shop for others" mindset.
Rather than approaching decluttering with a mindset of finding things to eliminate, consider what you would part with that will benefit others: books, clothing and shoes, even those old sunglasses and specs. It certainly makes you feel good that you can help others in need.
Sustainable and Quick Options to Sell Clothing
Consider using various sites and applications or traditional options like jumble sales and car boot sales. It is crucial to act promptly to avoid accumulating another pile of clothing. As spring approaches, watch for local car boot areas popping up. You can also explore designated marketplaces on social media sites or dedicated pages on popular high-street brand websites where you can sell your pre-loved clothing and make some money in return. Additionally, some department stores have free recycling bins where you can drop off your clothes and receive a discount on your next purchase, providing an incentive to circulate fashion.
The Benefits of Home Editing
Working through your home editing project can have many positive outcomes, including:
A more harmonious living space
Improved focus and productivity
Reduced stress and anxiety
A boost to mental and emotional well-being
By achieving these benefits, you can create a pathway to a happier, healthier, and more balanced life in the year ahead and finally enjoy your space again.