By Jennifer Phelps, JenniferPhelps.org
A new year is a natural time to make changes in our habits and environment. Some of us make room for the new with gusto but some… not so much. For the latter there’s hope. The key is to start with little nibbles instead of biting off more than you can chew.
If decluttering feels overwhelming, pick just one cabinet, one drawer, one box, or choose one type of thing, like linens and towels or the mismatched plastic bins and lids. Limit yourself to ten minutes at a time. Start with the easy stuff and it will get easier to sort the harder stuff.
Is the Paper Tiger your nemesis? Reduce paper mail by going electronic with bills, causes, and catalogs (only the catalogs you love). Dump the junk mail before it even hits the counter or desk. Pro tip: place small trash, recycling, and shred bins within reach of your mail pile and you’ll transform that tiger into a kitten, keeping only the mail that needs your attention.
Take control of technology by unsubscribing to emails and ad lists. Then spend five minutes a day click, click, clicking to delete the mess that makes your brain explode. Once you’re caught up, delete the trash emails (don’t open, just delete) each day before you open the important ones.
To make a lifetime change, create a Give It Basket, part of your closet like a laundry hamper but devoted specifically to donating bit by bit. Make reducing and donating a daily habit and you’ll stay a step ahead of the clutter forever.
Declutter your life a few minutes at a time, then find a charity you love and give, give, give. You really can make room for the new!
