I use data to make decluttering decisions.
For me, finding passive ways to collect information about my stuff helps remove the ambiguity of "will I use it or not."
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You see the bin of baby and toddler toys, and it seems like your kids reach for the same things each time, ignoring half of the stuff.
You see one gap left to squeeze a mug from the dishwasher - oh wait, is that another mug? Where can I put this one? And you are at risk for a ceramic avalanche whenever you open the cupboard!
You see an overflowing closet, stuffed with clothes you don’t wear, a special dress you wore on your first date, a suit that you closed that big deal in, and you just shuffle past them to find something else.
Or, it could be as simple as, “I forgot I had this” or “This will be useful some day.”
Decluttering with data
Using data, tangible bits of real information, is the best way for me to keep clutter at bay, and I bet it will work for you too. Quick disclaimer, this isn’t very useful when dealing with overly emotional things, at least not at first. Build your muscles up, and when it feels right, go ahead and tackle something with emotional attachment.
Ugh, Kate, this sounds like homework. I don’t have time for a spreadsheet.
I hate Excel!
Don’t stress - you can deploy these 4 ideas today, with basically no overhead. Just a Sharpie and/or washable marker.
Methods
Here are some ways to collect data on your stuff, to help you decide what stays and what goes.
The backwards hanger - take all of your clothes out of the closet (spouse clothes, kids clothes, whatever) and turn them so the hangers are hooked inside out. When you wash or wear clothes, turn that hanger the right way in. After 2-3 months, you’ll get an idea of what you never wear.
Clothes you never wear do not belong in your closet golden zone. Even if you can’t declutter them yet, move them to a ‘time will tell’ bin or box. Make space for the things that add value, things that actually help you do the job of getting dressed.
The magic marks - go through all of your kitchen utensils, plates, bowls, pots and make a mark with a magic marker or dry erase marker. Whenever you use the item, wash off the mark (or let the dishwasher do it for you). After about a month, go through your cabinets to pull out anything that still has a mark on it. These are items you are NOT using. This will also help you quickly establish quantity goals - if you have 12 dinner plates, but you only use 6, could you rotate 6 into ‘backup’ and out of your golden zone?
If they are seasonal, move them to a seasonal rotation zone.
Kids toys tally - every time you clean up your kids toys, make a mark on the toy (like a tiny Sharpie dot). Once you have a month or two of data, go ahead and put all of the unmarked toys into a donation box.
I’ve been really meaning to ________(insert hobby name_____ more - set a three strikes and you’re out rule. Mark three slots on your calendar, times when you know you’re generally free, to do the hobby you enjoy but have been blowing off. If you skip all three slots, finding excuses of why you ‘don’t have time’ just know, you will never find time. Accept that hobby isn’t right for your season of life, and donate the items or post them on a Facebook group.
That’s it, four things. Tell me, which one are you most excited to try?
