 Decluttering can be a daunting task, especially when faced with large or difficult areas. However, with a little planning and dedication, it is possible to tackle even the most cluttered areas and transform them into organized and functional spaces. WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO DECLUTTER? Overwhelming spaces can cause stress and anxiety, making it difficult to focus and be productive. However, decluttering these spaces can help create a sense of calm and order as well as a number of other benefits, as Yale University highlights including freeing up useful space, clearing your mind, improving your health and safety, becoming more productive, and helping others. The good news is, in just three simple steps, you can tackle even the most overwhelming of spaces and transform them into organized and functional areas. Below is our three-step strategy, plus tips and strategies for decluttering overwhelming spaces effectively. STEP 1 - HAVE A PLAN The first step in decluttering overwhelming spaces is to assess the space and create a plan of action. This involves identifying the specific areas that need to be decluttered and setting goals for what you want to achieve. Pro Tip: It can be helpful to break down the decluttering process into smaller tasks and tackle one area at a time. This will prevent you from feeling overwhelmed and help you stay focused on the task at hand. STEP 2 - TIME CHUNKS Once you have a plan sketched out, the second step in decluttering an overwhelming space is to set aside enough dedicated time to work on the project. This may seem daunting at first, but breaking the task into smaller chunks can make it more manageable. Start by identifying the areas that are causing the most overwhelm and prioritize them early in your schedule. By completing high-impact areas first, you gain momentum that makes the rest of the work easier. Pro Tip: Create a schedule for decluttering sessions based on what works best for you to be successful. It could be 30 minutes each day or a few hours over a weekend. By committing to this time, you are more likely to make progress and see results. STEP 3 - SORT & DO THE EASIEST FIRST The final step is to declutter and simplify the space. Begin by clearing out all items from the area and sorting them into just three categories: Donate, Keep, Trash/Recycle. Be sure to have boxes or bags on hand for items that you plan to donate, sell, or throw away. If your goal is to significantly downsize, you will be most successful if you are a bit ruthless in getting rid of items that you no longer need or use, as well as keeping a sample of sentimental items rather than all of them. To get a fast start and quick success, start with the easiest items first - things you know you want to get rid of. Also, clear out large items first. It will quickly create open space and reduce your feelings of overwhelm, making it easier to get at the smaller items. When deciding whether to keep or get rid of an item, consider its sentimental value, usefulness, and condition. Be mindful of keeping items that truly add value to your life and letting go of items that are no longer necessary, are duplicates in some way, or are no longer in good condition. A good rule of thumb is to ask yourself if you have used or needed an item in the past year. If the answer is no, it is probably time to let go of it. Pro Tip: Create designated zones for different categories of items as you sort such as clothes, books, or office supplies. This will make re-shelving easier as well as helping organize items for donation, giveaway or sale. After sorting, take the time to clean surfaces and remove any dust or clutter that may have accumulated. Take time before you put items away to create designated storage spaces for items that you want to keep. This can include shelves, bins, and storage containers. By having a specific place and sufficient room for each type of item, you can prevent clutter from building up again in the future. It can also make it easier to find and access items when you need them. Pro Tip: Donate or give away the items you no longer want. Why not sell items? Selling take extra time and effort resulting in items that were intended for sale ending up cluttering shelves once again. Giving items away can be an immediate nexrt step, as well as a more satisfying way to divest of your unwanted items. It can bring joy and aid to friends, family and people in your community. To find the best home for donations near you, search for organizations on DonateGoodStuff.org. YOU CAN DO THIS Decluttering overwhelming spaces is a manageable task with a little bit of planning. By taking an organized approach, categorizing items, and creating designated storage areas, you can transform cluttered areas into simplified, organized and functional spaces. Remember that decluttering is a process, so be patient with yourself and celebrate your progress along the way. With determination and effort, you can declutter even the most overwhelming spaces to create a more peaceful and harmonious environment.  Here are 9 items to consider donating as you de-clutter When you think of donating items, you probably think of clothes, furniture, and household items. There are many things outside of the usual list that nonprofits need to serve our communities everyday that you might not be aware of.
 DON'T Don't panic and do nothing: Although it can be a natural reaction to piles and heaps of stuff, if you don't take action, you risk the real likelihood that someone who cares less than you do will eventually dispose of those things.. Don't pay for storage: Nearly 1 in 10 US households pays for off-site storage at the average cost of over $1000/year or more*. Is there something more fun or rewarding that you could do with that cash? If you can live easily with what you have in your home, sell or donate what you don't have room for. Don't save things for 'future generations'. So many attics are graveyards for would-be family heirlooms. By all means, if there is a special diamond ring or important photograph or painting, guard them somewhere safe. But don't your grandma's knick knacks, clothes, tableware, and memorabilia. Don't assume nonprofits can't use what you have: There is a wonderful variety of work that nonprofits do in your community. Far beyond clothes and dishes, needs range from musical instruments, to scrap fleece, to creative art supplies, to historic memorabilia. Don't give it to a nonprofit without checking: When bringing items to a nonprofit, give conscientiously. Don't bring stuff they don't specifically request without checking. People think they're being charitable, but they can put a terrible burden on a nonprofit especially with small staff and tight budgets. Bringing items they can't use or store costs them time and money. Think of it this way: You appreciate it when family members give you something you can use and cherish - You definitely wouldn't appreciate it if they dropped off a box or carful of stuff you don't need (even if it is well-intentioned) DO Ask your family and friends if they want anything: If they say they don't, trust what they are telling you. And then don't hang on. Let things be enjoyed by someone else. Find a good home for your treasures: There are so many nonprofits that serve people right in your community. Why not share what you have and know that it is going to be used? It can be so much more meaningful to make sure special things are going to a good home, and so much better than letting things deteriorate in storage. Check first: Before donating, always check what nonprofits need (and don't bring what they don't need) Look on HeroSearch.org: It is the one-stop resource when you have donation items. Find out what all the different nonprofits near you need, and where your stuff can make a real impact. Plus, HeroSearch.org will tell you how far away each place is, what they do with your donations, and when you can drop things off (or if they pick up). It makes finding the best home for your donations easy and painless. Take pictures: Having trouble parting with something you know you don't need? Take a photograph and perhaps even write a little story to go with it. It can be a lot of fun to later share the stories and memories with loved ones. Tell your story: If an item has a great story, write it down and be sure the documentation conveys with the piece. That will add not only to its value, but also to the new owner's appreciation. *Sources: SSA Self Storage Demand Study (2017), and SpareFoot data (2017) Whether you are decluttering due to moving, a new stage of life, or because clutter is creating stress, here are some key tips to make you feel good managing the process:
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