Help! I don’t have enough space for all of my stuff! This common complaint is heard over and over, especially as we begin our spring cleaning. It’s a constant struggle to figure out where to keep everything. Most of us think we are “space poor” but perhaps we’re are just “stuff rich.”
What is Streamlining?
Streamlining is the process of de-cluttering everything in your house. Simplify your home and it will simplify your life. Imagine opening up the hallway closet and being able to easily see everything without blankets and games falling out. Streamlining is the way to get there! 
You simply need to ask yourself five questions:
- Do I like it?
- Do I need it?
- Do I want it?
- Do I use it?
- Do I have room for it?
By using these five questions you’ll be able to de-clutter and get rid of all your junk.
Simply start by picking an area, any area, in your home. Perhaps you start with that scary hallway closet. Take everything out (yes, this may take awhile) and lay it on the floor. Touch every item, pick it up, hold it, and ask yourself the five questions. You don’t need to get five “Yes” answers in order to keep it, but it will help you decide if you really need to put it back in your closet. If you answer “No” to 3 out of 5, seriously consider tossing that item.
Cleaning Out Your Closet – a Simple Idea
When you get to cleaning out your own closet, try this very easy way to streamline your wardrobe. Turn every hanger around so the hook is in the back. Give yourself two months and at the end of those two months, if a hanger hasn’t been turned around, toss that item. Unless it’s something like a fancy Christmas dress, if you haven’t worn it in two months is it really worth the space in your closet?
Don’t Get Trapped
Streamlining isn’t easy. Here are two major traps to watch out for:
1) “It was a gift.”
Don’t worry that your Great-Aunt Edith made your daughter this sweater three years ago. If you have never used it, do you really think you need to keep it? Will Great-Aunt Edith even know if you toss it? Gifts are wonderful, don’t get me wrong, but just because something is a gift doesn’t mean it needs a space in your home for the rest of your life. There comes a day when it may be time to say goodbye.
2) “I might need it someday.”
Maybe you have had something sitting in your closet for three years waiting for that day when you just might need it. If that day hasn’t come yet it probably won’t. And if a day does come along when you need it just remember these two things: you probably have a neighbor with one stored in their closet so you can just borrow hers; or you can always buy a new one.
Streamlining keeps your home clutter free and your life much less stressful! Give it a try!
I love decluttering! Thanks for the tips. I’ll use them when I get to my Spring cleaning this week. Great article Rachel!