4 Strategies to Help You Pare Down

One question I always ask a new client is, “Do you think your space has the problem of too much stuff or is it just that things are not properly organized?”

I admit that this is a bit of a trick question because nearly always the answer is “both.” Having too much stuff will always stand between you and organization as you struggle to maneuver around the excess.

​Sure, you can file-fold your entire t-shirt collection and just barely manage to cram it all into your dresser drawer, but those shirts will be so jammed together that you’ll struggle to pull one out without others coming with it. Not to mention that your t-shirts will have permanent wrinkles from being so tightly packed. And I’d like to see you maintain your composure while trying to put it back into the drawer!

Some organizers think paring down the excess should be a massive, once-in-a-lifetime effort of going through every item in your house. That may work for some people, but I prefer to make a practice of letting go of things on a regular basis.
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There will always be an influx of new things into your life. Cultivate the habit of paring down so you can welcome the new into your space effortlessly.

Are you with me now? You need to pare down. Frequently. Maybe constantly. 
Here are the tools that will help you pare down with ease.

Make it ROUTINE

• Get in the habit of getting rid of things you no longer use, need, or love. Incorporate it into your daily activities, weekly cleaning, or monthly maintenance. Every time you open a drawer, check to see if there’s anything in it that you can donate or discard.

Make it OBVIOUS

• Near the door you use most often, designate a space for donations. Hang a bag on a hook (or even on the doorknob) or place a basket or bin next to the door. Let all family members know that things they no longer want but that are still in usable condition can go in the bag.

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Make It EASY

• Locate a donation center near your home or on a route you frequently travel (e.g. to/from work or school). Make sure it’s a place that accepts all types of household items and has convenient hours. When your bag or bin is full, put it in the car and drop the stuff off on your next outing. Alternatively, find a place that makes routine pickups in your area and get on their schedule.

Make It FUN

• Challenge yourself and your family to see how many things you can let go of each week, month, or year. In a prominent location in your home, hang a piece of graph paper, a coloring page, or my printable Pare Down 100 Things a Month page and color in a square or shape for every item or group of items.

As you pare down, you’ll be amazed at how much easier it is to stay organized and on top of your things. Your counters will be clearer. Getting dressed will be quicker because you can see and more easily access your wardrobe. Putting away leftovers won’t result in an avalanche of plastic storage tubs.

Don’t forget to take a “before” picture of your space so you can look back at it in a few months and take pride in your progress.

Comment here to join the discussion!

• What types of things are the most difficult for you to let go of?
• What’s your best excuse for not getting rid of something?
• Have you ever given yourself a dumpster for your birthday? ​

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