WISDOM WITHIN - April 2018 - Kansas City

Too Much Stuff – Time to Declutter?

By Suzette Scholtes

 

The last time I created a serious declutter of my home was l0 years ago. Time again to do it. My sis and I share a rule if a piece of clothing has not been on our back for a year, time to give it away.  At times I regret the toss of a certain sweater or favorite pant, but they are gone. And we move on.

 

I give most of my bags of old stuff to charities such as Goodwill. Then after the declutter projects, which may take some time, give yourself that allowance. It does not need to be done all at once.

 

The folks who stage your home for selling suggest we clean until it gleams. This is fun for me. I like to polish and organize. It feels good to clean. Organizing is another skill, especially places such as your office, kitchen or your daily rituals for face and hair.

Next, try moving furniture to a new formation. If it is all up against a wall, float some in the center to make comfortable conversation groupings. I remember a party I hosted and how the guests would cherish the comfy furniture in the seating areas around the room.

 

Light is important. I use airy curtains to push back and allow the light to shine. I keep the windows clean and hire someone to help about once a year. If you can delegate certain tasks, it takes the load off a bit.

 

Then these skilled “stagers” say to shake it up. Invest in some accent pillows you love for a splash of color. I use them in the family room, especially on the window seat.

Think as well of using more light so your home or condo is not too gloomy. I installed under-cabinet kitchen lights years ago and not only do they help keep you safe while cooking and chopping but really brighten up the kitchen. Most often these lights are energy efficient.

 

Mirrors create more light and brightness. I place large ones in the hall and in the master bedroom so a good view is given for your daily check of your outfit.

Those who sell houses recommend neutral colors, but I am a big fan of color and use it for my dining room and kitchen.  The bright yellows of the kitchen lifts the mood for all who share a bite with us.  

 

Make it fun. Place photos and art less high on the wall. Think of setting the art about sixty-five inches from the floor to the center of the piece. I often decorate my art with favorite items such as my old music from Beethoven. It holds a lovely small mirror over the piano to set it off.  I keep one photo and treasured crystal gifts, but not too many on piano’s top.

 

Groups of three hold much charm.  Three candles, three baskets, three seashells.  If it looks too skimpy, go up to five but keep it in the odd formation.

 

I have a large library shelf of books in my office. If I do not use them on a regular basis, I give them away. Those I use a lot I keep aligned for easy grabbing and reference.

One of our staff members worked for three months to de-clutter her home to put it on the market.  It shines so brightly with new paint on the cabinets and new paint on the base boards. All closets, rooms organized, furniture moved. I’m sure her home will sell fast this spring.

 

When unsure of how to go about this task to declutter, give yourself three boxes: one for items to give away; one for keeping treasured keepsakes; and one marked as unsure whether to toss or keep.

 

I wrote it does not need to be completed all at once. Maybe you organize one drawer.  Or clean up one closet. It is important to remain free of feeling overwhelmed. My friend took several months to declutter her home, taking her time in each room. I hope to begin my declutter projects soon. Where does all this stuff come from?

It feels so good to be organized and free of clutter. As we free the clutter, more energy flows through your home or apartment. It will help free up your heart and mind as well.