Alex Dalland
Ku-ring-gai Council is hosting a workshop on August 25 for older residents who are thinkin about downsizing their property or feel that they just have too many possessions stored at home. With this in mind, Sydney Observer looks at tips from experts on easy ways you can de-clutter your home.
Schedule a decluttering weekend
Leo Babauta of lifestyle blog ‘Zen Habits’ writes; “Maybe you don’t feel like doing a huge decluttering session right now. But if you take the time to schedule it for later this month, you can clear your schedule, and if you have a family, get them involved too.” Setting the time to commit to ridding your house of unwanted possessions can focus your mindset on the task at hand, and it also means you can prepare garbage bags and storage boxes to sort objects more efficiently.
Keep things on a trial period
Christine Satterfield of ‘I dream of Clean’ suggests setting a deadline for possessions you might hold on to “just in case” and then throwing them out if they haven’t been used; “If there’s something you’re hesitant about getting rid of, consider storing it in a special place for a specific time period. If you haven’t needed it by the end of that time, sell or donate it.”
Work in reverse
An interesting strategy from Alan Henry at lifehacker.com, who writes; “Ask yourself: ‘If my home burned down and I lost everything, what would I replace as soon as my renter’s insurance check came in?” Making an inventory list can be a great way to reduce clutter because it allows you to consider which possessions you really need, with all the others being unnecessary.
Ku-ring-gai Council’s decluttering workshop is presented by Linda Eagleton from design/de-clutter group Creative Surrounds. The workshop will be held on Thursday 25 August from 10am-11:30am. For more information visit www.kmc.nsw.gov.au.
