Hello Friends!
Last month we laid out the plan for the BIG declutter. This would be a big space like a garage or several cluttered rooms or closets. This month, we dive into the actual event! Let’s dive in!
Newsletter Topic of the Month
The BIG Declutter Event!
If you need a prep refresh, go re-read the January blog.
Last month we talked about mental and physical prep for the big day. Make sure all the questions have been answered before you begin, and you have the appropriate supplies.
One thing I go into detail in the book in is my 4G’s system, which I did not elaborate on so I will add that here. Refer to chapter 8 for full info on how to assess these. The 4 G’s are:
Guilt: The stuff you hang onto because you feel bad getting rid of it even if you don’t like it, want it, need it or use it. AKA, sentimental items.
Give: This is the general stuff we all have, household items and clothes, that we need to weed out at times.
Get Some Cash: These are items that have legitimate value that will sell on marketplace, offer up, etc., or if you have the energy, a garage, yard or estate sale.
Go Ahead: These are the odd items you keep but don’t use often, so store them. Be aware of overdoing here…or you are NOT really decluttering.
I always suggest four large bins, or preferably laundry baskets so they don’t get mistaken for storage bins! Boxes work too, and you must make sure they are clearly labeled on all sides. Label them appropriately. This helps you sort quickly.
Next, set the timeline. Last month I worked with a client where we emptied, sorted, decluttered and reorganized three-bedroom closets. It took us a day and a half, so do not underestimate your timeline. If anything, OVERESTIMATE. Make sure to get a good nights sleep the night before and eat a balanced breakfast. You need energy!
Decide who is the lead (see January newsletter) and who will help. I cannot stress this enough, helpers need to be supportive, but not pushovers. They cannot be a frustrated relative who just wants to throw everything in a dumpster, unless you agree. Chose helpers who are patient but firm when possible. Hire them if needed.
Determine how much you, or the person that is having the decluttering done, can tolerate in a day. Decision fatigue is real. We did 8-hour days 2 days in a row with my December client, and I will be honest, that was a lot for her in terms of overwhelm. In the end, she was pleased, and we had a time crunch with the helpers available, so it worked. My January client was super motivated, and it did not overwhelm her, so we were easily able to work 8 plus hours a day.
Have water, drinks, snacks and meals planned out in advance if you have a crew. Don’t waste time figuring that all out at the last minute.
Review the rules you set with all onsite. The moment people disrespect the rules or begin to ridicule, it’s over. When I work with a client, I do challenge them (that’s my job). Two recent examples. A client had a lamp, but not shade, I asked if we could donate. She said no, the shade is here. When we found the shade and harp (the piece that holds the shade to the lamp) I noticed the socket was loose and that could be a fire hazard. It can be fixed, but will it? We ended up donating it. Another situation was wedding photos for a divorced client. She doesn’t want them, but she has kids, we went back and forth, tore up some duplicates, and filed them for later. In both cases I helped the client to see what was best for them in the long run.
As needed, designate a dump runner, a donation runner, etc. When each vehicle is full, that person goes for a drop off. Be very careful with the pile of things you want to go to someone or someplace special, this slows progress and defeats the purpose. It can also frustrate the daylights out of your help, and you don’t want that. If you are gifting, the person comes that day to get it. And I will say this as gently as I can, but not everyone wants the gift you have to offer, and if they truly do, they will come and get it. Don’t slow your progress by gifting too much. Anything a helper might be offered, goes to their vehicle THAT moment.
Take some before photos!!! You will want to see the progress. Maybe even post it in the room after the declutter.
If you have a space that is really full, pick and entry point and work your way in, sorting to bins as you go. If you can, work to a wall or corner where you can start stacking sorted bins. If you are doing something like a closet, empty a shelf or section at a time, then consolidate like items before then go back. You create a lot more space when you use some sort of container, even boxes but LABEL things clearly as you go. If you opt to use boxes, cover all the writing or labels so you can easily see your labeling. Clear bins make it also easy to see what’s inside, and prevent items from becoming separated or falling off a shelf, and the fit nicely on top of each other, which maximizes your storage space.
During the event, take breaks, check in to make sure folks are not being overwhelmed (or if it is you, speak up!) The is not a sprint, it is a marathon.
Lastly, reward yourself and your helpers with a nice meal, and time to visit. Assess the progress and feel proud of the accomplishments. My December client had lived in her home for 9 years an never hund a piece of art. I was able to hang a lot of it, probably 15 items, and she and her kids said “wow, what a difference that makes, it feels so homey”. It took me less than an hour!
Set up reminders on your calendar for 15 to 30 minutes a week to tidy up the newly decluttered space. And when you are in that space, remind yourself it is easier to tidy up after using the space, or when dropping something into the space than it is to do weekly maintenance! Full disclosure, I struggle with her too, I am human after all. I am famous for the “I’ll just drop it here and put it away later” but I am forcing myself not to!
Once you tackle big space, I promise you will feel so good about it, and I hope you will be inspired to keep going!
Have a topic idea? Area of struggle? A fun tip? Send it in and I may make it the topic of the month. Email me at hello@judygranleegates.com
Join in the conversation at Facebook group – Declutter and Resize – Bigger Living Smaller Space
Product(s) of the Month:
These bins are ideal for long term storage. Costco will also have these sometimes throughout the year.
An even better solution for long term. The shelving really helps if you end up needing to get into lower bins.
Clear bin option. We used these style bins for organizing sewing fabric stashes and other craft supplies.
Heavy duty trash bags are a must.
Clear trash bags for recycling or donation runs.
You know me, I love a label maker. This was used both days for labeling our long term storage bins.
News & Upcoming Events
Stay tuned, working on some fun stuff…. AUDIOBOOK launching this year!
Other Stuff
Do you have a group or event that would like to hear about decluttering, living smaller, or parting with sentimental items? Let me know, I love to speak to people about all things decluttering and resizing!
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