I was pleased to join Michelle Eliot on BC Today to talk about decluttering for 2024. We discussed Out of Chaos’ C.L.E.A.R. Process, and the listeners who called in provided some insightful commentary. Here are some of the highlights.
Why Do People Want to Declutter in the New Year?
People open their homes to entertain and host out-of-town family and friends. Often, they realize how little space they have because their homes are full of stuff that doesn’t necessarily serve them.
Often, New Year’s Resolutions involve lifestyle changes, such as improving health through diet and exercise or meeting financial goals. People realize that they need to create an environment to support those objectives, and that means decluttering and organizing the home.
What Do You Do with Incoming Clutter Like Holiday Gifts?
It’s often hard to get past the guilty feeling that the item was a gift. However, once you go beyond that, ask yourself if it is a “Yes, No, or Maybe.” If you know in your gut you love and will use the item, keep it. Otherwise, let it go. If you’re unsure, keep it for a while and ask yourself the “yes/no/maybe” question in a few weeks.
A Few Listener Comments
A caller from Cortes Island discussed the “free store” run by volunteers. Residents can donate things they don’t want to the store, and others can take what they need. Besides reducing clutter, it’s a great way to keep items out of the landfill, too.
One listener asked about decluttering photos and slides. Linda suggested selecting the best images and digitizing them by scanning them yourself or using a photo digitizing service. Another listener suggested keeping only pictures of people and letting go of all the photos of scenery.
A listener who lives in a tiny home said she declutters monthly. She chooses multi-functional furniture and only keeps useful or beautiful items.
Another caller mentioned that people with a lot of stuff often joke about “being a hoarder.” However, he reminded the audience that hoarding disorder is a mental health issue, and people need to take it seriously.
Watch the full episode of Decluttering for 2024 (below) or listen on CBC Radio.
