Perennial Downsizing

Living clutter-free can be a perennial battle. Every spring, it seems that you can get rid of a few more things that have somehow accumulated over the past year. Here are some tips for maintaining a simple lifestyle over the course of the year.

1. Think of things in terms of “clutter value.”

When you go shopping, ask yourself the question, “Will I want to get rid of this in 3 or 4 years?” If there is a possibility that the item will end up as yard sale junk in the near future, don’t buy it! Practice investing a little more money in something worthwhile that will endure the test of time.

2. Use the “one in, one out” rule.

Decide that from here on in, when you purchase a new book, shirt, or magazine, an old book, shirt, or magazine must be discarded, recycled or donated. This rule limits your total number of stuff, and keeps your home tidy as it houses an appropriate number of items.

If you want to up the downsizing action, adopt an increased variation of the rule – “one in, two out.” This practice will painlessly reduce surplus stuff.

3. Adopt this one, simple mindset.

The simplest mindset you can have is, “If I don’t use it at least once a year; I'm getting rid of it.” Apart from important files you need to keep for your records, this is an excellent, clutter-preventing practice. This allows for Christmas decorations and that is that!

Downsizing is particularly important for aging adults, who may need to purge their things before moving into a retirement community, or who may simply benefit from having less things to care for and maintain as they age. Help your loved one build these habits into their life today and save them the time going through mountains of unnecessary stuff every year. Live simply and curtail the clutter!