What are your fall decluttering plans for 2022?   You have two months until the end of the year so what will make the biggest impact on your decluttering?  Does fall cleaning even rank on your list of goals for this year?   How do you feel when your home is clean and everything is in its place?

Create a list of projects that you would really like to get done. Can you find two or three that you can get started on today? If you start on a project, even a small project; how will you feel when it is completed? Just get started. It is the most important thing to help get you where you need to be.  Here are some fall decluttering ideas that don’t include soap and water.

DIGITAL

Before backing up your digital items, be sure to free up space on your phone and laptop by deleting old emails, unused apps and files that are no longer needed.  While these items are easily ignored, out of sight and out of mind. . . .  A lot of time is wasted going through unused apps, old files along with duplicate & blurry photos. Decluttering these items will free up space and make backups much faster.

There are a variety of back up services including cloud options such as; Carbonite, One Drive, Google Drive and of course a USB which is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to back up and save your files.  Check out this link for USB options: https://www.lifewire.com/best-usb-flash-drives-4141193.

The cost, the ease of the app and the amount of storage needed are all things to look into when choosing how you will back up your valuable files and photos. https://www.photoworkout.com/store-digital-photos/

Storage

After backing up your files and photos store them in a fire proof safe to keep everything secure. You will be able to quickly restore this information if your computer ever crashes.  I know we hate to think about this happening, but it has probably happened or will happen to all of us.   

Take the time to clearly name your files and folders. Doin so will allow you to easily search and find what you are looking for in the future.  Be sure to add digital items to your fall decluttering list.

CALENDARS

Go through your calendar for the current year.   What things could you eliminate and what needs to be there?  Doctor appointments, weddings and vacations are a few that we can plan ahead so get those dates on your calendar now so they are not missed or cause additional stress later.   Emotional and social clutter can fill your calendar.  Be mindful of what you add to your calendar!  

Don’t overbook your calendar.   Leave room for things that come up but get those vacation dates on the calendar and on your employer’s calendar as well so you can start planning.   Planning a trip is half the excitement of your vacation.

TRASH

One of the easiest ways get started on your fall decluttering list is to simply walk through your home and get rid of anything that is not important or needed.  Mail, grocery bags and unneeded receipts are some of the biggest clutter culprits and some of the easiest to clean up.  Be brutal and honest with what you really need or want.  If it is something that you know that you don’t want but is still in really good shape add that to a donate box but be sure to not let that box be future clutter. Get the box donated right away.

Seasonal Items, Expired things, Mail, Bills, Books etc. are all things you will find around your home that fall into these categories.   If you see receipts that will be needed for your taxes be sure to get them into your TAX FILE now so you reduce your stress later.  

MISPLACED ITEMS

• Use a box or laundry basket and go through your home and put everything in the basket that does not belong in that particular room.  
• Drop off everything in your basket to the area/room that it belongs in
• Take 30 minutes or less each week to run through this task. This will make a huge difference in controlling your clutter
• Get your kids involved so they understand the importance of putting away their clothes and toys

2023 GOALS

Now is the time to think about your goals.    We talk a lot about goals and dreams.  If you want to accomplish them they need to be top of mind.   Don’t clutter your life up with “THINGS”  fill it with what you love and what gives you purpose. Then write down what steps you need to accomplish those goals and add them to your calendar!

This is the time to plan and prepare for the next year. Get your Fall Decluttering list together and let’s get started.

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