Declutter + Simplify, For Life
One of the things our clients are the most shocked about during the process of design is how involved we really are in their life and belongings.
You only see those beautiful projects on social media all the time. No clutter. No homework. No dirty dishes. Most of our clients for whom we complete projects keep their homes the way we leave them when we walk out of the door. Surprised?
It’s because we’ve helped them DECLUTTER and SIMPLIFY. We create systems for tidying up and to simply live with only what they need. It’s not always perfect and not always clean, but once you have a system and stick to it, you can live the way you’ve always envisioned. And especially in the year of never-ending upending surprises, it’s more critical to our mental well-being now than ever before.
Here are some ideas if you are tackling the decluttering and simplification process yourself:
Step 1.
The Goal
Imagine the way you want to live.
Not only aesthetically/visually (form):
Is it a visual diary?
Is it a few inspiration photos?
Is it your best friend's house?
But also daily (function):
Do you wish you cleaned up messes more and spent more quality time with your kids?
Do you wish you had more time to wine taste and less time putting your kitchen back together after every meal?
Asking yourself questions like these help you get to the honest answers that define your goals for the process.
Step 2.
The Commitment
So much of this process is emotional! Shift your mindset and make it a priority. Make the commitment and then manage your expectations because it gets ugly before it gets better!
Start with decluttering one space at time. Even if it’s one messy drawer per day. Set goals, put on some good music, and just DO IT!
And if this still feels too daunting, not to fear: there are tons of experts out there who are willing and able to help you, even virtually.
Step 3.
The Setup for Success
One of the biggest mistakes that will set you back right away? You won’t put away something if it doesn’t have a place. It stays out, or gets shuffled around from place to place. So have a place for everything! Especially all those daily items that can pile up:
Shoes are a big culprit -- If you don’t have the luxury of a dedicated mudroom, get bins.
What about that dog leash? Install a hook at the door to hang it up right away.
The pile of thank you’s and nice notes received -- pull out a pretty bowl to keep them in (we call it your “smile file”).
Get the picture?
Let us know if you embark on this process! It will change your life, for life.
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