Day 6 - Dining Room
===
[00:00:00] Hello hello and welcome back to day 6 of the new year new space, de cluttering challenge. I was running a bit behind on this episode today, but now I am excited to get this out because I want to share a super simple strategy to help you declutter a small pile of things that has been sitting in the same spot for a while now.
I shared the other day how clutter often has an energy of avoidance. Especially when you don't know what to do in that area. When you look at a space and you don't know how you're going to possibly be able to sort through and get a handle on all of it, especially when you don't know different decluttering methods and strategies and things like that, what happens is then, you end up doing nothing and avoiding it all together.
But it can actually be very simple.
De cluttering can be one of the most simple things that you do as long as you're fully [00:01:00] aware, as long as you know, what steps to take. And once you get started by taking that first step. Oh, man, you start building momentum and before you know it it's, it's like opening up the flood gates of motivation and excitement. Simply because you allowed the task to be simple. So here's what I want you to do. For our new year decluttering challenge for the task today, I want you to do this in your dining room, but keep in mind that you can use this strategy for any space in your home.
As a matter of fact, Any of the strategies or the methods that I share, you can always use them for any area in your home. But for today, we're going to be doing this for your dining room. So first you'll choose a small pile or it can be a box, uh, just a small section of stuff that has been sitting there for a while.
Don't put too much thought into how long it [00:02:00] has been, just I guarantee if you're listening to this episode, there is a. Some kind of smallish pile or box or a section of stuff in your dining room that has been sitting there for a while, stuff that really has an energy of avoidance around it.
The reason why I really take the time to point out that it needs to be a small pile is because that takes all the extra barriers off the table. If you re de cluttering just a small pile of things, you don't have to worry about a lack of time. You don't have to worry about making a big old mess. You don't have to worry about overwhelm or any of that stuff, because you can accomplish anything in 15 minutes, as long as you commit to doing it, well, you can get it done. And so that's why we really focus on this smallish pile.
Next set your intention for that small space and get clear on how you want it to look and feel once you're finished, this is super important because by setting your intention, your deciding ahead of time, exactly what you're [00:03:00] going to accomplish. Exactly how you want it to look and feel when you're done. So don't skip the part about setting an intention. Then, once you have chosen this space and you have set your intention, then he will dive right in by making a decision on every single item in that area. So one at a time you will pick up each item and ask yourself, do I want to keep this or do I want to let it go? When you ask yourself that super simple question and then tune inward, you will always know the answer because it will be either a resounding yes or a definite no. Yes, I want to keep this or no, I do not want to keep this.
So, if you do want to keep it, you'll then ask yourself, where does it belong? And if you do not want to keep it, you will then ask yourself, do I want to donate it or should I throw it away?
Now, there are [00:04:00] two things that you can do next. You can immediately take each item and act on it appropriately, right then and there by walking to put the item where you decided to put it or adding it to a donation box or a trash bag. So that's one option.
But alternatively, you could create little piles. So for example, Let's say you've come across three things that belong in your bedroom. You can create a pile for your bedroom items or a pile for your bathroom items, et cetera. And then you could also have a small pile for donations and even another one for trash.
So since you're making a decision on every single item right there in the moment of if you want to keep it, or if you want to let it go. The two options that follow of either walking and immediately putting things where you decided to put them, or instead creating a pile, those two options are really dependent on [00:05:00] how many items you will be decluttering and sorting through and of course your personal preferences.
I have lymphedema, my legs are very swollen. So for me, I personally would not be getting up and walking to go put one item away at a time. But seven years ago, before I was diagnosed, I definitely would have. So like I said, it's going to greatly depend on your personal preferences, your energy, your abilities, all of those things.
Again, it doesn't matter if you choose to go put your items where they belong right then and there, or instead you choose to create small little piles of stuff, of the things that you're keeping and the things that you're letting go. That's not what makes this process simple. What makes it simple is one you're choosing a small pile in the first place.
And two, you're just asking yourself these quick and easy questions.
But don't let this add ed explanation trip you up or cause overwhelm. I just wanted to lay out the step-by-step [00:06:00] instructions so that way, you know exactly what to do every step of the way, because as I mentioned at the beginning of this episode, When we see a space and you don't really know what to do in that area, you end up doing nothing. So that's why I wanted to give you the step-by-step of what to do throughout the entire process. But the real strategy here lies in the simplicity of asking yourself two questions.
Do I want to keep this or let it go. If I want to keep it, where does it belong? If I don't want to keep it, should I donate it or throw it away? It's simple, it's super effective, and it will help you tackle the piles quickly and easily.
So that's all that I have for you today. Tomorrow is the last day of the new year, new space de cluttering challenge. We have one more task to complete tomorrow, and then on Monday, January 8th, at 12:00 PM central, we have a bonus Q and A call on Zoom where we can map out a plan so that way you [00:07:00] feel fully confident and prepared to declutter and organize your entire house throughout 2024. And I'll be able to answer any questions you have about de clutter ing.
And also. My self-study program Decluttering Made Easy is open for enrollment right now at 35% off to help you get a peaceful, orderly home this year. Next week, I will share another podcast episode that tells you all the details about what's included and how it can help you clear your clutter with ease. But in the meantime, you can check it out at the link in the show notes. And if you're ready to make a change in your home, as soon as possible, you can join us now you can go ahead and jump in and get started right away.
So thank you for listening to the Take Charge of Your Home Show and thank you for tuning in to the new year, new space decluttering challenge this past week. There have been hundreds of you downloading these episodes this [00:08:00] week.
And I am very excited to help you clear away your clutter and take charge of your home. So come hang out with me on Instagram. You'll find those links in the show notes as well. And go spend a few minutes decluttering a small pile of stuff somewhere in your dining room. And I will be back here tomorrow. See you then.
Bye.
