In the past we've periodically gone on a decluttering binge when it reached a breaking point, but we always seem to end up in the same situation again after a year or two. What have others done to avoid the cycle of accumulate/declutter?
It is tough to avoid the cycle, unless you establish a few house rules: One item in - one item out. Keep a box or bag handy to go to donation. Huge one for me - limit the number of bookcases, no hoarding of magazines - exception, max of 12 garden mags:) for me and 12 Nat Geo for him:)
Going through closets and drawers has become routine and even the kitchen drawers get a regular dump, wipe, re-line and organize. Same with the pantry, one big deep shelf at a time - check dates, rotate or toss or donate.
Gifts are either re-gifted, donated or used - no more stashes or storage of things I really don't care for.
My biggest problem - never ending paper clutter. I have made great strides in the past year and we both got rid of and shredded a ton of papers. Still the paper tiger has me by the tail - can't seem to make it through the last six boxes.
...and yup, I'm back on a de-cluttering binge, thinking of throwing up a 30 to 60 day challenge for 2017 - to keep me motivated and tackle some long overdue projects.
Last project was the inventory and re-organization of extra food storage, water and hurricane emergency supplies. So happy I'm done with that - thrashed some, donated some, now I need to replenish a few things, next time they are on sale to take advantage of bulk savings.
So far in 2017 - cleaned my side of the closet, bedroom shelves and cabinets and most of his - his five! T-shirt drawers are next on the list.
Finished inventory and de-cluttering, re-organizing of food storage - yay:) Trash-donation - done!
Cleaned out both fridge/freezers. Trash - done!
Cleared out one big bookcase and one huge shelf in the shed cum studio - donated, yay!
Cleaned up and re-organized carport and front porch.