Last week, we explored the “why” behind our hoarding habits, examining through layers to uncover the emotional triggers and quiet fears that make us hold on to what no longer serves us. (Missed it? You can revisit that piece here.)
This week, we draw the curtains on this hoarding series, moving from understanding to action. Because an untidy space isn’t just about the mess in front of you, it whispers into your mind, scatters your focus, and weighs on your spirit.
So, how do you reclaim your space and, with it, your peace of mind? Here are small, practical, intentional steps that can make a big difference:
Get six large boxes (or “Ghana Must Go” bags) and label them: Garbage, Give Away, Keep, Repair, Sale, and Undecided. Start in one area of your home. As you sort through items, either put them in their proper place or into one of these boxes to be dealt with accordingly.
Helpful hint: Store the Undecided box out of sight, and if, after six months, you haven’t touched anything inside, get rid of it.
Trying to deal with all your clutter at once will leave you feeling overwhelmed and discouraged. After all, it has taken you years to accumulate all that stuff, so don’t worry if you can’t get rid of it all in one day! Break the job down into manageable tasks, start with the room/corner you spend the most time in. Don’t know where to start? The junk drawer, closet, or work desk surface can be your first victory.
Basements, closets, spare rooms, and other spots in your home are often filled to the brim with things that you may need someday. The truth? Face it, most things are not worth hanging on to and won’t be used again. Be brave and let it go. Items unused within six months to a year, donate to charity, orphanage, motherless babies’ home, nannies, help friends and families in need, or sell them on eBay, via garage/distress sale, or word of mouth, if they are of good value. Old and out-of-date newspapers/magazines should be burned after taking the clippings needed. But, like I said earlier, if you do not look at them within a year, burn them!!! Discard expired makeup and medicines!
Toys that are outgrown or no longer played with are a good place to start. Every six months, have them go through their belongings and choose some things that they no longer need. Then, teach them the value of giving by donating the toys to places like hospitals or an orphanage. Decluttering is a habit; the earlier it’s learned, the easier life becomes.
When you pick up your mail, go through it right away. Toss junk mail immediately and then divide the remaining mail into two folders: Important (e.g., bills) and Miscellaneous (e.g., letters and magazines). Get into a regular schedule of dealing with the items in the folders so that letters don’t go unanswered or bills don’t go unpaid. Apply the same approach to electronic mail.
Set a timer and work quickly to deal with as much as you can. The idea behind this is that motivating yourself for 15 minutes is a lot easier than trying to motivate yourself to spend a whole afternoon cleaning up. Plus, doing a little tidying each day allows you to keep on top of clutter and deal with it before it has days to pile up.
Before making a purchase, ask yourself: Do I need this? In most cases (especially with all those impulse buys we are guilty of), the answer will be No, or if you do give in to temptation, like you buy a new pair of shoes or shirt, go back to your wardrobe and give out an old shirt or shoe away. Apply the same rule depending on what you bought, even books, etc. Learn to just walk away and stop clutter at its very source!
When we clutter our social network with social connections… Ask yourself why you use social media tools and if your connections add value to the time you spend on them. If they do not, it’s time to Unfriend, Unfollow, and Unconnect. It is important to realize that our digital friends and followers are simply digital connections, nothing more. Our emails also need a good clear out to achieve “zero inbox” instead of your inbox (es) managing you, try and manage your inbox. Let your devices serve you, not overwhelm you.
Let go of the past, relationships/friendships that add no value to your life anymore, and change the people around you. Learn to understand that some people come into your life just to strengthen you, so you can move on without them. They are supposed to be part of your memory, not your destiny. When you have to start compromising your happiness and potential for the people in your life, it is time to change the people around you. It’s time to join local meetups, attend conferences, network online, and find a more supportive tribe. Let go of the old and make way for the new. Focus on today.
Food for thought
Decluttering isn’t a once-a-year project; it’s a lifestyle. Try to deal with clutter regularly by getting rid of old shopping bags, used batteries, old mobile phones, and ugly gifts right away.
Donate a bunch of unwanted things every month, or even every week. And keep your house from overflowing.
Remember the golden rule: For every new item you buy, get rid of one old one!
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This empowering article from Marina Times NG explores how decluttering can be a transformative journey from clearing physical mess to finding mental clarity. With practical steps like the 6-box method and the 15-minute rule, it’s a soulful guide to reclaiming peace and purpose.