Chicago Home and Lifestyles – No contact decluttering
We have talked many times in the past about decluttering. Now, I’ve found a slightly different method that may help us finally get rid of the things that are keeping us stuck. Clean breaks are never easy, but when you apply this principle to decluttering a home it may make it easier. It’s called the “no contact” decluttering method. While it’s ideal to be able to decide in the moment whether you are going to donate or keep an item, this can stop many people in their tracks. Making decisions, especially about things you have had for many years, can be tiring. The “no contact method” lets you see how your home will feel and function with less, but without the feeling of regret!
How it works. The “no contact method” asks you to simply put items you may no longer need into a box until a specific date. The time frame is entirely up to you. It could be a month — but six months is recommended. Give yourself adequate time to experience life without the clutter. When it’s time you can decide whether these items are still needed. Putting things you think you can live without away in a box takes the pressure off. You can see what is possible for your lives while living with less things. This method is especially good for people who are new to decluttering or are perhaps more sentimental. It’s great for those of us downsizing. The key is setting and sticking to a future date when you will reevaluate whether to get rid of the boxed-up clutter. I’ll bet it will be a lot easier than you think to get rid of it completely!
Prep your boxes. You will need about 8 medium-sized packing boxes, plus several trash bags for anything broken or unusable. Take a picture before decluttering so you’ll remember when it’s time to reopen the boxes. Label each box with their general contents and date each box. Put the boxes out of sight to limit temptation to pick through them.
Plan to go room by room. You can do 2 hours a day over a week, or 2 uninterrupted weekends. I’d recommend the 2-hour limit so you don’t tire out. Stay in one room until you feel it’s been decluttered sufficiently. You need to be able to feel the effects of clutter-free spaces. Your boxes should be filled with things that may still be useful, so that with “no contact” you can see what it’s like to go without.
Open them at the right time. When it’s time to open the boxes, be honest about how you felt without the clutter. You will probably be able to donate the contents without emotions getting in the way. The results of this method should last beyond the decluttering. You will be more thoughtful about your consumption. You will buy less and keep less and that’s a good thing!
Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago
