How to Get Clutter-Free In 2020

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It's 2020, you guys. Not just a new year, but a new decade. So, there's extra pressure to keep your resolution game strong (if you're into that sorta thing...).

While getting in shape and spending less top most people's lists, decluttering's gaining popularity thanks to the KonMari movement.

In today's post, I've compiled five or my favorite ways to help you declutter in 2020.

How to Get Clutter-Free In 2020

1) Be More Mindful Of What You Let In

The first step in preventing clutter is controlling what makes it into your home in the first place.

Before buying anything, ask yourself if you really need it---do you already have a shirt almost identical to this one? If it's more of a 'want' thing: how much will having it improve your overall satisfaction in the long run?

2) The One In, One Out Rule

For each new thing that enters your home, something else should get the boot to make room for it. Consider donating or reselling old toys whenever your kids receive new ones. Or, conversely, getting a new pair of jeans only once a pair you already own is worn out and warrants replacing.

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3) Get Rid of Things You're Keeping Just In Case

...In case an unflattering trend from ten years ago comes back in style.

...In case your great aunt visits and wants to see where you've displayed that hideous vase she gave you for your wedding.

...In case you want to read that magazine article again...someday.

Keeping things 'just in case' is the first step to becoming a hoarder.

4) Get Rid of Anything You Haven't Used In Over A Year

The longer you go without using something, the lower the likelihood you'll ever use it again. There are exceptions. But, in general, this is a good rule of thumb. Works well for clothing, kids' toys and exercise equipment. Admittedly, not so well for seasonal sports gear, like skis and tennis rackets.

5) Get Rid of Anything You Don't Love

One of my favorite decor quotes (there aren't many to choose from) is "have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."

This means getting rid of any tchotchkes and purely decorative things that aren't positively contributing to your home's aesthetic. Do you really need all twenty of those throw pillows? (asked every man ever).

We've taken this a step further, and try to select useful things that are also beautiful. I deliberately pick out functional items like watering cans, candle holders and bowls that also serve to augment our decor. The more beauty you add via everyday necessities, the less useless bric-a-brac you'll be compelled to buy, and the less cluttered your home will feel.

Click here for more on these hand-turned candle holders by Bethanie Kaye.

6) Get Rid of One Thing A Day

If the above five steps seem like too much work, you can simply resolve to get rid of just one thing per day for the rest of the year. By the end of three months, you'll have decluttered nearly a hundred things!

By declutter, I mean donate, re-sell or recycle, where possible. Landfill should be the last resort. While decluttering efforts inevitably result in more garbage, hopefully the process makes us all more mindful of what we consume and discard in the future.

That's all for this week! Stay tuned next week for another instalment of Minimalist Design Crush featuring my favorite Canadian ceramicist.