How to Clear and Declutter LARGE, SCARY Spaces

Hello Everybody!

We had a few days with our grandbabies last week--the Geology Museum is a HUGE HIT--Harper(3) is not afraid of those big dinosaur skeletons (or anything, that we know of…)

Buuuuut, anyone out there afraid of clearing a LARGE CLUTTERED space? A Basement, Garage? Storage Locker, Attic?

Today, I’m going to walk you through our magic formula for TAKING ACTION in a space that feels overwhelming…

You may have already worked your editing and clearing muscles on smaller, easier spaces and are ready to take on bigger spaces that are more daunting, so, here we go...
You’ve got this, just follow the list--

1. Go for the easiest things first--Use the BIGGIE, STRONG garbage bags and go for removing the low-hanging fruit. The EASY stuff in plain view that you know you will never need or want. No need to open boxes, or ponder, just move through the space collecting things that are completely irrelevant to your life now or in the future. Repeat as many rounds as necessary.

2. Go after the LARGE items next--awkwardly stored tools, furniture, snowmobiles :), BIG boxes. I know that sometimes these items are harder to dispose of, however they will give you the visual space that can motivate you to keep going--a BIG WIN and worth the effort! (Calling for a thrift store pick-up is a great idea for most of these items.)

3. Donate vs. Sell--Please save your time/energy (unless you have tons to spare) and donate to a charity that you believe in. Especially in a large space, taking the time to sift and sort through things to sell vs. donate can stop you in your tracks and keep you from EVER making progress--so, don’t add to your burden, just bless and release and let them go!

4. Break your Big Project into Smaller, Doable Sections--Use the space to dictate--one wall, one shelf, one box at a time, focus on your “smaller” task, and then another and another...they will eventually all add up to a beautifully finished space!

5. It’s Likely that a Large Space will Take More than One Session--especially if you have years of accumulation! But, as you accomplish each smaller section, celebrate! Do something to mark your progress; it’s the secret fuel to continuing :)

6. Touch Each Item that You are Considering--tune in, and listen--everything you say “yes” to keeping, should also feel like saying “YES!” to yourself. If it holds you back or drags you down, let it go. And remember, (Pro Tip:) IF you can’t decide and have the urge to put it in the “Maybe” pile, it’s probably an item you will say “No” to.

7. Organize the Items You’re Keeping--continue until your space feels clear, spacious and manageable. When you’re done editing, organize the remaining items so that like items are together and the things you use most frequently are front and center. 

Large spaces take time and focus, but the payoff is HUGE--you’ve got this!!! 

And, if you need assistance, please reply and we will connect with you, it’s WAY easier to do this work with support, we would love to help.

Lots of Love,
XOXO

PS: If you have a friend who would LOVE to read this, forward here
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PSS: Remember to mark your Calendars for March 13th at 12pm! I will be at the Dreambank with a “Spring into Decluttering” event. Register HERE and bring a friend--I would LOVE to see you there!