Storing away old items is perhaps the easiest on those unwilling to throw or give away your precious items. There is also that Christmas tree that is only needed once a year. With rising real estate costs, storage is relatively low-cost vs renting a larger work or living space to accommodate your items. Memories are also too precious to be thrown away; photos, books, furniture or a late parent/spouse’s clothing items can be stored away.

Offices should look at storing documents such as financial records, old HR files and etc. These usually take up lots of space and contribute to clutter. Marketing materials, premiums and decorative items are also bulky and can be put to storage until such time it is needed.

There are options here, for those intending to do a “soft declutter”. Don’t buy new household items or clothes, re-use or re-furbish. Old furniture can be given a breath of life by furniture restorers, material from old clothing can be sewn into patchwork, and the old set of dinnerware could possibly be classic now!

Do good work while decluttering! Shelters round the world are always in need of donation of clothes, shoes, even books. Just make sure it is in good condition. Pull your friends along on your decluttering journey, do a collective donation drive. Some organisations even provide pickup services for items donated.

With so many online marketplaces to choose from, e.g. Carousell, Gumtree, Shopee and Facebook groups, how about making some money to make up for the pain of parting with your beloved items? One man’s junk is always another man, or woman’s treasure. None more true than businesses who thrive selling pre-loved luxury goods.

Don’t use the new stash of cash to buy new things. How about donating it to the shelter or going on a holiday instead.

…and never look back! If you’re ready to commit to decluttering, there is no better way than to throw away! This may be the hardest step, but it is the most effective when it comes to decluttering.

Ask yourself if you’d miss the item if it weren’t in your possession, or if you would replace it if it got lost. If the answer is no, best to throw it away. Anything past the expiry date should also belong in the bin, especially food items.

Hope the above tips help your decluttering journey so you can make space for new things or a new addition to the family!

READ MORE:
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(Text by Anna Chew. Anna is Co-Founder & CEO of BEAM Space, a concierge storage combining warehousing and logistics in a mobile app. Use the code BAORG on signup to enjoy 50% off your storage bill for the first two months.)