“Decluttering” feels like the watchword of the new decade. Books, podcasts and in-home consultants promise a connection between an orderly, tidy home filled only with useful, joy-producing objects and a sense of inner peace and productivity.
They’re not wrong. Clearing clutter makes room for fresh, new energy. It also offers the peace of knowing you are saving your family scores of tough decisions later on.
But it can be so intimidating to get started—which is why I highly recommend a small act of “rearranging” as a way to rev up your decluttering engine. A rearranging project is something that can be done in 15 minutes or less, and it will leave a single corner, surface, drawer or shelf in your home looking noticeably clean and orderly.
Done one at a time, these small projects can make a big difference in the overall organization of your home—without depleting your energy or leaving you flustered in the process.
Set your timer for 15 minutes and try one of these rearranging projects this week:
—Empty your silverware drawer and put everything back that is clean, unbroken and regularly seen on your table.
—Clear the surface where you put your mail, bag and keys when you walk in the door. Put the area back together with an eye toward what really needs to be there.
—Remove all bottles from your shower or bathtub and replace only those that are more than 1/100th full and that work for your body.
—Choose one type of clothing in your closet or dresser, like pants or sweaters, and pull them all out. Only put back those that fit or that you enjoy wearing.
—Investigate the spice rack in your kitchen. Toss anything that smells stale or is an indeterminate number of years old.
What are some small rearranging projects in your home that could get you started?
