How and where to start cleaning out 30 years of stuff?

  5 answers
  • Chrid Chrid on Apr 15, 2019

    I am in the same predicament so I guess the answer is once a week I devote an hour to each closet. I have made little headway but at least it is a start

  • Nan W. Nan W. on Apr 15, 2019

    Amy: I used many of these tips... I felt such freedom when it was done! (...and then repeated twice more -- to further pare down!)


    https://www.moving.com/tips/your-guide-to-the-pre-move-purge/

  • Linda Sikut Linda Sikut on Apr 15, 2019

    Hi Amy,

    I agree with Chrid. It also depends on how much time you have before it has to be cleaned out. I started with closets then moved through each room looking for things that I don't use anymore. Some things went to family and friends. I had a garage sale for some items and donated other items to the homeless shelter or Renew. It's a huge job going through so many things that were once part of your life. If you can make an "appointment" with yourself on a regular basis to work on this project, you'd be surprised how quickly a lot can get done. Create 3 piles. 1. Keep, 2. Toss, 3. Sell or Donate then put away the Keeps pile and take other action with the rest. Wishing you the best.

  • Hi Amy - This is one of my favorite articles on cleaning, organizing and decluttering. It really breaks down the steps of the process, and even includes an interview with TV show Hoarders star Matt Paxton. Hope this helps! Hugs, Holly

    https://pinkfortitude.com/hoarder/

    PS - We have a FREE eBook with recipes for all of my homemade and all-natural cleaners. You can download it here --> https://pinkfortitude.com/thank#GreenClean

  • Amy N David Rohrich Amy N David Rohrich on Apr 16, 2019

    Thank you all for your suggestions and helpful advice-I will apply and give it my best shot!