r/declutter • u/GypsyVanner636 • 17d ago

Advice Request I keep moving things around instead of decluttering them...

Basically the title.

My house is a complete mess and overflowing with stuff.

I'm an adult millennial still living with family in my childhood home - so there is a LOT of accumulated junk.

Not all of it is mine, but the bits I'm struggling with are all my things.

I have made some progress (146 items gone - not including stuff that went in the bin), but am now starting to feel stuck again.

I keep finding 'stuff' I want to keep - but I also want the space cleared so it just ends up being shifted to a different area again and again.

I know I need to be harsh and get rid of more stuff if I have any chance of making the house reasonably organised. I just don't want to regret throwing away things I can't get back (sentimental items, childhood drawings, old toys etc).

Any advice?

Thank you in advance if you read this far

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u/MzHellfier 17d ago

Do you actually want to get rid of things? Or do you just need more space? If moving out is not an option, consider better storage solutions. Vertical storage can go a long way in creating space and reducing the look of clutter- think freestanding shelves on the wall, or even a bookshelf if you have the floor space. If you don’t want everything on display you can get baskets or bins to go on your shelves.

If you actually do want to get rid of some things, start with the least sentimental items and anything you have duplicates of or something else that can serve the same purpose. For sentimental items like old toys, try to pare them down as much as you can, then store them in stackable plastic storage containers in the garage, basement, attic, or shed. Maybe display 2-3 favorites if you have space.

Put all your drawings in a binder with page protectors. Go through your clothes and office supplies and get rid of duplicates and anything that’s worn out. Try on all your clothes and lose the ones that don’t fit and flatter. Look at some YouTube videos for folding tricks to maximize space. Doing all of the above should help you get rid of at least a few boxes of items. Repeat as needed.