Now that I think about it, de-cluttering was always going to take time. After all it has taken twenty one years to get this bad so reversing the process is not going to be completed in a weekend!

On a positive note our basic plan is workable and only requiring tiny modifications.

It is easier to work as a team

The psychology of this statement is based on the simple fact that it is easier to identify items to go when you have no emotional attachment to them. this observation is why all U-tube declutterrers can quickly scoot through a room removing loads of items whilst the somewhat dazzled owners are unable to explain why they keep the items, due to vague emotional ties, in front of a camera. Working as a team means that there is a higher chance that one of you will not be emotionally invested in an item and can make a detached judgment on that items future.

Honesty is the key

If you've always hated it but her mother bought it for her, you may have to be tactful but always be truthful. Keep items that you can't agree on and move on, do not play power games after all you are both going to have to give things up. Keeping items you can't agree on, avoids conflict and once the seed is sown it may lead the recipient to realise that they can live without the item after all.

The New Plan

1. Work together one room at a time.
2. Identify Items that you both agree can go. Seek easy wins to begin with.
3. For each item decide Sell, Give Away, Recycle, Rubbish.
4. Action the decision. Put the item for sale, put in charity box, sort into recycling boxes, or bag up ready to take to the tip.
5. Move onto the next item

Tags: De-Cluttering, Downsizing