10 Things to Declutter & Organize

I spent lots of time in 2020 & 2021 (during the pandemic) decluttering and organizing. Then in early 2022 we decided to begin the long process to move home to Australia after 10 years in the USA. So the decluttering and organizing began anew as we strived to ensure our beloved belongings would fit into a 40' shipping container. 

Here are 10 Things we decluttered and went minimalist with:

1. Excess office supplies. FYI nobody needs 10+ clip boards or 17 staplers. 
2. Excess paper files. We now only file really important stuff like car titles, birth certificates etc.
3. Bedding/linen (sheets, towels, bath mats etc.) We only have 2 sets for our bed and 1 set for each spare bed. 
4. Toiletries, makeup, medications. Check use-by dates and dispose of excess, then make a concerted effort to use up what you have on hand and keep necessary quantities.
5. Clothing. You don't have to go as small as a capsule wardrobe but decide what you actually wear and love! Donate excess, barely worn items and stop buying things that are not quality long lasting items. Try things on and try not to keep items that no longer fit unless they are truly timeless styles or have sentimental value. 
6. Cleaning supplies. You don't need enough cleaning supplies to clean a busy hospital, just enough for your home! Make a concerted effort to use what you bought and never have more than one spare on hand 
7. Books. It's okay to keep a library of favorite books and ones you want to read one day, but try to cull to just those.
8. Kitchenware. Donate unwanted appliances, coffee cups, water bottles, platters, dishes, utensils etc.
9. Seasonal decor. You don't need a ton of seasonal decor a few simple items well placed can give your home a seasonal vibe.
10. Things that don't have a place. It's important that everything in your home has a place and things are put away regularly. If something doesn't have a place designate one or determine if you really need it?!

I will never be entirely minimalist, but storage, organization and decluttering are ways to make even a maximalist home feel like a fabulous space.