Gretchen Rubin, the author of “Outer Order, Inner Calm: Declutter and Organize to Make More Room for Happiness,” shared with “Good Morning America” three tips to help clear the clutter. None of these are new, but it is certainly good to be reminded.
1. Consider the ‘ex’ factor
“This has to do with clothes,” Rubin explained. “So if you’re thinking about whether you want to keep or donate an item of clothing, you say, ‘If I were walking down the street and I ran into my ex wearing this particular item, would I be glad that I was wearing it? Or would I wish that I were not wearing it?'”
“And if you are not happy that that’s what you’d be wearing to confront your ex, it’s probably time to donate it,” she said.
2. Give yourself ‘clutter amnesty’
Clutter amnesty is declaring an end to feeling guilty for unfinished projects, according to Rubin. Think of it as clearing the slate and starting fresh.
“[A] clutter amnesty day [is] where you just say, everything that you have, you’re just going to put in the recycling. And yeah, maybe you’re months behind in a magazine that you love, but you’re just gonna start over from now,” Rubin said.
3. Ask Yourself 3 Questions
When you’re trying to figure out what to keep and what to get rid of, Rubin says to ask yourself these 3 questions — Do I need it? Do I love it? Do I use it?