Help needed - decluttering/organising - where to start?

[millionaireshortie]

I'm really struggling with tackling my home and not getting anywhere. I have done some areas successfully (porch/playroom/bedrooms) but am really struggling with others.

I don't have a spare room or a garage to put things that are yet to be worked through. My office is a tip and there's one kitchen worktop which although I clear regularly is the daily dumping ground for all sorts and I'm so sick of the sight of it!

I don't think we have quite enough storage for a family of 4 but can't see if wats to change that. A garage would solve all issues as I'd have a shelving unit and various storage boxes for all sorts I don't want to keep in the house. And also a place to put things while I think what best to do with them!

Any tips of tricks for a family of 4 in a 3 bed semi with no garage? Where to put stuff while you think about it?

Argh! I need help!

Check out The Organised Mum Method and Marie Kondo. Have a policy where if you pick something up you only put it down where it needs to go (eg dirty dishes straight in dishwasher, paperwork in shredder or filing cabinet). Get a shed? Do NOT get paid-for storage, you will put stuff in there and never get it out again.

I second Marie Kondo. You don’t need more storage, you need less stuff.

I think you have to be in the right frame of mind for a proper sort out and willing to part with some hefty items permanently, not just whilst you have a think.
To start, instead of overwhelming yourself with this huge task, maybe just have a wander through your house and say ‘what can I give to charity today?’ By 4pm I bet you’ll have a box or bin bag full. Take it straight away and from there the process of organising and storing what’s left should get easier to face as it decreases.

You need a plan

Work out where your nearest charity shop is that you can easily access or you go close to when visiting somewhere else. Mine is near DDs sports training. I keep a plastic bag in the corner of the living room and all week I add stuff to it then take it and donate while she is at training.

The night before the bin goes out pick a drawer or area on a room, find the rubbishy and fill the bin.

Join the “get rid of one thing a day” thread for ideas and inspiration.

Good luck

Do you have a loft you could board and use as storage? Or you could get a decent shed?

Don't look for places to store stuff! You will just forget about it and end up with a jam packed storage space.

Be bold and get rid. We've just moved and were really brutal getting rid of loads. But seeing what we had left was so depressing!! I have now been properly brutal and it feels fantastic.

I have sold stuff on eBay, gifted things to charity and hired a skip to bin things. One thing which really took up valuable storage in our house space was linens. I have now got rid of towels and beddings which we will never use.

Just go for it op - you will love the space you get in return for getting rid of stuff you don't need.