Method

If you have a space which needs decluttering and organising, you may be wondering what method  Hannah uses to ensure you get the outcome you want.  Well, there are many different decluttering 'methods' out there, some more detailed than others, some are more of a simple rule than an actual method. What matters when you are choosing a declutter method, is acknowledging how you naturally work best and your end goal.

Hannah is a process person and is naturally good at looking at a problem and coming up with the simplest and most efficient way to do something. Hannah's #lessstressmethod looks to transform spaces and takes into account how you want to use your space. With your end goal in mind, the method then guides you through the quickest and most efficient way to achieve it, using a positive mindset. The  #lessstressmethod is based on the principal of value. How do you value your items. Hannah teaches people about 'The Art of Understanding Value' and how, once you understand it, it can help you to make decision making much quicker and feel much more comfortable.  

In terms of stress, the #lessstressmethod works two-fold; firstly it takes the stress out of decluttering and organising, then it  gives you a space to support your wellbeing, promoting calm and relaxation - a space to escape from stress!

If you are looking to go it alone, here is a guide to THE LESS STRESS METHOD™️

1. Visualise and set your goal

How do you want to use your space? 

How do you want your space to look and feel?  

What proportion of your items do you need to dispose of?  

Always keep the visual of the end result in your mind's eye. 

2. Get prepared

If the space needs to house any items that aren’t currently kept in there, go and get them and move them in before you start. (There is no point in decluttering and reorganising a space only to then move more items in afterwards!)

Gather some good sized boxes (being mindful of the size/weight when full as you will ultimately need to lift them!) Initially prepare 4 of the boxes with the following labels:  'Donate', 'Sell', 'Recycle' and 'Rubbish'*.

Gather any supplies you might need which may include: parcel tape, marker pens, labels, label machine, additional storage solutions.

*Items should always be donated, recycled or sold wherever possible and sending items to landfill should always be the last resort. (If you are working with Hannah, you will be provided with disposal options local to you.)

3. Start! (with the positives) **

Usually decluttering methods start by focusing on what items to get rid of. Instead, decide what you are going to keep. Visualise your amazing, new space. What do you want in it? William Morris famously said, ““Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” Which of your items are useful and/or beautiful? What items deserve to be in your new space? What are the special items worth holding on to? Which items do you value the most? Focus on the positives. Focus on how your space is going to look with your carefully selected items. Then letting go of anything else becomes easier especially as you have, inadvertently by elimination, already established what to get rid of when you decided what items are not useful and not beautiful. 

4. Fill Donate/Recycle/Sell boxes

After you have decided what to keep, you can now sort the remaining items into your boxes labelled 'Donate', 'Sell', 'Recycle' or 'Rubbish'*.

5. Start creating your space!

Rearrange any furniture according to how you want to use the space

Consider any required storage solutions

Organise items you have decided to keep

More information on creating a space to support wellbeing can be found here. 

Notes & tips. 

1. My method does not call for you to clear everything out from a space because what you would end up with can be more overwhelming than what you started with and additionally, it has used up valuable time and energy. Instead, deal with one item at a time and make a decision on each item. A no-mess method. 

2. As soon as you start to feel decision making becoming hard, take a 10/15 minute break. Make a drink, go outside and breathe some fresh air. Think about your original goal and visualise your end result. 

3. Be systematic and efficient as you go. When one box gets full, replace it; don’t let items pile up or spill over boxes onto the floor.  Move the full box out of the space or load it to a vehicle.

4. Some systems include an 'Undecided' box. By using the #lessstressmethod, you will be deciding what you are going to keep first, so you should eliminate the need for an 'Undecided' box. If you do want to use an 'Undecided' box however, limit the amount of items that you allow yourself to put in it. Set a low maximum number say, 5-10 items, and use a 1 in, 1 out rule. Do not use an 'Undecided' box as a dumping ground as you're only creating a new problem for yourself! 

** The #lessstressmethod is ideal for people who have a good amount of clutter to get rid of and who want to create a space to enjoy. If you have a room, garage or shed that is full to the gunnels and where access is impeded, you will need to start with disposing of at least enough items in order to improve access. You may then want to revert to the method above, i.e. deciding what items to keep first and then disposal of everything else.

THE USEFUL AND BEAUTIFUL METHOD

My maintenance method is very simple. Once you have completed your decluttering and created your reimagined space, you can keep on top of it by regularly using the #usefulandbeautifulmethod. Once a week/fortnight/month, ask yourself whether items are either useful or beautiful. If you have an item which is neither, consider disposing of it. 

If you need help deciding how to tackle your project or if you would like Hannah to be there to help you, please get in touch.