Oct. 9: Decluttering Strategies

October 9, 2025

Tips to get clutter packed up and on its way

Most of us have a room, or corner, where our clutter collection is tucked away. It’s often still boxed up from two moves ago. Or it’s a once-prized possession that no longer does anything but take up space.

It’s daunting to think of de-cluttering, particularly if the problem has grown out of hand. Save with SPP decided to see what the experts say about getting that junk gone in an easy, manageable way.

The Custodia Home Management site offers some ideas on de-cluttering strategy.

“Have you ever walked into a cluttered room and felt overwhelmed? Now, imagine how a senior feels when their home is filled with piles of unused items, making it harder to move around safely,” the article begins.

The goal of decluttering, the piece continues, is to create “a comfortable, stress-free place where seniors can move freely and feel at ease.” But how to get cracking on it? Let’s read on.

To “ensure a smooth and stress-free process,” the article suggests a strategic approach to clutter-outplacing.

“Start small – declutter one room at a time,” the article advises. “Begin with a small space, such as a closet or drawer, to build momentum.”

Next, the article suggests a “keep, donate, discard” approach.

“Simplify decision-making by sorting items into three categories: keep, donate, and discard. This method streamlines the process and reduces indecision,” the article explains. Many organizations welcome “gently used items, offering a meaningful second life to possessions.”

Your “keep” list, the article notes, should “prioritize essential and sentimental items.” Consider digital options for things like photo albums, the authors add.

Make it a fun and family focused activity, the article suggests, by hosting a “decluttering party” where guests are encouraged to take home things they want or need. Finally, you can consider hiring a professional company to assist you in the operation, the article concludes.

The Sort and Simple Canada blog provides a few more ideas.

Visualization, the article suggests, is a great first step. “Picture how you want your space to look, feel, and function, and be as specific as possible. With a clear vision, you’ll be able to decide with confidence what belongs in your space—and in your life,” the article tells us.

Another good idea – “stop clutter before it starts – decrease the incoming stuff,” the article explains. “Let’s be more intentional about what you bring into your home: think twice before making purchases, unsubscribe from mailing lists, and avoid freebies or hand-me-downs you don’t really need,” the article continues.

Some questions to ask yourself while decluttering include “`does this item support my organizing vision?’ or `Would I buy this again today?’ These questions help you shift from a mindset of scarcity (`I might need this someday’) to one of abundance (`I’m choosing what to keep in my life’).”

Another nice thought in the article – “pull everything out of the area you’re working on, and only return items that fit your vision and are genuinely useful or loved.”

A final thought – if you have a donation pile or box, “make sure those items don’t linger…. This will help avoid second-guessing your decisions,” while keeping things “clutter free,” the article concludes.

The publication House Digest adds a few final ideas to get your decluttering going.

Many of us fail to get going on sorting things out because “we feel intimidated and overwhelmed just thinking about trying to declutter everything. We picture spending hours — or even days — on end going through pile after pile and drawer after drawer just to make a small dent,” the article begins. So, start by setting a specific time period you will spend decluttering – start with five minutes a day and ramp it up as you go, the article advises.

Employ, the article continues, the Marie Kondo method. “Kondo recommends evaluating each item in your home and only holding on to those that `spark joy.’ That means that if you have something, but don’t use or enjoy it, you should let it go,” the article advises.

Another way to make the process fun is to turn it into a challenge, the article notes.

“Try the 30-day minimalism game. With this `game,’ you and your friend would each have to get rid of (trash, sell, or donate) a number of items to match the day of the month. So, on the fifth day of the month, you’d clear out five items, and on the 28th, you’d get rid of 28 things. When all is said and done, that means you will have gotten rid of an impressive 465 different items,” the article continues.

We’ll add one more – finding a loving home for your old stuff. A nearly new cat carrier used gently by our late kitty was greatly appreciated by the local cat rescue shelter. A perfectly good golf club we couldn’t hit is now in a friend’s golf bag, another friend is happily playing a 12-string guitar we got bored of playing after getting a new electric guitar.

If you are able to get a few dollars for any of your unwanted items, you can add to the thrill of your decluttered living space by contributing to your future self’s retirement income. Consider joining the Saskatchewan Pension Plan, open to any Canadian with registered retirement savings plan room. SPP will invest the dollars you save in our professionally managed, pooled, low-cost investment fund, and when it’s time to leave the clutter of the workplace behind, you can turn savings into income via such options as our monthly annuity payments or the more flexible Variable Benefit.

Check out SPP today!

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Custodia Home Management, House Digest, Sort and Simple Canada

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