If you feel cooped up in quarantine, it might be time to make space. These tiny decluttering projects will help you declutter without getting overwhelmed.
I know that cooped up feeling isn’t just about your surroundings, but much of what is contributing to that cooped up feeling is beyond your control. It might help to focus on something you can change and creating a little space at the same time might allow you to breathe a little easier.
Objections for Decluttering During Quarantine
Let’s get the objections for decluttering during quarantine out of the way.
- No one is accepting donations right now. They aren’t now, but they will again. When it’s time to come out of quarantine, you’ll be done with your decluttering projects and can simply make your drop-offs. Then you can spend your time doing something you really want to do.
- It’s too stressful to take on new projects. The last thing you want to do is take on projects that feel overwhelming. We’ve got enough of overwhelming going on. That’s why these projects make big change small and allow you to do a little bit each day, noticing progress.
10 Tiny Decluttering Projects If You Feel Cooped Up in Quarantine
1. Junk drawer
The junk drawer is the ultimate form of procrastination. “Because I don’t want to take the time to find a place for this, I’ll just throw it in here…and never use it again.” For that very reason, the last place most people want to turn to when decluttering is their junk drawer.
For some, the drawer is an actual drawer (or 2) usually in the kitchen. For others, it might be a junk shelf, box or special area where all the junk winds up. You could spend time organizing your junk drawer, or just set it all aside for donating, but I recommend something in the middle. Dump the contents of your junk drawer into a bag or box. Label it and hide it for 30 days. If you don’t miss it, dump it. No peeking to try and remember what you might have forgotten.
2. Odds & Ends
You know what I’m taking about … odds & ends, knick knacks, tchotchkes (did not know how to spell that). Let them go. This video will help.
3. Underneath sinks.
I’m not sure how clutter builds up in this fun hiding place, but it does. Empty out one cabinet under the sink (kitchen or bathrooms). Wash out the space and only put the stuff back in that you actually use. Dispose of the rest responsibly.
4. Make-up drawer.
Get all of your make-up and skin care products in one place. Dump what’s expired (this chart will help). Put your favorite products (things you use at least weekly) away, and get the rest out of sight for a month. If you don’t miss it, bye bye bye.
5. Work space.
If you are working at home, create a space to work. If you have a desk, clear everything off that isn’t essential for what you have to do on a day-to-day basis. Consider a small box for the office supplies you need once in awhile that you can put in a closet until you need them.
6. Pantry
I suggest a shelf a day approach to the pantry, fridge and freezer. If you’ve been stocking up on items, chances are there are items you had before that got pushed to the back. You weren’t eating them before and you likely won’t eat them now. Remove all items from one shelf at a time. Toss expired items (you know they are in there). If there are unopened items you are aren’t using, see if your local food bank is offering curbside donations and drop them off. If you are hesitant to give food away right now, put it in a bag to be donated later if you don’t eat it and consider a donation to your local food bank.
7. Window Sills
You may have knocked this one out with #2, but do a sweep of the house, wiping down all window sills and random shelves where odds & ends might end up. The more you clear away from window sills, the more light you will let into your home.
8. Paper
Here’s another project to break into tiny chunks. That might mean one small pile, or 10 minutes a day. Here’s what I recommend.
9. Fancy clothes
The more time you spend in your leggings and loungewear, the more ridiculous it may seem that you have a few bridesmaids dresses or other things you promised to wear more than once and never did. Maybe it’s time to let go. This video will help.
10. Nightstands
Look at the tables and drawers in your sleeping area. If you cleared them off and decluttered, would you sleep better? Only keep the things you use on a regular basis and don’t leave anything that may distract you from sweet dreams.
If you want to have fun while decluttering, consider listening to The Soul & Wit Podcast (The podcast I record with my daughter, Bailey).Here are a few episodes I recommend while you tackle these decluttering projects …
- How to Simplify Your Life
- Less Stress
- Productivity Hacks
- On Being Overwhelmed
- Q & A with Courtney & Bailey (our most recent episode)
Enjoy not only the space you create, but the time you take to consider what you want to surround yourself with. The best way to enjoy your favorite things is to only own your favorite things.