Fresh Start: Declutter smart this new year

The new year is always a great time to start building new habits, let go of things that have stressed you out from the previous year, and basically start anew and be better.

- By ABBY REBONG

Along with a fresh mindset, a clean, organized space also contributes a lot to helping you achieve your new year goals. Decluttering your space will give you more room to breathe, think, and focus on your goals.However, some Filipinos tend to have a sentimental relationship with “stuff.” From cabinets full of “guest” plates that are never used, to the mountain of paperbags kept “just in case,” our tendency to say “sayang naman” (what a waste) often leads to homes that feel smaller than they actually are.

Whether you are living in a compact condo or a family home, here is your guide to decluttering for a happier, breathable, and more organized year ahead.

CONFRONTING THE "SAYANG" MINDSET

The biggest hurdle for any Filipino declutterer is the emotional attachment to items. We keep broken appliances thinking we'll have them fixed (we rarely do). We keep clothes that haven't fit in five years because you might lose weight.

The Mindset Shift: Instead of thinking about the value of the item you are throwing away, think about the value of the space you are reclaiming. Space is expensive—especially in Metro Manila. Don’t let a pile of old magazines, paperbags, and old clothes keep taking up precious space in your home.

STRATEGIES FOR EVERY LIFESTYLE AND SPACE

FOR THE CONDO DWELLERS (Limited Space):

The Horizontal Trap: In small units, we tend to pile things on tables and floors.

The Fix: Go vertical. If you can’t build out, build up. Use tall shelves. But before you buy organizers, purge first.