Better's Blinkist

Stop making excuses and take logical, informed decisions about what to keep and what to chuck.

Is this something I need; is this something I love; and is this something I use? If the answer to all three is no, then the solution is clear – throw it away

26 July, 2019 11:08 Share

Don’t delay in bringing order to your home because decluttering gets harder as you get older.

When you’re considering where something should live, bear in mind this simple piece of wisdom: Something you can’t get to is something you won’t use. Therefore, it’s more important to consider how accessible an item will be in a particular place as well as whether it can be stored there. And if you find yourself thinking that storage is more important than accessibility? Well, chances are that you should throw that thing out now because it doesn’t sound like you’re planning on using it.

26 July, 2019 11:12 Share

These troublesome items often include keys, chargers for your mobile phone, the book you’re currently reading and sunglasses. Pinpoint your elusive possessions and then find a way to solve the issue. For instance, if you can never locate your car keys, install a hook on the wall in your hallway. Or if you struggle to find a phone charger when you need one, then purchase a few, plug them in at convenient points around your home and resolve never to remove them from the plugs again.

26 July, 2019 11:15 Share

A sense of urgency is important when it comes to decluttering because it’s often an emotionally, intellectually and physically taxing job. And unfortunately, demanding jobs don’t get easier with age. Indeed, this is probably why David Ekerdt, a professor of gerontology, reports that, once we pass the age of 50, the likelihood that we will discard any of our possessions decreases with each decade.

26 July, 2019 11:15 Share

Self-knowledge is a valuable weapon in the fight against mess.

When it comes to self-knowledge and decluttering, another valuable question to ask yourself is: am I trying to make myself feel better by letting things get messy?

26 July, 2019 11:16 Share

But in the same way that consuming a tub of ice cream or a big glass of wine can harm our wellbeing in the long-run, treating ourselves by avoiding clearing up can make us feel even more anxious, out of control and overwhelmed. So if you really want to do yourself a favor, don’t skip your weekly clean-up. Remember, an orderly home is much more of a privilege than a chaotic one.

26 July, 2019 11:17 Share

Adopt simple, effective habits to maintain an orderly and clutter-free home.

Pay attention to any wardrobe door you now have to fight to close, books you’ve started to store one in front of the other, in multiple rows, and piles of things that are still there after several days, either on kitchen surfaces or the floor. Remember, clutter is not something that happens overnight. Instead, mess creeps up on us. Watch out for the telltale signs and nip it in the bud.

26 July, 2019 11:20 Share

Don’t enter a shop unless you already know you want a particular item. If you must enter a store, be as quick as you can, because the longer you’re in there, the more clutter you’ll buy. And try to say no to free samples in stores; the sensation of tasting or touching something sets off our impulse to purchase it.

26 July, 2019 11:21 Share

you can stop clutter from even entering your home by adopting good habits when you go out shopping. Don’t enter a shop unless you already know you want a particular item. If you must enter a store, be as quick as you can, because the longer you’re in there, the more clutter you’ll buy. And try to say no to free samples in stores; the sensation of tasting or touching something sets off our impulse to purchase it.

26 July, 2019 11:21 Share

We are often conflicted about what we want from our homes, but they can still be beautiful.

Although there’s often nothing better than the sights and sounds of your children running around and enjoying themselves, it can be challenging to feel that all-important inner peace when you’re watching them do it 24/7. Try to make one area, your bedroom, for example, a place where kids must gain permission before entering. This way, your children can still carry on with their noisy activities, but you’ll have carved out a little oasis of calm for yourself.

26 July, 2019 11:23 Share

Final summary

To keep a tidy home, follow this one simple rule: if you come across any task that can be completed in less than a minute, do it immediately. For instance, if you come across a toothpaste tube that needs the lid putting back on or you find your coat lying on the floor next to its hanger, then put the situation right straight away. The beauty of this habit is that, because these things can be done so quickly, you won’t resent sticking to it. After a month or so, you’ll be amazed at how tidy your home is.

26 July, 2019 11:24 Share

Adopt the one-minute habit. To keep a tidy home, follow this one simple rule: if you come across any task that can be completed in less than a minute, do it immediately. For instance, if you come across a toothpaste tube that needs the lid putting back on or you find your coat lying on the floor next to its hanger, then put the situation right straight away. The beauty of this habit is that, because these things can be done so quickly, you won’t resent sticking to it. After a month or so, you’ll be amazed at how tidy your home is.

26 July, 2019 11:24 Share