What I Love To Do When I Have A Big Clear-Out

 

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There's nothing that quite transforms your home the same way as a big clear-out. Once you commit to one of these, it can be enormously therapeutic and help you manage the chaos in your immediate environment. A big purge is something that's incredibly satisfying for a lot of people. When you have a proper clear-out, it's not just about improving your physical space, but also transforming how you feel inside at the same time. 
Here is what I like to do when I have a big clear-out:

Put on some high-energy music

One of the best places to start when you're having a big clear out is to put on some high-energy music. The soundscape you choose can have a transformative effect on the experience as a whole and really help you immerse yourself in the process. When you have a high-tempo album playing in the background, you often feel more motivated to do all the things that you know you need to do.

If music isn't your thing, you can also listen to podcasts or even dramas. These are infinitely available on platforms like Spotify and YouTube, so putting them on in the background can help you pass the time and even encourage you to focus more on what you're doing. Obviously, having a big clear out in silence is an option, but it's not quite as fun.

Don't host a fashion show for your questionable clothes

Another thing you'll want to do when you have a big clear-out is avoid hosting a fashion show for every single clothing item you want to chuck or donate. If you haven't worn something since 2020, you're probably not going to wear it again before 2030, and it's likely just cluttering your closet and taking up space in your bedroom. Our advice is to get rid of it.

Also, look for specific clothing items that you bought for unique events. For example, if you went to a roller skating disco 15 years ago and still have the sparkly top that you bought for it but haven't worn it since then, that might also be something you want to get rid of. How many 90s roller skating discos are you going to go to in 2020? In the future, the answer is probably not many.

Check expiration dates aggressively

If you're in the kitchen, another thing you should do is check all of your expiration dates aggressively. You'll be amazed by how many items are lurking in your pantry months or years after their date. Be particularly ruthless with the dates on items in your medicine cabinets and makeup bags. Sometimes we can hold on to items for years, or even decades, without appreciating that they can go out of date.

For example, did you know that lipstick is something that can actually go off when you try to apply it to your lips? Once the product is spoiled, it can ruin your image and even harm you sometimes. Also, check your sunscreen if it expired two or three years ago. If it's expired that long, it won't be effective if you apply it today. There's no point holding on to it.

The same applies to that bottle of hot sauce at the back of your pantry. If it's completely turned to vinegar now, it will have lost all of its flavour and may even give you an upset tummy if you try to eat it.

Get rid of large furniture items

Another thing that's worth doing when you have a big clear-out is to get rid of some of your large furniture items. This is one of the best ways to clear up space in your rooms and reimagine how you live.

If you haven't used your ottoman or your sideboard in your hallway since buying it, then it may just be taking up space. Don't keep anything in your home that isn't aesthetic.

If you can, use a furniture removal service that comes into your home and collects items individually. Leaving stuff out on the street is not always the best option, and can even land you a hefty fine if you do it in the wrong area. These days, there are plenty of services for trained professionals who will come into your home, remove the items you no longer want, and dispose of them accordingly. You don't have to try to stop them in the back of your car and take them to the dump. 

Perform a deep clean

When I'm having a big clear-out, it's also a nice idea to do a deep clean. When you are removing objects from your home, you often reveal surfaces underneath that haven't seen the light of day for months or years. This is an opportunity for you to clean objects properly.

For example, let's say that you removed a sofa and revealed carpets underneath it for the first time in a long time. Giving it a proper wet back makeover can be a great way to transform how it smells and brighten and lift its appearance. The same goes for that bookcase that is now free of old books you no longer use or read. Give it a good wipe down and make it smell fresh and clean.

Drop off your donations

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, it's a good idea to drop off your donations immediately when you're having big clear-outs. Don't be one of those people who allows bags of stuff to sit in the trunk of your car or hallway for months on end. When you do this, items have a funny way of creeping back into your home and cluttering it up again. Commit to removing stuff you don’t want the moment that you decide you no longer want it.

So there you have it: some of the things that are great to do when you have a big clear-out. Don't hold back. Clearing out your home in a moving car is one of the best ways to transform your quality of life.

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