The New Year means resolutions so in my December 31st post I wrote about six 2010 Decocrating Resolutions you could use. Then yesterday we took a close look at the first resolution and today we’ll dig into the second.

Decorating Resolution #2

I will get rid of clutter and make repairs to my selected space by <insert date>

In resolution #1 you selected a decorating target and outlined specific goals.  Before you begin tackling your goals you need to make certain the space you selected is prepped and ready.  If you don’t clear clutter and make needed repairs your new decorating efforts will be sorely diminished.

Get Rid of Clutter

To make room for your new decor you need to get rid of the old that won’t work in your new room.  You’ve heard it before: if you don’t use it or don’t love it then get it out of the room – find a new place in your home for it, recycle or donate it, give it to a friend, sell it or if it’s broken or worn out, throw it away.  

Your tools for clutter clearing are simple: a objective eye and five large containers (cardboard boxes, large garbage bags, plastic crates).  Designate one container for each of the following:

• Items you will use in another room (don’t just move stuff from one room to another, keep an item only if you use it or love it!)
• Garbage
• Recycling
• Donations or give-aways for friends
• Garage sale or consignment shop (be honest – if you won’t get around to selling things then use just 4 containers) 

Start at the door of the room and move clockwise through the space, removing the clutter until you’ve covered the room.  Move  quickly, be objective about the item and then don’t second guess yourself.  If you have a hard time deciding what to get rid of answer the following questions honestly: 

• Do I really like this?
• How long has it been since I last used this?
• Does it work correctly or is it broken or damaged (if fixable will you actually repair it and is it worth the time and money?)?
• Is this a duplicate – do I have others (if so you probably don’t need the all)?
• If I keep this, where will I put it and what will I get rid of to make room for it?

After you’ve circled through the space stand back and take a look.  Is it clutter free – did you accomplish your goal?  Do all of your containers have something in them?  Take another pass through the room now that you’re warmed up and be more ruthless.

After your second pass around the room if the container with items to move to another room is over flowing then it’s likely you weren’t objective and instead are just moving this room’s clutter to the rest of your house.  If you really can’t bear to get rid of these items today move this container to the garage or basement or a closet.  Come back to the container in a week or two and resort these items again – chances are you’ll be over the ’shock” of getting rid of stuff and the free and fresh feeling of less clutter you’ve been enjoying will allow you to sort through this container more objectively now.  Use the same system you used on the room to whittle this pile down.

Last fall Terrie wrote a post about clutter defining your style - not what you want!  If you need further input about keeping clutter under control be sure to read that post also.

Repair Your Space

When your room is freshly cleared of clutter closely examine  the room and make a list of needed repairs.  Even beautiful new decor will look shabby with carpet stains, burned out light bulbs, loose handles on furniture or cabinets, dirty windows, an ash filled fireplace, damaged drywall, mildewed tile or fingerprinted switch plates. 

 

This space is the canvas on which you’ll create your new room.  Make sure it’s fresh and whole, not nicked, stained, ripped and rumpled.  If you ignore needed repairs your new room will be blemished before you even start it. 

If you don’t know how to make a repair there are plenty of resources to help you.  Ask your local hardware store what materials you’ll need and how to use them, check out national hardware chains for free do-it-yourself home project classes, and the Internet is chock full of home repair sites including:

• http://www.factsfacts.com/MyHomeRepair/
• http://www.naturalhandyman.com/qa/qa.html
• http://www.household-helper.com/
• http://www.easy2diy.com/

Next Resolution

After clearing the clutter and repairing your space  you’re ready for Resolution #3:  I will set a decorating budget by <insert date> and stick to it.   In next Thursday’s post I’ll delve into this resolution with you – so get ready by completing the first two resolutions.   

Remember, you can subscribe to Your Decorating Hotline.com by using the “Subscribe” menu box in the right hand margin and each day’s post will automatically arrive in your email inbox so you don’t miss a thing.