Do you struggle trying to decide what to declutter? Use my S.U.M. Method. The S.U.M. method is basically a list of criteria, and each item has to fit all three criteria to gain approval to stay in your home.  Let’s look at the criteria. I’ve also included a PDF at the end of this article for your reference. 

S is for space: Do I have space for it?  The item doesn’t just need to be able to fit inside your house, it needs to have a designated home.  If it’s sitting on the counter because you can’t fit it in the drawer, you don’t have space for it.  If you have to shove it into the cabinet and close the door quickly so it doesn’t fall out, you don’t have space for it. 

U for utilization:  Do I use it?  Be ruthless.  If the last time you used it was three years ago, then you aren’t using it.  Heck if you aren’t using it monthly or every few months, then you aren’t using it. 

M for maintenance:  Can I maintain it?  Do I have the capacity to clean it, repair it, store it, keep it organized?  If an item makes your maintenance mode (if you don’t know what that is, check out my video on the 4 stages of home: https://youtu.be/sC6VWf3bzj0?si=W4PPJEA5JDDUCx6p) harder, it fails the test. 

Run each item in your home through the criteria S.U.M., and if it doesn’t pass all three, you will get rid of it.  All three.  Even if it passes two of the three, you’re still getting rid of it.  So if you say, well I have space, I can keep it maintained, but I really only use it once a year then you need to part with it.

Using the S.U.M. method, you have a full arsenal to begin the actual work of decluttering. Good luck!