#1. Don’t Use
If you don’t use something it should be a no-brainer.
When I say “use” I mean to enjoy it or use it because different things will be used in different ways. A tool will be physically used while a piece of art would be enjoyed rather than manually used.
This is a great starting place because the other D’s, you’ll notice, can be a little ambiguous. This one is simple. Are you getting any value/use out of this item? Yes or no? If your answer is no then that is clutter for you.
Remember it may not be clutter to someone else. For example, the person who handed it down to you or gave it to you might not see it as clutter but if YOU aren’t getting value from it, it’s excess.
I know there will be some things that hold more sentimental value. Not everything that we don’t use is random junk you grabbed at the store. Those items that are passed down to you or given to you might be harder to let go of. If that’s the situation you’re in I have another blog and video all about making letting go easier.
#2. Duplicate
Having duplicates of an item (or multiple versions of an item) is a great deciding factor of if something is clutter or not. Of course, there could always be exceptions to this rule.
Maybe you have 3 of the exact same white t-shirt because you wear them every week – if you use them and love them then great!
But this is a quick way to say yes or no to items when you’re going through your stuff and realize you have 5 nail clippers or 3 of the same spatulas. You can simply get rid of those duplicates because you already have 1 which is almost always enough!
With duplicates, you also don’t have to dive into the emotions or “what if I need it someday” thoughts because you already have another one.
You might notice as I am going through this decluttering strategy that they are in order of most straightforward to more ambiguous. If you’re on the fence about something when applying one of the D’s you can always pull in another ‘D’ rule to help you make a more definitive answer!
#3. Dislike
The 3rd D in this decluttering strategy – do you even like it?
Okay, I know you can’t go through your home and throw out every single thing you dislike. Some items maybe aren’t your favorite but are functional and you use them regularly. Instead, you might make a little mental note to replace it eventually.
In most cases, you tend not to use the stuff you don’t really like. I mean, just think about your closet… Not to mention cleaning supplies, face products, or toiletries. If you don’t like it then you’ll probably not reach for it and that ticks off 2 of the D’s right there!
It doesn’t matter if it’s in great shape or full of product. If you don’t like it and aren’t using it you’re not getting any value from it.
If you find yourself in a situation where you despise an item you have to use every day, consider replacing it if it’s in your budget. Those are what I like to call “energy blocks”. They can ruin a good day by adding unnecessary frustration!
Remember your space impacts your daily flow, functions, mood, and how you feel all-around. If something’s affecting and throwing off that many areas of your life, it’s worth replacing.
#4. Damaged
To me, “damaged” is the most ambiguous of the 4 D’s decluttering strategy because there are many things that can still serve their purpose with a few dings and cracks :). I have a few bowls and flower pots with chips and I happily enjoy them. Also, there’s value in repairing what can be repaired, for sure.
However, this can still be a red flag that something needs to go especially if it’s so damaged that you can’t use or enjoy it!
If you have to give warnings of what not to use when people come over then it’s time to get rid of some stuff. Plus, if we look back at the other D’s- if it’s damaged, there’s a good chance you don’t use or like it ;).
The Simpler, The Better
This decluttering strategy is simple and easy to remember which is why I like it so much! It’s likely you were already doing some of these but maybe leaving one out as you’re going through things. Or maybe you’re overthinking the items that fall into one or more categories and need that extra reminder that it’s okay to get rid of them.
That’s why is important to simplify your decluttering strategy and get down to the basics. It’s one of the ways that makes determining what belongs in your space and what doesn’t easier. If it falls into one or more of the 4 D’s, don’t use, duplicate, don’t like, or damaged, it’s probably clutter.
