Sometimes clutter isn’t about having too much…it’s about having things you don’t even like.
Not hate, not “this is broken,” not “I should donate everything I own.” Just that low-level meh feeling every time you reach for something you’d never buy again.
That’s why I love this mini sweep. It’s quick, it’s not dramatic, and it upgrades your everyday life fast, because you’re keeping what you actually enjoy using. The simple
idea...
Pick one category and pull exactly 10 items. Then ask one question:
“Do I even like this?”
If the answer is no (or “I guess it’s fine…”), it doesn’t get to take up prime space in your home.
How to do the 10-item sweep
1) Pick one category (keep it small)
Choose something you use often so the “taste upgrade” is immediate. A few easy picks:
Mugs or glasses
Hangers
Hair products (or makeup)
Spatulas/wooden spoons
Throw pillows
Scarves or hats
Reusable water bottles
Candles (yes, candles multiply)
Pens/highlighters
Phone
chargers/cables
2) Pull 10
This is the magic. Ten keeps it light and prevents you from spiraling into a full-blown project.
3) Ask three quick questions
You’re not looking for perfection; just honest answers.
Do I like using this?
Would I buy it again today?
Does it work the way I want it to? (comfortable, cute, the right size, not annoying)
If you hesitate, that’s information.
4) Sort into three simple piles
LOVE – feels good, works well, you reach for it
MEH – it’s fine, but you don’t choose it first
NOPE – you avoid it, it bugs you, you’d replace it if you could
5) Keep the “Love” front and center
Put the LOVE items where your hand naturally goes first. That’s the whole point: your everyday
options get better.
6) Decide what happens to “Meh” and “Nope”
You have options. Choose the least stressful one:
Donate (if it’s still useful)
Toss/recycle (if it’s worn out or gross)
Relocate to a “backup” spot (if you truly need extras, like
travel mugs)
One-week test: put the “Meh” items in a bag/box. If you don’t miss them, out they go.
Why this works (and why it doesn’t feel like
“decluttering”)
Because it’s not about reducing your stuff to a number. It’s about raising the quality of what you live with.
On another note...
High-end beauty can be expensive, so I created this list of affordable beauty products that give you the same
luxurious results for a lot less!
