Utilizing the "Discernment Technique" for Simplifying Your Space
Stores are filling up their shelves with gifts, holiday tunes are playing on the radio, and planning for get-togethers with friends and family is underway. As the holiday season approaches but preparations are still ongoing, this is the perfect opportunity to examine areas in our homes that require a refresh before the festivities kick into high gear. With this period of quiet before the storm, consider getting rid of items in common areas that don't belong, embarking on a quick decluttering spree, and tackling that unsightly shelf that's become an eyesore.
According to Tara Bremer, the CEO and Founder of Home Harmony, a home organization service, this is the best time to implement her 'Discrimination Method.' This method involves taking a good, hard look at an item or area and deciding whether to keep it or discard it. By doing so, you're able to differentiate between what's valuable and what's not. This process, which Tara uses in her own home and with clients, can greatly benefit your living space during the holidays, when you're entertaining guests and bringing in additional items.
What Is The 'Discrimination Method'?
In simple terms, the discrimination method is recognizing the distinction between trash and treasure. To apply this method, you need to put thought into determining whether an item should be given away, thrown away, or kept. By doing so, you're able to differentiate between what truly matters in your life and what should leave your home. While it might take some time and effort initially, especially in specific areas, the payoff is worth it, especially during the holidays when you're hosting guests and bringing in more items.
Where Should You Start?
Think about the living spaces you spend the most time in or entertain guests during the holiday season. For instance, if you love baking during the holiday season, take stock of the items you'll need and ensure they're easily accessible. If you're planning to host a dinner in your dining room, clear any clutter to make space for entertaining. Prioritize the spaces that need the most work or where you'll spend the most time. Once those areas are in order, you can move on to lesser-trafficked areas.
How To Apply The 'Discrimination Method'
Applying this method might be challenging, especially in neglected or cluttered areas. Tara provides a framework for applying her method. She recommends asking yourself the following questions:
- Is this item something I use or love, or do I feel obligated to keep it?
- Do I truly have enough space for it?
- Do I regret purchasing it?
- Is there still life left in it?
- Could someone else benefit from this item, which was once valuable to me but no longer needed?
- If I want to keep this item as a treasure, how can I display it, use it, or store it appropriately?
Why Is It Important To Declutter Before The Holidays?
During the busy holiday season, decluttering beforehand can help prevent clutter from growing excessively. According to Tara, our homes and minds have limited capacity, so it's advisable to make a sweep through clothing and toys, especially if you have young children. Many of these items will be replaced during the holidays, so it's beneficial to make room or clean out items that are no longer needed or outgrown.
How Do You Maintain The Process?
During the holidays, regular schedules and home maintenance might take a back seat. However, it's crucial to be able to differentiate between treasure and junk to declutter effectively. If you're part of a gift-giving family, the holidays can feel overwhelming with gifts before, during, and after. Although there are no set rules for decluttering, Tara recommends setting a timer, enlisting the help of a friend, or focusing on a small area at a time to make the process easier. Remember, it's a method, not a quick fix. Just apply the discrimination method consistently, examining items and areas to determine what should stay or go.
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After a thorough decluttering, you can enhance your home further by organizing it using techniques from SouthernLiving magazines or home organization experts. Moreover, implementing the 'Discrimination Method' for cleaning and housekeeping in your Southern home before the holidays can make entertaining guests more enjoyable and less stressful.
