Step one – Prepare your sorting area

Choose a space, preferably indoors, where you can secure and sort through the possessions from the space you are preparing to declutter. You will need a generous amount of space, either on the floor or on shelves, to hold the items during the process.

Set up a sorting table and place a blank legal pad and pen on it. Collect any empty boxes or containers you have, packing tape, packing tissue, scissors, a utility knife, several "Sharpie" markers, some sticky notes, file folders, paper clips, a stapler with extra staples, and rubber bands, and place them in an organized way under the table. Going forward, you can use a radio in this area, but, preferably, leave your phones and televisions elsewhere.

Step two - Designate "letting-go" areas

Before clearing the space you are decluttering, designate areas to hold the items temporarily that you will decide to toss, sell, donate or give-to-friends-and-family. Your trash and donate areas, for example, will be convenient to the trash or donation collection process (i.e., near the regular trash, or in front of the building for pickup). Your sell pile may be in the basement if you hold an annual sale or in a vehicle for delivery to a consignment shop. Your give-to-friends-and-family pile may be either in your vehicle, so you can deliver items directly, or in a place you keep gifts until the appropriate occasion arises.

Step three - Pull out any "no-brainer" toss, sell and donate items

Go through the entire space three times with an eye for things that can be thrown out, sold or donated. Do not get tied up with things that may be thrown out, sold or donated. Just take out all of the "no-brainers," so to speak. 

Do not let these items stay around or in view. If there is enough trash or donations, coordinate a special pick up. If not, put the trash in bags or wrap it up in a tarp or sheet for the next trash day. Sell and donate items can be place in your vehicle for delivery to those locations. Resist the temptation to revisit your decisions.