Decluttering Made Simple: How to Decide What to Keep, Toss, or Store

Published on 4/29/2025
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You know that feeling when you open a closet and something falls out… again? Or when your garage has officially become a graveyard for forgotten stuff? If that sounds familiar, it might be time for a good old-fashioned decluttering session.But where do you start? And how do you decide what’s worth keeping, what needs to go, and what might just need a new (temporary) home?

At Red and Blue Storage, we’re here to help you simplify your space and your decisions.

Why Decluttering Feels So Good

Let’s face it, clutter doesn’t just take up space in your home. It can take up space in your mind, too. Whether you’re preparing for a move, adjusting to a lifestyle change, or just tired of the chaos, decluttering can help you:

  • Make your home easier to clean and navigate

  • Feel more focused and less stressed

  • Find things when you actually need them

  • Create more room for the things (and people) that matter

The best part? You don’t have to throw everything away. You just need to sort it with purpose.

The 3-Pile Rule: Keep, Toss, or Store

Decluttering doesn’t have to be overwhelming. One of the easiest ways to tackle it is the “3-Pile Rule.” As you go through each room or storage area, ask yourself where each item belongs:

1.Toss It

Let go of anything that’s broken, expired, or no longer usable.

  • Clothes with holes or stains

  • Outdated electronics

  • Old paperwork you no longer need (shred first!)

  • Toys or items missing parts

If it’s collecting dust and doesn’t serve a purpose anymore, don’t let it take up valuable space.

2. Donate It

If it’s in good condition but doesn’t serve you anymore, give it a second life.

  • Clothes you haven’t worn in a year

  • Extra kitchenware or small appliances

  • Books you’ve already read (and probably won’t read again)

  • Furniture that doesn’t fit your current space

Many local charities and thrift stores in the area are happy to take gently used items.

3. Store It

There are plenty of things you may not need right now, but still want to keep:

  • Seasonal decorations and clothing

  • Sentimental keepsakes and photo albums

  • Baby items you might need again someday

  • Extra furniture for future use or family

That’s where self storage comes in. Instead of stuffing closets or sacrificing your garage, give those important (but not everyday) items a safe, secure place to live.

Create Space Without Saying Goodbye

At Red and Blue Storage, we make it easy to hang on to what matters without letting it clutter your home. Whether you’re storing just a few bins or several pieces of furniture, we offer unit sizes to fit your needs and your budget. Our facility is secure, clean, and conveniently located, so you can access your belongings when you need them and enjoy your space at home in the meantime.

To learn more and view our available units, visit our website or give us a call at (225) 577-5526. Decluttering doesn’t mean you have to part with everything. It just means making space for your life to be calmer, cleaner, and a whole lot more comfortable.