Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Your use of these links is greatly appreciated!
It’s really easy to overthink and overcomplicate things. There are things you can (& should) do to make life easier and straightforward. For example, I was trying to come up with a reminder system for making payments. I went through all types of different software in my brain when I realized a pen and paper calendar would do the trick.
This is always what I do. I come up with the most complicated thing possible. Then I come to my senses and realize there really isn’t any need for all that. Once I realize that I can actually get started and do the dang thing!
I see this happen a lot as people try to declutter. They overburden themselves by c0mplicating and overthinking decluttering.
This post aims to simplify the process so you can actually start decluttering!
There are 5 things you can (& should) do to make decluttering easier.
01 Create a calm atmosphere.
Stepping into a cluttered room is stressful. However, you can take steps toward making your decluttering session enjoyable despite that.
Before you begin decluttering, create a ritual that gets you in the mood to work. That could be setting up your staging area (there’s a list of actions inside the Where To Start Decluttering Guide), praying, meditating, or playing a theme song to get you going.
During the session, play music that helps you to relax or gets you pumped up and excited. Or if you don’t have to think too hard about what you’re decluttering, catch up on an audiobook or your favorite podcast.
If you have young children or pets that will often interrupt you, set up an hour or two of babysitting. Fewer interruptions will keep you in the flow of things. Plus, the peace and quiet of the house will calm you down.
02 Decide where you’ll take donations before you declutter.
Knowing exactly what you’ll do with your discards before you declutter is a good plan. Many times people keep discarded clutter in their homes for months. If that’s the case, what was the point of decluttering?
Do a quick Google search before you begin decluttering to find local donation centers. Some will conveniently pick up your donation from your house!
Once the clutter is removed and there’s extra space, you’ll feel a huge weight lifted and the desire to keep your home clutter-free.
03 Take a “before” picture.
Everyone loves a “before & after” —think of all those home makeover shows!
Having tangible evidence of the work you’ve done is exciting and motivating. You may find yourself showing the before & after photos to your guests, as some of my clients have done.
04 Have a positive attitude.
I ALWAYS recommend coming into a decluttering session thinking, “What should I keep?” Thinking “What can I get rid of?” makes the whole experience negative. The whole focus is on the bad clutter. I believe this is why so many people hate to declutter: they focus too much on the negative!
Instead, thinking of what to keep allows you to curate your possessions. You’re left with items you truly love and enjoy. Your home will only contain what allows you to pursue the values and lifestyle you really want.
05 Use straightforward decluttering guidelines.
There’s a certain genius to Marie Kondo’s famous question, “Does it spark joy?” Thinking too hard about whether you want to keep something or not causes undue anxiety. Making decisions about our possessions is hard— but by using one, simple yes or no question can eliminate a lot of stress.
If you don’t like “Does it spark joy?” use something like “Do I love it or need it?”
You can (& should) do these 5 things to make declutteirng easier:
- Create a calm atmosphere.
- Decide where you’ll take donations before you declutter.
- Take a “before” picture.
- Have a positive attitude.
- Use straightforward decluttering guidelines.
Need help decluttering? Download the free Where To Start Decluttering Guide.
Leave a Reply