When decluttering, remember that it is a marathon, not a sprint. It takes time, effort, and emotion. But if you can give up the clutter that has accumulated in your home, you will be on your way to a more organised home. Fortunately, there are several top decluttering tips to help you get started.
Decluttering is a marathon, not a sprint
It is a good idea to realize that decluttering is a marathon, not merely a sprint. You may be tempted to tackle a whole room at one go, but the reality is that decluttering is a process that requires time and endurance. In fact, it can take a month or more to completely clear your home. Trying to tackle a huge project in a single sprint will only leave you frustrated and disappointed.
To make the process of decluttering more effective, try to find out the underlying causes of your clutter. Start by identifying the behaviours and beliefs that may be holding you back. For example, if you’re a compulsive shopper, you may have a hard time saying ‘no’ to new items. To find out the root cause of your clutter problems, try to write them down at the start of your decluttering journey.
It takes time
Decluttering is an ongoing process, and it will not be completed in a single weekend. You will need to plan your time wisely to make progress. Start by tackling a small area at a time. Set a timer and dedicate 15 to 30 minutes to cleaning that area. After cleaning this area, try to keep it clutter-free for several days. These small victories will keep you motivated to continue the process.
Start by decluttering the easiest things first. You may get distracted easily, but setting a timer for 15 minutes each day will ensure you complete the process. Breaking your decluttering task into smaller parts is best, since it will be difficult to complete everything in one sitting. To stay motivated, you may listen to music or an audiobook to make the task more bearable. During this time, you may want to keep in mind that you will have to throw away items that you find useless or do not want to keep.
Besides saving money, decluttering also helps you organize your life. You may also find that you are more organized and that your home is cleaner. This will help you develop habits that will help you keep your home clutter-free.
It’s emotional
It’s no secret that decluttering is an emotional process. It involves making difficult decisions, resulting in stress and anxiety. Cluttering, meanwhile, saps your energy and makes you feel depressed. Although the causes of depression are varied, it doesn’t help that clutter is an emotional trigger.
Decluttering items you’ve inherited can be difficult, and may trigger negative feelings. For example, the items might remind you of a deceased loved one. In addition, you may feel resentment for having to deal with the deceased’s belongings. This is why decluttering inherited items should be approached with care. It’s best to allow yourself time to grieve and offer the inherited items to other family members.
It’s cheap
If you are tired of clutter and want to make some room in your home, decluttering can be an excellent option. You can declutter the whole house or focus on a specific room first. Then, you can prioritize each room and tackle each part of the home in small steps. After all, decluttering isn’t a marathon, but a marathon of small steps!
You can also donate items that are in good condition to charity or sell them at a garage sale. You may even want to start a donation bin or garage sale collection bin for things you no longer want or need. You can also start separate bins for friends and family members. Then, when the time is right, you can donate the items.
It’s simple
There are a number of simple decluttering tips that can help you get started. The first tip is to approach decluttering your home from a fresh perspective. Try to think of yourself as a first time visitor, and enter your home as if you were entertaining a friend. Write down your first impression of your home, and then decide how you can make the space more welcoming. Another tip is to take before and after photos of a small area of your home. Start by clearing off any items that you no longer use, and then take after pictures of the area. This can help you understand which items you want to keep and which ones you should get rid of.
When you’re decluttering, you should make sure to have a plan for how to get rid of unwanted items. The goal is to make the decluttering process as effective as possible. Once you’ve thrown away or donated some of the items, the next step is to dispose of the rest of the clutter.
Next, use a timer to help you stay motivated while decluttering. By setting a timer, you can pledge to clean for five minutes. When the timer chimes, you’ll be able to focus your energy on other things. For example, if you have a desk full of papers and don’t know where to start, set a timer and make yourself clean it out in five minutes. This will allow you to get a lot done.
It’s fun
Decluttering is not only a good way to get rid of clutter, but it can be enjoyable too. In fact, you can make decluttering a game with your kids. This will not only make the whole process more fun but will also get them excited about getting rid of their possessions.
The first step to making decluttering fun is to choose an area that you want to work on most. This way, you will be more motivated to keep going. Another great tip to make the process more fun is to put on some music. A good piece of music can provide a pick-me-up when you are feeling down.
Another way to make decluttering fun is to set a goal for yourself. This goal can be something as simple as completing an entire room in a day. Or, you can set a specific space in your home to be decluttered by the end of the month. Whatever goal you choose, it should be achievable. Setting a goal can help you stay motivated, so make sure you have a reward in mind to reward yourself after completing each task.
You can also make decluttering fun by including friends and family members. A timed challenge is a great way to get everyone motivated to declutter. A competition between the family members will help you achieve the goal faster and make the process more fun. You can also reward them for their efforts by giving them a prize for decluttering the room.
