Decluttering your home is hard work. This post is for the days when purging feels challenging.
There are some areas or categories that come easy and there are others that take a little time.
Just know that you are not alone. Many people go through this at some point of their declutter journey. Especially those that are just learning how to purge.
Top reasons that decluttering gets hard or that you get stuck:
Emotionally attached
Don’t know where to start
Feels overwhelming or daunting
Just not motivated
Do any of these look familiar?
Today’s post is going to give you some tips and strategies that help you get over the hump. Keep in mind that each tip may not apply to every situation, but I want to provide a comprehensive list.
Focus on your “why”
There is always a bigger reason tied to decluttering. As a reminder, don’t get hung up on the details of decluttering and envision the end state. How much does that mean to you? Ask yourself, does this area promote the life I want or is it hindering me? You have to come back to your why. Clearing your home is freeing up capacity for you to do other things.
For me, I wanted to simplify my home in order to spend more time doing the things I really love (like writing this blog). I also wanted to change my feelings about running my home so that I could feel more present with my kids. I felt like I was always angry because I couldn't keep up with the chores, work, and frankly life. I have two beautiful children and I want to savor the moments when they’re young. After all, they won’t be this small forever.
Think about the vision of your home.
Honestly, it’s making room for the new or for more of what you love. There is a cost associated with each item of your home. The amount of time you spend managing the things you own is time you could spend doing something else.
And let’s not forget you’re going to be getting rid of a whole lot of STRESS! You can’t lose sight of the reason you started decluttering to begin with.
Think of This "Decluttering" As A One-Time Event
You are always going to have to remove things from you home, but this big declutter, where you are going room by room and doing this big cleanse, should be viewed as one time event.
Unpopular opinion, I know. But I said it and I'm sticking to it. Decluttering is something you do once. Tidying on the other hand is something that will get done on a regular basis and you can practice tools you picked up while decluttering to maintain your home.
Let's think about this for a sec. If you really thought you had to do another massive purge to get rid of items every so often, would you sign up for that?
It sounds like torture. How deflating! The amount of stuff that I plan to let go of IS a one time thing. The hope is that I have tools and habits that support a lifestyle that do NOT require a massive purge again. I should have the tools to be intentional and only bring the things into my home that I truly cherish. And if I bring those items in, then something has to go.
The only time I can see things piling up again is if a family member passed away. But even then. Stuff may find its way into your home, but it should never get to a point where you are going through mounds of clothes, books, and trinkets.
Decluttering Always Comes First. Then Organization
People always confuse the two, but they are NOT the same thing. Decluttering is all about purging. You're getting rid of the things you don't need or the things that are unnecessary. Organizing is the process of using a system to arrange or categorize items in your living space that promote efficiency.
Does that make sense? If you're getting stuck, think about what you're spending time on. Are you decluttering or are you trying to organize too? This always trips me up.
Create a checklist
Maybe you’re unmotivated because decluttering seems like it’s more than you can handle. If you make a checklist, it can help you visualize exactly what needs to get done in order to clear the mess. There is also a great deal of satisfaction that comes with checking off items on a list. You will feel a sense of accomplishment, which will help you feel a lot more focused to do more.
Phone a friend
This tip is a little controversial because some friends can enable us as we try to purge BUT, I think it’s worth a shot.
Push through the embarrassment and let someone in on your mess. Ask for help. It can make the time go by way faster and the task more enjoyable. Your friend will be there to laugh with, encourage, and cry with you clear the clutter. Some friends may also enable you so this i
Reward yourself
Quick story. I cleaned out my junk drawer and found two gifts cards, a $25 Starbucks and a $25 Target card. You might as well have told me that I won lottery. I was bragging so bad to my husband about how decluttering paid off. If only every decluttering project was this rewarding.
But I honestly believe that if you need that extra push, then just get a little treat at the end. Reward yourself for your hard work and for accomplishing your goal. Maybe it's a macchiato from Starbucks or an at home spa day. However, the reward should not be something that you would bring into your home like clothes or shoes. Remember, the goal is to purge.
Play some music
Marie Kondo definitely doesn't agree with this one, but music helps me get in a better mood. She argues that music takes away the ability to concentrate and be intentional while decluttering. I guess you could argue that you'd be a little distracted and may not get rid of as many items.
I actually rarely play music, but every now and then I need something to help me cross the the finish line. A good, upbeat playlist usually does the trick so I say go for it. Whatever is going to keep the decluttering train moving along.
I hope you found these tips helpful. Even for the most seasoned delutter-ers, it gets difficult. Don't be too hard on yourself and remember that some progress is better than none at all.