Decluttering can feel very overwhelming. Knowing where to start and overcoming the biggest challenge, which is taking that first step, can seem impossible. The decluttering process is just that…a process. If you will start today taking steps toward your goal, you will get there. And when you do, it will be more than worth it to feel peaceful in your space instead of stressed and overwhelmed. How we feel in our homes sets the tone for our day. If we are starting our day with stress over the mess, we are not starting out at the top of our game. Tackling this project now, regardless of time and difficulty, will be a great investment in stress-free and joyful days in your home. Start with the first step today and then keeping moving forward, one step at a time.
1. Set A Goal
The first step is to set a goal. What is the most important part of you getting your space decluttered and organized? Why do you need this? What space is the most important to you to get decluttered? Your goal should reflect the answers to these questions and when you think about your goal, you should feel excited! Make sure you know exactly what you are working toward and think about and really feel the results of accomplishing your goal.
2. Make A Plan
The second step is to make a plan to meet your goal. Your plan should push you a little out of your comfort zone, but not so much that it seems unrealistic. Think about the amount of time you can allocate to this project based on your schedule. Think about who in your home might be able to help you complete this project. Also, sometimes writing down your plan of action helps. It can help you remember what you are committing to and also laying out exactly what you are supposed to be doing and when. This is your roadmap to completion so be specific and make sure you follow it.
While making your plan, remember that you want to push yourself, but not to the point of defeat. It’s not reasonable to declutter everything in your home in one day. If you are trying to declutter your whole house and not just one or two spaces, pick one room to focus on at a time, and make sure you do the most important space first. This helps eliminate the most stressful areas quicker and will give you momentum and motivation to keep going until you finish it all.
3. Focus on Progress Not Perfection
The third step for decluttering is to make sure you are not focusing on perfection. You are making progress, and progress only. If you focus on being perfect, you will end up feeling defeated and may not finish your project. There is no “right” way to declutter, and your goals are yours alone. Progress, not perfection! Focus on your plan of action and you will continue making progress. You can always go back and declutter more later if you decide to.
4. Recruit A Cheerleader
The fourth step to a decluttered space is to make sure you have a cheerleader in your corner. Maybe you have a friend that would also like to declutter. Like working out or trying a new diet, it is always easier to achieve a goal when you have someone cheering you on, holding you accountable, and maybe even doing it with you. Try to find someone who can be honest with you while you work on an area that might be difficult for you, but will also be kind. Sometimes we need a second opinion when we are making a difficult decision. If you know purging clothes, shoes or purses is hard for you, be proactive and have backup for that stage of the process.
And try to make it fun! Turn up the music and dance as you work. Play your favorite audiobook while you sort so there’s not so much focus on purging items you may be somewhat attached to but no longer need. If you can occupy your mind a little and have some fun while doing it, it won’t seem like so much work for you.
5. Complete The Project
Finally, the last step is to make sure you complete your project. Sometimes, it’s easy to get through the sorting and separating what you are keeping, selling, donating, and trashing, but then the follow-through to finish doesn’t happen. You get tired and plan to finish the project later or on another day and then don’t get around do it. When you leave things laying around instead of re-hanging, filling your car with the donate items to haul off, etc., you haven’t really de-stressed because you’re still seeing all that you have left to do. Before you know it, your space is no longer a work in progress and is back to being a stressful, cluttered space.
If you aren’t finishing a space in a day, carve it into sections that can be completed in the first declutter session. Then schedule the next day that you are going to work on the next section of that space to finish. This goes back to your plan of action. Keep in mind the amount of time you have and be realistic with how much you can get done in that amount of time. Make sure your plan of action is a true plan to completion. Your goal is not accomplished until everything you are keeping is put away, everything you are donating is hauled off, trash is trashed and items that you are selling are at least posted and waiting to sell, while being stored separately in a closet that is out of the way, or maybe in your garage in a “sell” bin.
And now it’s time to celebrate! Do this every step of the way. Did you complete a section of your space? Great! CELEBRATE! Did you go back to complete the second or third section today? Awesome! CELEBRATE! Are you now done and feel like a weight has been lifted? YAY! CELEBRATE! As you celebrate your wins, you build motivation for yourself. You will work harder if you are proud of what you’ve done and feel motivated to get where you are going.
Connect with Joyful Dwelling
If you feel paralyzed by the chaos surrounding you and you need some help to get started or need someone guiding you step-by-step, complete our online form to schedule your free consultation. We offer both in-home and virtual services to help you get decluttered and organized. No matter what project you are tackling, no matter how big or small the space may be, we would love to help you find the peace and joy you are seeking in your home! Contact us today!
