Decluttering 101 - How To Start
Simple, quick tips to start the decluttering process.
Do you want some simple quick tips to begin the decluttering process? Often, we are scared to even think about decluttering as we don’t know where to start! This is a completely normal response to being overwhelmed with a task we think will be difficult. But I’ve broken the process down into three, easy-to-follow steps, so get comfortable and get ready to tackle this project with me!
Prioritize where to start and make a plan
Start with an area that is causing you the most stress or is the most inefficient, then map out all other areas, in order of importance, after this. As with anything in life, having a plan will go a long way! Choose the most unpleasant area to tackle first. This may sound counterintuitive, but studies have shown that “Doing the hardest task first means you are more likely to complete it because willpower has a ceiling and doesn’t last,” according to an article published by The Productive Engineer. The article goes on to say, “Getting the hardest task out of the way allows you to coast and creates a positive mood, which increases productivity.”
Organize your Items Into Categories
Create piles, or put into bins, the following categories of items:
Emotional
Practical
Trash
Donate
Repurpose
Determine what is emotional, practical, trash, or fit for a donation or repurposing. It will be tough, but once you get started it gets easier. I can’t give you the secret formula to what should go in each pile but trust your intuition, make some hard judgment calls and maybe even use a time cube to help you do it quickly vs. agonizing over it.
One question you can ask yourself if you’re having trouble choosing what category to place an item in is, “Does this item serve a purpose in the future life I want to have?” Asking yourself honest questions about the transformation you want to go through by becoming more organized will help you make those hard decisions more quickly.
Be consistent with staying organized
Now make permanent boxes with the labels discussed above. Make them pretty if you think it will help to keep them front and center, and ensure they’re in sight all the time. This will help keep decluttering top of mind because if you don’t want to have to look at it, maybe you should get rid of it or organize it better!
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Still have items to store? Learn about my 19 tips for storage in your home.
Watch my video below for more tips! And happy decluttering.
