Why People Fail at Decluttering & How You Can Succeed
Are you thinking of downsizing? Relocating? You may be looking around your home and wondering where to begin, and what to tackle first. There may be some minor repairs, upgrades or painting that needs done in your home so that you are ready to list. These are all very important pieces of the moving "pie" but make it easier to complete these tasks by decluttering first. Decluttering is such an important first step not to be missed. Wouldn't it be easier to repair the deck if you just had 2 chairs on it? Or paint the bedroom without piles of clothes everywhere?
The Most Common Reasons People Fail at Decluttering
No one ever said decluttering was easy and I'm here to tell you, its more like a muscle that needs to be worked. Just like starting with lifting 2 pound weights working up to 20 pound weights, decluttering with something easier then gradually moving up to more difficult items is how it’s best accomplished. Some people who love to shop try and start with clothes and fail trying because they are so attached to these textiles that the second they touch the piece it is moved into the keep pile, making no headway. Another common decluttering hold up is guilt, the feeling is strong and can get a tight grip on you. Always good remember that the gift was just that a gift for you to do what you wished with it. We have many more examples but more importantly we have the solution and the one big tip that will help you look at decluttering in a new light.
The Top Consideration for Decluttering that Lasts
Ready for it? Here is the best way to not get held up and to be successful in your decluttering journey, remember your "why". Visualize the way you want to spend your time, in what kind of a space? With who? And just how do you want to live in that space? Decluttering must start from within! Taking away all the clutter leaves the things most meaningful to your life. When we say yes to something, we say no to something else, say yes to your ideal life and no to clutter.
The Best Ways to Tackle Clutter Once and For All
Implementing decluttering in your space can be made simple with the right tools. Start with items you already know are just clutter, hold no meaning, don't fit, aren’t used, are broken or are just simply trash. Let's next move up to items that have a purpose (think kitchen items) but maybe you just own too many. If you assess the use of an item and determine it i used once a year maybe it’s location is not ideal in a small kitchen cupboard that you go into daily. Did you once hold large gatherings and now someone else does? Maybe you don’t need that large platter that fits nowhere. Or maybe you have a food processor, blender and smoothie maker, think can 1 of these do all the jobs? Finally lets move to items that once held sentimental value, (maybe still do slightly) do they fit into that picture of your new life and space? Feeling stuck with guilt? Be honest with yourself if you asked the questions: Would said person be upset if I got rid of this? Can I pass it on to another family member/friend? Could someone use it if I donated it? Am I going to ever use/wear it? Why am I keeping it? That last question I know it hits all the feels, but in reality if an item is just collecting dust and you are keeping it out of guilt is the item really having its best life or is it being wasted?
I know decluttering can be hard, so many questions and the feeling of being stuck with your stuff. Just like exercising, sometimes we need a coach to help us start with those 2 pound weights and move up gradually hitting 5, 10 and then hitting our goal. I know it can be done and I know you can do it but if you do need a little encouragement or steady coach I am here to help you reach your goal, to create the life you want to live.
If you are ready to declutter and want some help getting started give us a call, we love helping others declutter their space to love their life.
Chat soon,
Kim