5 decluttering and organizing mistakes and how to avoid them
Have you tried to declutter your home before but became overwhelmed and frustrated and ended up with a bigger mess then when you started? If so, you’re probably making some common decluttering mistakes.
That’s why today I’m discussing 5 decluttering mistakes and how you can avoid making them.
1. Starting too BIG.
I see this quite often when clients decide they’re going to organize their entire house in one weekend. The reality is if you tackle too much at once you can quickly get burnt out, feel overwhelmed, and defeated.
Instead start small. Try decluttering your nightstand or junk drawer. The results will be instant and it’ll provide momentum needed for future, larger projects.
2. Not setting an INTENTION for the space.
When decluttering ANY area of your home you want to set an intention for each space. By doing so, you are able to make better decisions about what should stay and what can go. If an item doesn’t align with your intention, it can be release.
For example, prior to decluttering and organizing your office space, focused your intention on “Attracting wealth and maximizing productivity.” All things and thoughts that don’t serve this purpose can be released.
3. Creating a Miscellaneous/I Don’t Know pile.
Avoid the trap of creating piles of “I’m not sure, I don’t know or miscellaneous.” These are traps that have the appearance of “things getting done” but really nothing is happening.
Every item in your home needs to have a final decision and home attached. Either it stays or goes. If an item stays, create a designated location for it. If it goes (trash, donation, sale), take immediate action on that item.
If you’re planning on donating items, place the items in the back of your car so when the time comes you’ll be ready to drop them off. If you’re selling, immediately take pictures of the items and place them on various selling apps. Don’t wait! Do this now. The goal is always to have the items we have decided to let go of out of the house and to it’s final destination.
4. Trying to be PERFECT.
Decluttering is not an act of perfectionism. We’re aiming for better, not perfect. So many people are frustrated because they feel like their home has to look like a Pinterest board. Let’s stay away from these expectations and just start by getting our homes to a place where we feel like we can breathe, move, and utilize our spaces optimally.
As I stated earlier, start small, set your intentions clear and take action.
5. Not Starting.
You open your linen closet and see the shelves stuffed with comforters, sheets, and towels and think, “One day I’ll organize this.” Only one day never comes.
The biggest mistake you can make is not starting.
Putting decluttering and organizing your home on the back burner will only amplify the problem and reiterate the constant to-do-list in your head.
If you dread the start process like many of us do, turn on some music, light some candles, set up a timer, open the blinds and windows and get in the zone!
If you need additional support and help decluttering—even just one space in your home, shoot me an email. Sometimes having outside help is the first step in this journey. I’m here to help and serve you during this process.
