Where To Start When Decluttering
Overwhelmed and Not Sure Where and How to Start Decluttering?
If you are tired of starting a decluttering project only to stop midstream, keep reading because I have an easy fix to keep the momentum going.
Your project could be as minor as a drawer or closet. It might be major such as a room, the garage, or the entire home. Why do we get stuck and give up? We want the end result, but sometimes it can be challenging to get there.
Most experts start in the middle of the process. You can Google "how to start decluttering," and you will find all the methods and step by steps on how to declutter. You know, get a trash bag for trash and sort the remaining into boxes labeled "keep, donate, sell." Now put back what you are keeping, and it is all perfect.
That is all good, but it is easy to lose steam if you don't understand why you are truly doing it. You could be paralyzed by the overwhelming number of items and decisions you must make.
Where do you start? Hundreds of stories are attached to all those items, justifying why you want to keep them, the monetary value you have connected to them, the guilt, the shame, or the obligation.
All those thoughts and emotions are wrapped up in a millisecond and energy draining which keeps you from even starting to sort and toss into boxes. Consequently, your brain keeps you safe, and you accept the defeat of your clutter.
Too much of any item can cause anxiety to overwhelm, guilt, shame, and financial stress, including shoes.
How do you push through all the overwhelming thoughts and feelings and all the decisions to start or keep going?
I recommend a solid foundational plan, just as you would when building a home or a 10-story building. A sturdy foundation will hold up the building and not waver.
The same is with decluttering. Knowing why you are decluttering and what you want with the end result will ensure greater success in following through and being less overwhelmed while creating a solid foundational plan.
Answering these five foundational plan questions before you start the decluttering process will set you up for less overwhelm and frustration.
Doing this will also encourage you not to stop midstream because you can keep the answers top of your mind.
Find a quiet place, and turn off distractions to allow yourself to think about the answers you give yourself. Your replies to the questions will allow you greater clarity of why you are clearing the clutter.
Five Questions To Ask Yourself Before You Start Decluttering
So you don’t stop midstream with the process.
1. What is the end in mind for this space?
What is your vision for this space to be when you are finished? It is easy to get caught up on all the perfect images we see on Pinterest, Instagram, or maybe a friend or a neighbor's space, and then we want it for ourselves.
Go ahead and dream, but remember that your result may need to be tweaked as you go through the process. You may realize that what you once thought it should be may not be realistic, and that's okay.
2. Is my end in mind realistic?
Refrain from letting others set the bar for you. Often we allow experts, influencers, or maybe family to tell us how our space needs to be.
Next, you add your ideas of what you feel it should be. It might feel wonderful and exciting, yet it may be unrealistic for your home and lifestyle. Will you be able to maintain it?
Your family dynamics are as individual as you are, so don't put expectations on your space and yourself that may not work for you. If you have a pantry with all the canisters, baskets, and labels, yet you are not willing to empty all the boxes and refill them every time it needs them, this may not be realistic for you.
Reevaluate the end in mind and figure out what you could do that would be maintainable for you.
3. How do I want this space to serve me?
Our spaces and things should serve us; we should not serve our things. When clutter has been present for a long time, we are often unaware of the bondage it creates.
Moving items from place to place, creating piles and chaos, steals our energy while draining our finances, time, and peace.
What do you demand of this room? Is it efficiency, order, entertainment, nourishment, or education? You get to decide.
4. What is the purpose or intent of this space?
What, who, and how will it be used? If it's the kitchen, will it also be used for children's homework, an office, or family gatherings?
If it is a laundry room, will it also be used for pets? Having a clear purpose for each room allows you to know what belongs in that room and what will not.
Again you set the guidelines for what you allow in that space and what is non-negotiable. Doing this it will allow for clutter to not creep back in.
5. What do you want to feel when you are in this space, and why?
Do you want to feel calm or in control so you don't have so much anxiety?
You may wish for it to be inviting for friends and family to gather and establish deeper relationships.
How about a cozy and relaxing corner, a quiet little place to sip hot tea and read a book?
Do you want a place to play games with the grandchildren creating lifelong memories? You are in control and get to build the space and atmosphere you want.
After taking some time and answering these five questions, you now have an excellent foundation to start the decluttering process.
When you start becoming frustrated or overwhelmed, you can reflect on your why and the actual reasons for doing this.
Your why will carry you through and keep your momentum from throwing in the towel.
I am here cheering you on, my friend. If you want more ideas and tips or need encouragement, you can join the community Facebook group and let us know how we can support you.
