If you could really use some decluttering tips, welcome to the club.
Suddenly you might look around and wonder where it all came from.
We havent been buying that much, I thought.
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Then I looked around.
Understand that decluttering isnt just physicalits emotional too.
(Through souvenirs, for example.)
That is where we get clutter.
However, all hope is not lost.
Understanding that decluttering is probably going to be hard is the first step, so congratulations.
Youre already on your way.
Dont confuse decluttering with organizing.
Decluttering is one phase of theorganizingprocess, but they are actually two separate things.
Sullivan urges clients to avoid rushing out to the store to buy bins or other tools before decluttering.
Start small, and set realistic expectations for what youll accomplish.
Treating decluttering asmaking small changesis vital to the process.
You have to start small.
The other piece of the puzzle is realizing there is no one way to declutter.
Its about finding what works for you.
If that means you set a timer for 15 minutes once a week, great.
We all have different styles, Sullivan says.
Treat decluttering like an appointment.
Many of us hold off on decluttering because were crunched fortime.
Were all coping with the many ways this pandemic has upended our lives.
Its not as easy as just finding the time.
Delap actually thinks this is the biggest misconception about decluttering.
Then it has more impact and you are much more intentional about doing the work, she says.
Recruit a loved one to help you declutter, even virtually.
Having someone on hand to help helps you treat decluttering even more like an appointment.
I like to find out how I can turn this into a game, shares Sullivan.
If it were fun to do, it would have happened by nowunless there is a time crunch.
How can you get the kids involved?
Maybe let the kids set the timer and cheer you on.
What if we decided to make this something we laugh about at the end of the day?
Whether you have people close to you or not, you dont have to be alone in the process.
Accept that the decluttering process will be ongoingand thats okay.
The truth is this: Were never done decluttering.
Thinking that decluttering is a one-and-done scenario can lead to hopelessness in the process.
Even if you spend eight hours decluttering yourhome, that doesnt mean youll never have to do it again.
Like us, our spaces are always evolving, shares Graham.
It is always going to be a work in progress.
