Decluttering your home can seem like an overwhelming task, and often the hardest part is getting started. Procrastination is a common obstacle that prevents us from taking action, but it’s essential to overcome this habit to live a clutter-free life.
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Put the task into perspective
When you look at decluttering as one giant task, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and discouraged before even starting. Instead of seeing it as one enormous project, try breaking it down into smaller, more manageable tasks. Make a list of what needs to be done in each room or area and tackle them one by one. You can also set achievable goals for each day or week, such as decluttering one drawer or closet per day.
Another helpful tip is to prioritise the areas that need decluttering the most. For example, if your kitchen counter is always cluttered with dishes, start by tackling the kitchen. This helps you to feel like you’re making progress and motivates you to keep going.
Set aside the time
It’s easy to say you’ll declutter when you have time, but if you don’t set aside dedicated time to do it, it may never happen. Instead of focusing on your induction cooker – schedule decluttering sessions into your calendar and treat them like any other important appointment or meeting. Be realistic about how long each task will take, and give yourself a bit of extra time in case you run into unexpected obstacles.
Another way to set aside time for decluttering is to use the Pomodoro technique. This technique involves setting a timer for 25 minutes and focusing on decluttering for that entire time. After the 25 minutes are up, take a 5-minute break and then start another 25-minute session. This helps to break up the task into manageable chunks and prevents burnout.
Tackle the hard job first
Procrastination often happens when we feel overwhelmed by a task, especially a difficult one. That’s why it’s essential to tackle the most challenging job first. Once you’ve completed the most daunting task, everything else will seem more manageable. Starting with a hard job also helps build momentum and encourages you to keep going.
If you’re having trouble identifying the most challenging task, try asking yourself which area or task is causing you the most stress. For example, if you’re always tripping over shoes in the entryway, start by organising that area. Once you’ve tackled that task, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment, which will motivate you to keep going.
Take things one step at a time
When you look at an entire room full of clutter, it’s easy to feel like you’ll never finish. However, breaking it down into smaller sections can make it more manageable. Try starting with one corner of the room and working your way around in a circle. Or, pick one type of item, such as clothes or books, and declutter that category throughout the entire house. This approach helps you to focus on one area or item and prevents you from feeling overwhelmed.
A good and helpful tip is using the “one in, one out” rule. This means that for every new item you bring into your home, you should get rid of one old item. This helps to prevent clutter from building up in the first place and keeps you motivated to continue decluttering. Like a lemon tree growing – the process flows smoothly and step by step.
Face your fear
Many people procrastinate because they’re afraid of not doing a task correctly or completing it perfectly. However, decluttering isn’t about perfection. It’s about creating a functional and comfortable living space. Create a plan for what needs to be done, and then take the first step. Having a plan helps to break down the task into smaller, more manageable steps, which can make it less intimidating.
Another way to face your fear is to enlist the help of a professional cleaner. They can also provide an objective perspective and help you make decisions about what to keep and what to let go of while taking a few chores off your shoulders.
Get started
Getting started is sometimes the toughest challenge when attempting any sort of home improvement. It’s easy to make excuses or find other things to do instead of decluttering. However, the longer you put it off, the more daunting the task becomes.
To get started, pick a small area or task and commit to spending just 10 or 15 minutes on it. Set a timer and work on that task until the timer goes off. Once you’ve completed that task, you’ll likely feel a sense of accomplishment, which can motivate you to keep going.
Another helpful tip is to create a decluttering routine. For example, you could commit to spending 15 minutes decluttering every morning before work or every evening before bed. Having a routine can help you to stay on track and make decluttering a regular part of your life.
Follow through
Once you’ve started decluttering, it’s essential to follow through and finish the job. Don’t leave tasks unfinished or open-ended. Make sure you have a plan for what to do with the items you’re getting rid of, such as donating them to a charity or selling them online.
If you’re struggling to follow through, try setting deadlines for yourself. For example, commit to completing all of the decluttering by the month’s end. Setting a deadline might serve as a source of inspiration and drive.
Final words
Decluttering your house is a necessary endeavour, but it’s not always easy to begin. The tendency to put off work until later is a typical problem, but there are ways to work around it. You may fight procrastination and create a clutter-free environment in your home by putting the work into perspective, allocating time, starting with the most challenging part, taking baby steps, eating the elephant one bite at a time, etc. Keep in mind that the goal of decluttering is not perfection but rather the creation of a space where you can relax and feel at home.