Introduction: Finding Freedom in Decluttering
As I have decluttered my house, I have noticed that it has been easier to keep up with. I am a much less uptight mom, and I get overwhelmed by simple tasks a lot less. I am sharing all of my tips on how to start decluttering when overwhelmed today!
This post is all about how to start decluttering when overwhelmed.
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My Decluttering Experience
I used to get overwhelmed with the idea of cooking dinner because my kitchen was always a mess. It still kind of is a mess quite a bit, but I know now that it will take me less than 10 minutes to tidy it up and get the dishes sorted out. I cook a lot more than I used to, and I have actually found that I love to cook. Now that I only keep the things that I actually use in my kitchen, it is so much easier and more enjoyable to cook. I have found the same to be true in other areas of my home as well.
I used to spend all of my ‘cleaning’ time tidying up instead of actually cleaning. I had to tidy and put away things that were out and in the way of actually cleaning the surface I needed to clean. While I still have spaces to work on, my home as a whole is a lot less overwhelming.
My mental to-do list has greatly diminished because I have fewer things constantly demanding my attention. Did you know our stuff talks to us? It says, “Put me away,” or, “You were supposed to return me, remember?” Everything I wasn’t using made me feel guilty and added to my mental load. Getting that stuff out has made a huge difference in the way I talk to myself and the mental to-do list I carry.
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Getting Started: The 5-Minute Decluttering Method
To get started decluttering, I suggest picking one small spot: a drawer, a shelf, etc. Here’s how:
Step-by-Step Decluttering Process:
- Pick a small, manageable area (drawer, shelf, etc.).
- Gather tools: trash bag, donation box, and “I’m not sure” bin.
- Set a 5-minute timer. The timer isn’t meant to rush you but to help you get started.
- Sort and remove items:
- Start with trash—easy! Throw it away immediately.
- Identify items you obviously don’t use and place them in the donation box.
- For the remaining items, ask yourself: “Are these things helping me in this season of life? Am I really using them regularly?” If not, consider donating them.
- Time Will Tell Bin: Place uncertain items in a bin with a lid and mark it with a date 3 to 6 months out. If you haven’t needed the items by that date, you can safely donate them.
Evaluate Your Progress: Has your timer gone off? If you feel motivated, tackle another small area. If not, celebrate the 5 minutes of decluttering you accomplished. Small steps add up!
Overcoming Emotional Barriers
Decluttering can be emotionally challenging, especially when dealing with regretful purchases or sentimental items. Here’s how to navigate these challenges:
- Dealing with Sentimental Items: Ask yourself, “Does this item serve a purpose in my current life?” If not, consider letting it go while honoring the memory it represents.
- Letting Go of Regretful Purchases: Keeping an item you regret buying won’t make it more useful. Donate or sell it and allow yourself to move on. Make room for things that truly bring value and joy.
Maintaining a Clutter-Free Home
Decluttering your home is a major win, but maintaining it is an ongoing effort. With new items coming into your home daily, it’s important to stay mindful.
Tips for Maintaining a Clutter-Free Home:
- Regularly assess spaces that start feeling cluttered.
- Set aside time for periodic decluttering using the same simple steps.
- Be intentional about what you bring into your home, considering whether it adds value to your life.
Final Encouragement
Remember, progress is progress, no matter how small. One of my favorite thoughts is: “We greatly overestimate what we can get done in one day but greatly underestimate what we can do in a year.” Imagine how much better your home will feel in a year if you declutter for just 5 minutes a day. You’ve got this!
Decluttering can transform not only your space but your mindset. Start small, stay consistent, and celebrate your wins along the way.
This post was all about how to start decluttering when overwhelmed.
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