

Keeping clutter at bay is an ongoing project, so you’ll benefit from thinking of it like one. Then when you’re in need of another decluttering session down the road, you can think back to the stuff you went back and forth about the first time and have a better idea of how often you really use them. When you begin your decluttering efforts, do it with the mindset that this is your first sweep.


Don’t Declutter Just Onceĭecluttering is just like any other skill-the more you do it, the better you’ll get at it. You can always find a more appropriate time to look through them and reminisce. If you feel tempted to start flipping through photos or memorabilia, remind yourself of what you’re trying to accomplish and set them aside. Sifting through boxes of old photos can be really enjoyable-it’s why we keep them around, after all! But an unplanned trip down Memory Lane will surely eat into your precious decluttering time. Reminding yourself of why you’re doing what you’re doing should refocus your efforts and help you make the best decision. Revisit your motivations throughout the decluttering process, especially in moments of frustration or uncertainty. Do you want to spend less time cleaning, or do you need more space? Ask yourself why you want to get more organized. If you don’t know what you’re trying to achieve by decluttering, it’s going to be harder to get rid of the things that are taking up space. Instead, list your big-ticket items for sale on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or your local equivalent, then donate the rest. If you’re more interested in getting rid of stuff than you are in making the most possible money, skip the part where you spend all day outside watching your belongings not sell. Traditional yard sales are time-consuming, frustrating and not nearly as lucrative as they used to be. Instead, spread your decluttering tasks out over several days by dedicating an hour or two to each section of your house. If you try to dedicate an entire day to organizing, you’ll likely find yourself feeling frustrated and burnt out by lunchtime. Don’t Dedicate An Entire Day To Itīe honest with yourself-do you really have the mental and physical stamina to spend all day organizing, or the emotional fortitude to sort through all of your stuff in a single sweep? For most of us, the answer is likely an emphatic “No,” (if any of you said “Yes,” color me impressed!) 7 Decluttering Don’ts To Avoid Wasting Time And Energy 1. If you’re planning to clear out some of your clutter some time soon, this list is a must-read! By avoiding these time-wasting and energy-draining decluttering don’ts, you’ll have your home in tip-top shape in no time at all. While I’ve covered some organizing “don’ts” before (for example, you can check out my post on harmful organizing solutions here), I’ve have a new batch of don’ts to share that are all about decluttering. Time, physical strength, emotional energy… there are a lot of factors that go into decluttering our homes.
