subject: How To Start Decluttering Your Home [print this page] You are not sure how to start decluttering your home. You find it overwhelming even to THINK about undertaking such a huge task! And, you have known for quite some time now that the clutter is getting out of control. You know you need to do something about it, but are at a lost as to exactly how to start decluttering your home! You can admit it. Instead of getting to work, you are here on the internet looking for help! Before we get to any concrete ideas or tip on how to start decluttering your home, however, you need to have the right mind-set about the challenge ahead. Here are some things to think about that will help you get to the point where you are actively ready to get to work! And then, get ready to DECLUTTER YOUR HOME!
1. Clearly define your goal. What would your home ideally look like? What are you willing to give up to achieve this goal? Why do you want a de-cluttered home?
2. Be optimistic. Remind yourself of all those old sayings that are cliche but true: "Rome wasn't built in a day" and "The only way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time". Do NOT tell yourself that you're too far behind to start anything, or that the project is too big for you.
3. Ask yourself why you are holding onto things. Emotional attachment? Frugal nature? Guilt? If you can determine (even vaguely) what it is that stops you from getting rid of clutter, you will be better able to confront those issues head on and see if they are in fact valid.
4. Analyze what stops you from putting things away immediately. Distractions? Laziness? No easily-accessible place for mail to be filed once you open it? Lack of adequate storage containers, shelves, or cupboards?
5. Consider your strengths. Decide what method or plan of attack may best suit you. Do you enjoy crossing completed tasks of your to-do list? Do you think you might enjoy a timed approach where you dedicate a specific amount of time to sorting and de-cluttering each day? Or would you be intrigued by the idea of having a "DeClutter My Home" weekend where you allow no distractions and get as much done as possible in one long stretch?
Once you have thought these through, congratulations! You are one step closer to getting your home clutter-free! Mentally you are prepared for the big challenge! Now you are ready to start looking for practical tips on how to start decluttering your home! Check out my article 15 Ways To DeClutter Your Home for some great "in the trenches" ideas!
