Decluttering is a process that many of us embark on, whether it’s the start of spring, a new year, or just a desire to live in a more organized, less cluttered space. However, it’s not always as straightforward as it seems. You may start with the best intentions, but end up feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, or just plain stuck. I’ve been there, and I’ve made plenty of mistakes along the way. But don’t worry, I’m here to share those mistakes with you, so you can avoid them in your own decluttering journey.
1. Not Having a Plan
When I first started decluttering, I dove in headfirst without a proper plan. This led to a lot of wasted time and energy and made the whole process much more overwhelming than it needed to be.
A plan doesn’t have to be elaborate. It could be as simple as setting a timer for 15 minutes a day, or deciding to tackle one room or area at a time. This way, you’ll have a clear path and can make steady progress, without feeling like you have to do it all at once.
2. Holding Onto Items “Just In Case”
One of the biggest mistakes I made was holding onto items “just in case” I might need them in the future. This included things like old magazines, spare buttons, and cables for electronics I no longer even owned.
The truth is, most of these items I never used again. And even if I did need them, they were usually easy (and not too expensive) to replace. So don’t let the “just in case” excuse hold you back. Be honest with yourself about whether you really need an item, and if you haven’t used it in the last year, it’s probably safe to let it go.
3. Not Sorting Items Properly
When decluttering, it’s important to sort items into categories, such as “keep”, “donate”, “sell”, and “throw away”. However, I made the mistake of not doing this properly, which led to a lot of confusion and made the process much more time-consuming.
Be sure to have clear bins or bags for each category, and make decisions about each item as you come across it. This will help keep things organized and make the process much smoother.
4. Letting Emotions Get In The Way
It’s natural to attach emotions to our belongings, but letting those feelings dictate what you keep can lead to a lot of unnecessary clutter. I made the mistake of holding onto items out of guilt or sentimentality, even when they no longer served a purpose in my life.
Remember, it’s okay to let go of items, even if they were gifts or have sentimental value. Keeping something out of guilt or obligation doesn’t benefit anyone, and letting go can be incredibly freeing.
5. Not Asking For Help
Decluttering can be a huge task, and trying to do it all on your own can be overwhelming. I made the mistake of not asking for help when I needed it, which led to burnout and frustration.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help, whether it’s from a friend, family member, or professional organizer. Having another perspective can be incredibly helpful, and it can make the process much more manageable and even enjoyable.
6. Purchasing Storage Solutions Too Soon
In my early days of decluttering, I thought buying a bunch of storage solutions would solve all my clutter problems. However, this just led to more clutter and wasted money.
Before you buy any storage solutions, it’s important to declutter first. Once you know what you’re keeping, then you can determine what kind of storage you need. This way, you won’t end up with a bunch of empty bins or shelves that just take up more space.
7. Not Dealing With Decluttered Items Right Away
After decluttering, I would often leave bags of items to donate or sell sitting around for weeks or even months. This just led to more clutter and made the whole process feel less satisfying.
Once you’ve decided to get rid of an item, deal with it right away. Take it to the donation center, list it for sale, or throw it away. Not only will this prevent the clutter from creeping back in, but it will also give you a sense of accomplishment and progress.
8. Not Taking Before and After Photos
When I first started decluttering, I didn’t take any before and after photos. I regret this because it’s hard to remember how far you’ve come when you’re in the middle of the process.
Taking photos can be a great motivator. They can show you the progress you’re making, even when it feels like you’re not getting anywhere. Plus, they can be a great reminder of why you started decluttering in the first place.
9. Trying To Do Too Much At Once
In my eagerness to declutter, I often tried to do too much at once. This just led to burnout and made the process feel overwhelming.
It’s important to pace yourself when decluttering. Start small, with just one drawer or shelf, and work your way up. Remember, decluttering is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s better to make steady, consistent progress than to try to do it all at once and get overwhelmed.
10. Not Celebrating Small Wins
In the beginning, I was so focused on the end goal that I didn’t celebrate the small wins along the way. This made the process feel longer and more daunting.
Remember to celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Finished a drawer? Celebrate. Cleared off a shelf? Celebrate. Each step you take is bringing you closer to your goal, and that’s worth celebrating.
11. Not Establishing a Maintenance Routine
After decluttering, I didn’t establish a maintenance routine, which led to the clutter slowly creeping back in.
It’s important to establish a routine to keep the clutter at bay. This could be as simple as a daily 10-minute tidy-up, or a weekly decluttering session. Whatever it is, make sure it’s sustainable for you and your lifestyle. This way, you’ll be able to keep your space clutter-free for the long term.
In conclusion, decluttering can be a challenging process, but by learning from my mistakes, you can make it a much smoother and more enjoyable experience. Remember, it’s not about perfection, but progress. Happy decluttering!
