Let’s get real, decluttering can be a daunting task. However, over the years I’ve learned that it’s not about the amount of stuff you have, but how you manage it. Here, I share the top 15 decluttering mistakes I stopped making and how you can avoid them too.
1. Trying to Do it all at Once
Initially, I would try to declutter my entire house in one go. This approach only left me overwhelmed, and I would often give up halfway. Now, I break down my decluttering tasks into manageable parts, focusing on one room or area at a time. This way, I am not overwhelmed and can see my progress more clearly.
2. Not Sorting Items Beforehand
Before, I would just jump into decluttering without sorting my items first. This led to me wasting time going through items multiple times. Now, I sort items into categories like keep, donate, sell, and trash. This makes the decluttering process faster and more efficient.
3. Keeping Items Just Because They’re Sentimental
I used to hold onto items purely for sentimental reasons. However, I’ve learned that memories are not in things, but in us. Now, I keep only a few select sentimental items and let go of the rest.
4. Buying Storage Before Decluttering
I used to buy storage solutions before I even started decluttering. This often led to wasted money as I ended up not needing them or they didn’t fit my space. Now, I declutter first to see what I really need, then buy appropriate storage.
5. Not Establishing a System
Before, I would declutter without any system in place. This made it hard to maintain a clutter-free space. Now, I have a system where everything has its own place, making it easier to keep my space tidy.
6. Not Decluttering Regularly
I used to declutter only when my space became unbearable. Now, I declutter regularly as part of my routine. This helps prevent clutter build-up and makes the task less daunting.
7. Not Asking for Help
I used to try to do all the decluttering by myself. This was not only exhausting, but it also took up a lot of my time. Now, I ask for help from family or friends, making the process faster and more enjoyable.
8. Keeping Items I Don’t Use
I used to keep items I didn’t use, thinking I might need them someday. However, these items just took up space and gathered dust. Now, I only keep items I actually use, freeing up space for things I love.
9. Not Setting Clear Goals
Before, I would start decluttering without any clear goals. This made the process feel endless. Now, I set clear and achievable goals, like decluttering one room per week, which gives me a sense of achievement.
10. Not Taking Breaks
I used to declutter for hours without taking breaks. This left me tired and less effective. Now, I take regular breaks to rest and recharge, making me more productive in the long run.
11. Not Donating or Selling Unwanted Items
I used to simply throw away unwanted items. However, I’ve learned that one person’s trash is another’s treasure. Now, I donate or sell items that are still in good condition, reducing waste and sometimes making a little money.
12. Not Being Honest with Myself
Before, I would keep items because I felt guilty about getting rid of them. Now, I’m honest with myself about what I truly need and love, and let go of the rest.
13. Not Using Vertical Space
I used to forget about using vertical space for storage. This resulted in a cluttered floor and underutilized space. Now, I use shelves and hooks to make use of vertical space, creating a more organized and spacious environment.
14. Storing Items Out of Sight
Before, I would store items out of sight, only for them to become out of mind and forgotten. Now, I store items where I use them, making them easy to find and put away.
15. Not Celebrating Progress
I used to focus on what I hadn’t done yet, instead of celebrating what I had achieved. This made decluttering feel like a chore. Now, I celebrate my progress, no matter how small, making the process more enjoyable and rewarding.
