We all long for a clean, clutter-free living or workspace. It not only provides a sense of tranquility, but also increases productivity. However, decluttering can be a daunting task, especially when you’re doing it wrong and wasting so much time in the process.
Here are 16 common decluttering mistakes that can steal your precious time. Learn how to avoid them and achieve a more efficient, stress-free decluttering experience.
1. No Clear Plan
Starting to declutter without a clear plan is like going on a journey without a map. It’s easy to get lost and waste time. You open a drawer, start sorting, then get distracted by old photos or documents. Before you know it, hours have passed and you haven’t made much progress.
Organizing experts recommend creating a decluttering plan before you start. This can be as simple as a list of areas or rooms to tackle, along with a rough estimate of how much time you’ll dedicate to each. Prioritize areas that are most cluttered or that cause the most stress. Remember, your plan should be flexible and realistic to your schedule and energy levels.
2. Trying to Do Everything at Once
This is a common mistake that leads to burnout and frustration. You start with high energy, tackling every cluttered corner you see. But as the day goes on, your energy drops and the task seems increasingly overwhelming.
The key to avoiding this mistake is to break the task down. Choose one area or even just one drawer or shelf to start with. Set a timer for a set amount of time – say 30 minutes or an hour. When the timer goes off, take a break or stop for the day. You’ll be surprised at how much you can achieve with this focused approach.
3. Not Sorting Items Properly
When decluttering, it’s easy to create a bigger mess by not sorting items properly. You might end up shifting clutter from one area to another, which wastes time and defeats the purpose of decluttering.
Instead, create designated sorting areas for items to keep, discard, donate, and relocate. As you sort, make quick decisions and avoid the temptation to create a ‘maybe’ pile. This way, you’ll avoid doubling back and handling items multiple times, saving you a lot of time.
4. Holding On to Unnecessary Items
One of the biggest roadblocks in decluttering is emotional attachment to items. You might find it hard to let go of things because of sentimental value or because you think you might need them in the future.
To overcome this, ask yourself if the item has been used in the past year. If not, it’s likely you won’t need it in the future. For items with sentimental value, consider taking a photo of the item or keeping just one representative item instead of a whole collection. Remember, your goal is to create a clutter-free space that brings you joy and peace.
5. Not Using Storage Solutions
Many people make the mistake of not using storage solutions to their full potential. This results in cluttered spaces that are hard to maintain.
Invest in storage solutions that fit your space and needs. This could be shelving units, storage boxes, drawer organizers, or hooks. The right storage solutions can help you utilize vertical space, keep items organized, and make it easier to maintain a clutter-free space.
6. Buying Storage Before Decluttering
It’s tempting to run out and buy storage solutions before you start decluttering. However, this often results in wasted money on items you don’t really need.
Start by decluttering first. This will give you a clearer idea of what you need to store and the best solutions for your space. You might even find that you already have storage items you can repurpose.
7. Not Creating a Maintenance Plan
Decluttering is not a one-time event. It’s an ongoing process that requires a maintenance plan. Without it, your space can quickly become cluttered again, wasting all your hard work.
Create a simple maintenance plan that fits your schedule. This could be daily quick tidies, weekly deeper cleans, or monthly decluttering sessions. The key is consistency to keep clutter at bay.
8. Not Asking for Help
Decluttering can be a big task, especially if you have a lot of stuff or a large space. Trying to do it all by yourself can lead to burnout and wasted time.
Don’t hesitate to ask for help. This could be a family member, friend, or professional organizer. Having someone else to help can make the task more manageable and even fun.
9. Not Utilizing the “One In, One Out” Rule
One of the easiest ways to maintain a clutter-free space is to implement the “one in, one out” rule. For every new item you bring into your space, one item should go out.
This rule helps prevent new clutter from accumulating and keeps your space in balance. It also encourages mindful consumption, as you’ll think twice before bringing new items into your space.
10. Not Making Decluttering a Habit
Many people see decluttering as a big task that needs to be tackled in one go. However, this can quickly become overwhelming and time-consuming.
Instead, make decluttering a daily habit. Spend just 5 or 10 minutes each day tidying up. This small investment of time can make a big difference in maintaining a clutter-free space.
11. Not Knowing Where to Donate or Sell Unwanted Items
One common decluttering roadblock is not knowing where to donate or sell unwanted items. This can result in boxes of items sitting around, taking up space and time.
Do some research beforehand to find local charities, consignment stores, or online platforms where you can donate or sell your items. Having a plan for your unwanted items can make the decluttering process smoother and faster.
12. Not Setting Goals
Without clear goals, it’s easy to lose motivation and waste time during the decluttering process.
Set clear, achievable goals for your decluttering project. This could be decluttering a certain room by a certain date, or spending a certain amount of time each day on decluttering. Having goals can keep you motivated and focused.
13. Letting Perfectionism Get in the Way
It’s easy to get caught up in the desire for a perfectly organized space. However, this can lead to procrastination and wasted time.
Remember, the goal of decluttering is to create a space that feels good to you, not to achieve perfection. It’s okay if your space isn’t magazine-worthy. What’s important is that it’s functional and brings you joy.
14. Not Considering Your Lifestyle
Many people make the mistake of organizing their space based on someone else’s system. However, this can lead to a space that doesn’t work for your lifestyle, resulting in wasted time reorganizing.
Consider your lifestyle and habits when decluttering and organizing your space. Create a system that works for you, even if it doesn’t look like the ones you see in magazines or on social media.
15. Not Treating Decluttering as Self-Care
Many people see decluttering as a chore. However, this mindset can make the process stressful and time-consuming.
Instead, treat decluttering as a form of self-care. Think of it as creating a space that supports your well-being and brings you joy. This mindset shift can make the process more enjoyable and efficient.
16. Not Celebrating Your Progress
It’s easy to focus on what’s left to do and overlook the progress you’ve made. However, this can lead to feelings of overwhelm and wasted time.
Celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Take before and after photos, or keep a decluttering journal to track your progress. Celebrating your progress can boost your motivation and make the process more enjoyable.