Whether you’re planning a spring clean or just want to start the new year off right, decluttering your home can be a game-changer. It can reduce stress, increase productivity, and even improve your sleep. But, if not done correctly, it can also lead to more mess, wasted time, and frustration.
To avoid these common pitfalls, we’ve compiled a list of 19 decluttering fails you should steer clear of.
1. Trying to declutter everything at once
It’s tempting to get it all done in one day, but this often leads to quickly feeling overwhelmed and giving up. Break it down into manageable tasks. Start with one room or even one drawer, and once you’ve completed that, move on to the next.
For example, if you’re tackling your bedroom, start with your closet. Separate your things into categories: keep, donate, sell, and trash. Once you’ve decluttered your closet, move on to your drawers, and so on. This way, you’ll make steady progress without burning out.
2. Not having a clear system
When decluttering, it’s crucial to have a system. This can mean different things to different people, but at its core, it involves having a plan for what you’re going to do with the items you no longer need.
One popular method is the Four-Box Method, where you have four boxes labelled ‘Trash’, ‘Give Away’, ‘Keep’, or ‘Relocate’. As you go through your items, decide which box they belong in. This can help you avoid the common pitfall of just moving clutter from one place to another.
3. Holding onto items you don’t use or love
It’s easy to justify keeping items you don’t use or love because you might need them “one day”. But this mentality just leads to more clutter. Instead, ask yourself if you’ve used the item in the last year and if not, consider getting rid of it.
For sentimental items, take a photo of them before letting them go. This way, you can preserve the memory without having to keep the physical item. The key is to be ruthless and only keep what you actually use and love.
4. Not involving the whole family
Decluttering shouldn’t be a one-person job. Involving the whole family can make the process faster and more fun. Plus, it teaches kids the value of tidiness and the importance of letting go of things they no longer need.
Try turning decluttering into a game or competition. Who can fill up their ‘Donate’ box first? Who can find the most items to sell? This isn’t just a great way to get everyone involved, it also helps lighten the load.
5. Expecting perfection
Many people start decluttering with the image of a perfectly organized, minimalist home in their mind. But expecting perfection can lead to disappointment and make the process feel daunting.
Remember that the goal of decluttering isn’t to have a perfect home, it’s to make your space more functional and enjoyable. So, don’t compare your progress to others or to unrealistic standards. Instead, celebrate each small victory and continue moving forward.
6. Buying storage solutions first
While it’s true that good storage can help keep clutter at bay, buying storage solutions before you start decluttering is a common mistake. It can be a waste of money if you end up not needing them, and can even create more clutter.
Instead, declutter first and then assess what kind of storage you need. This way, you can buy storage solutions that are specifically tailored to what you actually have, not what you think you might have.
7. Not scheduling time for decluttering
Decluttering, like any other task, requires time and effort. If you don’t schedule time for it, it’s easy to put it off indefinitely. Make decluttering a priority by setting aside specific time for it, whether that’s a few hours on the weekend or 15 minutes each day.
Having a schedule also helps you stay focused and motivated. It creates a sense of urgency, which can be a powerful motivator to get things done.
8. Not dealing with decluttered items immediately
Once you’ve decided to get rid of an item, deal with it immediately. Whether that means taking it to the trash, donating it, or selling it, don’t let it sit around. This can lead to second-guessing your decisions and can cause clutter to pile up again.
One way to deal with decluttered items immediately is to have a designated spot for them. For example, keep a bag in your car for items to donate. This way, you can drop them off the next time you’re out and about.
9. Keeping duplicates
While there are some items that make sense to have duplicates of, like socks or kitchen utensils, many duplicates just take up unnecessary space. Keep the best one and get rid of the rest.
For items that you’re unsure about, try the One Year Rule. If you haven’t used it in the past year, you probably don’t need it. This can help you make decisions about what to keep and what to get rid of.
10. Not having a maintenance plan
Decluttering is not a one-time event. It’s an ongoing process that requires regular maintenance. Without a maintenance plan, clutter can quickly pile up again.
Set up a regular schedule to review and declutter your items, whether that’s once a month, once a season, or once a year. This way, you can keep your space tidy and clutter-free.
11. Not considering digital clutter
While physical clutter is often the focus of decluttering efforts, digital clutter can be just as overwhelming. Emails, files, photos, and apps can pile up and make it difficult to find what you need.
Just like with physical clutter, start small with digital clutter. You could start by decluttering your email inbox, then move on to your files, photos, and apps. Delete anything you don’t need and organize the rest into folders or albums.
12. Giving up too soon
Decluttering can be a daunting task, especially when you’re just starting out. But don’t give up! It gets easier with time and practice.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a break and come back to it later. Remember, the goal isn’t to declutter everything at once, but to make steady progress over time.
13. Not considering the environment
When decluttering, it’s important to consider the environmental impact of your decisions. Instead of just throwing things away, consider donating, recycling, or selling them.
For items that can’t be donated, recycled, or sold, look into eco-friendly disposal options. Many cities have special programs for disposing of electronics, batteries, and other potentially hazardous materials.
14. Neglecting to declutter storage areas
Storage areas like the garage, attic, or basement are often overlooked when decluttering. But these areas can become a breeding ground for clutter if they’re not regularly maintained.
Just like with other areas of your home, break down the decluttering process into manageable tasks. Start with one corner or shelf at a time, and work your way through the space.
15. Ignoring the benefits of decluttering
When the task of decluttering feels overwhelming, it’s easy to lose sight of why you’re doing it in the first place. But remember, decluttering has many benefits, from reducing stress to increasing productivity.
Keep these benefits in mind as you declutter. It can help motivate you to keep going, even when the task feels daunting.
16. Letting guilt dictate your decisions
Many people feel guilty getting rid of items they’ve spent money on or received as gifts. But holding onto these items out of guilt only leads to more clutter.
Remember, the value of an item isn’t determined by its cost or who gave it to you. It’s determined by the use and joy you get out of it. If an item isn’t serving you, it’s okay to let it go.
17. Decluttering in the wrong order
When decluttering, it’s best to start with the easiest areas first. This gives you a sense of accomplishment early on, which can motivate you to tackle the harder areas.
For example, you might start with your clothes, then move on to your books, then your sentimental items. Following this order can make the decluttering process feel less daunting and more manageable.
18. Not taking before and after photos
Taking before and after photos isn’t just for home makeover shows. It can be a powerful motivator during the decluttering process.
Seeing the progress you’ve made can help motivate you to keep going. Plus, it’s a great way to celebrate your hard work and success.
19. Forgetting to enjoy the process
Finally, don’t forget to enjoy the process. Yes, decluttering can be hard work, but it can also be rewarding and even fun.
Try turning on some upbeat music, inviting a friend over to help, or rewarding yourself with a treat after each decluttering session. Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination.