For some reason it seems like the hardest part about decluttering your home is figuring out HOW TO START! If you want to start to declutter your home, you face quite the challenge! It needs to be done, right? You're sick the mess and embarassement, right? You are ready for a change, right? What many people underestimate is that before any tips or techniques are helpful, you need to have the right mind-set about the challenge ahead. Give some thought to the points below, for they will help you get to the point where you can and will actually start decluttering your home!- 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?
- 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.
- 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.
- 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?
- 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 "De-Clutter 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 a big challenge! Now you are ready to start looking for practical tips to declutter your home!
