- Start with surfaces and clear those first before you start on bigger projects. The satisfaction of having some tidy spaces may help you feel the motivation to tackle bigger projects.
- Consider starting on a space that is the most annoying/dysfunctional to you. Think through what is working and not working in that space and try to design a more effective way of using it by listing the functions the space needs to perform. Only keep what supports the functions that you listed.
- When you are working on a project, clear out the entire space before sorting out the contents and then deciding what needs to go back. Although it can make a lot of mess, it is really helpful to see the space empty and make considered decisions about what to keep.
- When working through the decluttering process, make a mental shift to decide what you will keep rather than deciding what you will get rid of. Remind yourself that others may be able to use and appreciate the things that are no longer helpful to you.
- Use pictures of your ideal space to help you keep a vision in mind of what you would like to achieve. It sometimes help to start with the end in mind and to consider how the newly organized space will make you feel when it is functioning well and looking its best.
- Deal with items that are easier to declutter first (for example, clothes or kitchen items) and then move on to more sentimental items later in the process.
- Try to make the decluttering more fun by roping in a friend and playing upbeat music while you work.
- Use a timer to make the process more manageable. Stop and take a break after the timer goes off and have a snack or do something else for a while.
- Reward yourself for making progress with your decluttering projects.
- Break up big projects into smaller steps and estimate how much time each step will take. Then schedule appointments with yourself to complete each step.
What is your best decluttering advice? How have you motivated yourself to tackle decluttering jobs?
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