Decluttering can feel like an exhausting challenge, both physically and mentally, making it tough to find the drive to begin.
If you often procrastinate or feel daunted by the clutter, there are effective methods to spark your motivation. Discover these seven strategies used by expert organizers to help you get started.
Boosting Your Motivation to Declutter
To set the stage for a successful decluttering session, approach it with a positive mindset and the energy needed to keep you going. Here's how to get that motivation flowing.
1. Begin with a Small Area
Starting small is key. Whether you opt for a room-by-room approach or a quick decluttering session, tackling a limited space first can help you build momentum. Professional organizers often suggest beginning with a manageable area, like a single drawer or under the sink, to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Completing a small task can enhance your confidence and motivate you to continue with larger projects.
Ashley La Fond leads a successful organizing business focused on helping clients enhance their efficiency and create organized spaces.
2. Envision Your Desired Outcome
Imagining a clutter-free home can motivate you to push through the mess, according to professional organizer Caroline Roberts. If visualization is challenging, jot down reasons why an organized space would improve your life or create a mood board with inspiring images of tidy homes. Remember, these images are just inspirations, so don't feel pressured to replicate them perfectly.
Caroline Roberts specializes in helping clients declutter and organize their belongings effectively.
3. Set a Time Limit
For those who struggle with lengthy decluttering sessions, setting a strict time limit can help. Ashley La Fond recommends using a timer for 30 minutes to create a sense of urgency. This approach can keep you focused and less overwhelmed. When the timer ends, you might be surprised by how much you accomplish, encouraging you to repeat the effort.
4. Incorporate Decluttering into Your Routine
If you find it tough to decide what to declutter, try making it part of your daily routine. Home organizer Marissa Hagmeyer suggests that each time you open a cupboard or drawer, assess what you can remove to simplify your space. This helps eliminate decision fatigue and keeps your storage areas serene.
Ashley and Marissa are passionate co-founders of a professional organizing company that has expanded rapidly across North America.
5. Divide Larger Tasks into Smaller Ones
Feeling overwhelmed by big projects can hinder your motivation. Caroline Roberts advises breaking larger tasks into smaller, manageable pieces. When motivation wanes, it's often due to feeling daunted by the project size. Scheduling these bite-sized tasks on your calendar can help you stay on track.
6. Schedule Decluttering to Combat Procrastination
Procrastination can be a major obstacle to decluttering, as Jamie Hord notes. Sometimes, the best solution is to simply start. Schedule dedicated time in your calendar for organizing tasks, choosing moments when you have the most energy. Playing your favorite tunes can make the process more enjoyable.
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Jamie is co-founder of a professional organizing company dedicated to creating functional, clutter-free spaces.
7. Turn Decluttering into a Self-Care Activity
Decluttering serves not just a practical purpose but can also be a mindful activity that enhances your well-being. Ashley La Fond encourages turning decluttering into a ritual. Pair the task with enjoyable activities like listening to a podcast or enjoying a treat. This positive association can transform your approach to organizing.
Finding motivation can vary by individual, so it's essential to experiment and adjust your strategy as needed. Keep your energy levels up, and consider mindset shifts to prevent clutter from building up in the first place.
