Organize and Declutter
Organization plans, cleaning routines, and self-help programs to keep clutter away are too numerous to count. Have you tried a few and failed spectacularly? Maybe you went out and bought “organizing supplies,” only to have them sitting unused, adding to the clutter. It's time to deconstruct the decluttering process and make it work for you.
The first step in learning your decluttering strengths and weaknesses is to just dig in. Pick a small closet or area like a dresser as a test drive. However you would naturally declutter, just go at it. Take a note of the time you start and stop as that will be important later.
Once you are done, either with a clean space or even if you couldn't finish, get out paper and pen. Journal about your experience, including what worked, what didn't work, and how you felt through out the process. It might feel a little silly at first.
Now it's time to problem solve about your decluttering abilities, so the rest of your house can benefit from whichever cleaning program you use.
Organize and Declutter Supplies
Begin with the supplies, did you have too many or not enough? If you were having a hard time deciding which box or bag to put items into, you may have had too many categories. It's best to stick with the fewest number of piles possible. Maybe you just need to keep it simple with keep and don't keep, without adding the extra step of determining if an unwanted item is garbage or a charitable donation.
If you were finding yourself pausing to get a marker, or another bag or box, it sounds like you started decluttering unprepared. Interruptions are unwise, because it breaks up the flow of cleaning and you might get distracted along the way. Next time, take more of what you need, just be sure to put the items away when you're done.
Organize and Declutter Emotions
Read over your journal piece, how was your emotional state while you were decluttering? Did you start off excited, but begin feeling upset as you threw items away? It's not unnatural to have memories tied to objects. You just have to accept the memory will always be with you even if the item is not. This takes practice, so call in backup. For the first few times you are decluttering, ask someone to play referee you know will keep you honest about “needing an object” instead of “wanting an object.” This person could be a spouse, a child, or a friend.
If emotional ties to objects are really arresting your decluttering efforts, try the time capsule method. Place items you can't part with in a special box and place an expiration date on the box of six months to one year from now. Give the time capsule at least one month of undisturbed time. If you need anything from the box after one month, then take it out. When the expiration date comes, the box goes without even a second glance. Don't open it, don't take anything out, just let it go.
Organize and Declutter Restraints
We all have our own definition of clean. How did you feel about decluttering once you were finished? Even if the space didn't become clutter free, did you feel better about the items you removed from the area? Or, were you left a little underwhelmed? Few people feel free to clean in a way that pleases them. Everyone tries to live up to another's standard: your Mother's standards, the standards you see at a friend's home, or even the imaginary homemaking in television and movies. Stop. Decide what “clean” means to you, and live up to that standard.
To determine your cleaning standards, get out another piece of paper and a pen. Write down everything about the space that makes you feel good, and the problems with the space that irritate or frustrate you. Now you know what your “clean” standard is, and a goal to work towards.
You can repeat this process with other areas needing decluttering, but remember to move slowly. You didn't bring all of the clutter into your home on one day or over one weekend, so there is no reason to place an unnatural restraint of time on your decluttering efforts. Plus, maintaining a decluttered space for a week or two will add to your confidence, and keep you encouraged to continue decluttering.
Decluttering Is All About You
Decluttering is a personal activity: it concerns your stuff, it is in your space, and it comes down to the time you have to maintain the space. Organizational plans and cleaning programs can't prescribe action at the personal level. But you can use tips and techniques from those programs in tackling your clutter. Just don't be afraid to make how and when you declutter a personal decision.
To find your own personal success at decluttering, you need to know your strengths and weaknesses in handling clutter. A simple journaling exercise can help. Next, check your supplies and preparation. Too many supplies or to little preparation can derail your decluttering efforts from the very beginning. Once you begin decluttering, you may need help with the emotional aspect of throwing items away. Bring in reinforcements. Finally, get rid of unnatural restraints like arbitrary time limits or cleaning standards that are not your own. Decluttering should make you feel better about your home and living in it. If not, there is something wrong.
