You’ve made the decision to get your home in order, but how do you begin, and perhaps more importantly, how do you maintain the motivation to continue decluttering once you start?
Do you ever look around your home and feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of stuff? You’re not alone. I was in this same situation when I first learnt about decluttering.
In a world where consumerism is at an all-time high, the process of decluttering has become a way to regain control over our lives, reduce stress, and create a more organised and peaceful home. Over the years I’ve discovered effective ways to maintain my motivation while decluttering and help me get through the process when my enthusiasm starts to wane.
1. Understanding your ‘why’.
Knowing why you are embarking on this process will help you focus on the end goal. Are you about to downsize, making room for a new baby, or are you just tired of all the stuff?
When I first heard about decluttering, I took the time to write down why I was drawn to this process and why I felt it was something I needed to do in my home. We had recently moved to a much smaller house and our new home felt overstuffed!
My home was cramped and cluttered, and I was overwhelmed by the sheer amount of stuff. My “why’ was that I wanted to create a home that was easy to clean, where I could quickly find my belongings, and to create a home that felt calm, spacious, and restful.
Understanding why you are embarking on this process is an important first step and will help you to maintain motivation whilst decluttering.
2. Visualise your ideal space.
Before diving into decluttering, take a moment to visualise your ideal living space. Imagine a clutter-free, well-organised home where everything has its place. Having a clear vision for your home will serve as motivation throughout the process. Write your vision down to help you maintain motivation while decluttering and provide inspiration to keep going when you are tired and have had enough.
Identify how you want each space to feel and function. Do you need to create a work-from-home space with room for a desk and bookcase or do you crave a cosy reading nook just for you where you can relax, or perhaps you need to minimise your wardrobe so that getting ready each morning is stress-free?
Search through Pinterest or magazines and save images of rooms that appeal to you, both in layout and design. Write words on your vision board that match how you want to feel when you walk into that room. Such as, calm, restful, and quiet, or fun, vibrant, and playful.
Creating a vision board will help you develop a clear outcome for each room of your home as well as help you during the decision-making process when decluttering. When you decide to keep an item you can ask, does this item help me create the space I desire?
3. Set goals.
Decluttering can be an overwhelming task if you don’t have a clear plan in place. In order to maintain motivation while you are decluttering, set specific goals. Start by clearly defining what you want to achieve. Make your goals specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). Do you need to declutter your whole house, just the spare room or is it that your closet needs a clear out?
Write it down. Putting your goals in writing makes them more concrete and increases your commitment to achieving them.
Knowing your objectives will help you maintain motivation while decluttering and keep you focused throughout the process.
4. Start small.
I know you may be eager to jump right in and start tackling those heavily cluttered areas of your home but I always recommend starting in the easiest spaces. Begin with manageable tasks so as not to become overwhelmed and lose your motivation to continue. Starting small gives you quick wins and you can see the rewards for your efforts.
You could find yourself losing the motivation to continue if you try to tackle an entire house or apartment at once. An effective tool for getting started is by using a method called the Ranking System. It will guide you as to where you should begin decluttering in your home. You can read more about this method and get the free worksheets when you subscribe.
You will get better at making decluttering decisions as you go so keep those difficult areas until last.
5. One step at a time
Don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to declutter your entire home in a single day. Instead, break it down into manageable tasks. Begin with a small area like a drawer or a shelf. Completing one area at a time will give you a sense of accomplishment and motivate you to tackle the next task. Create an action plan with specific steps including a timeline for each task. A well-structured plan helps you stay organised.
6. Focus on what to keep, rather than what to toss.
It can be hard to maintain motivation to declutter when you feel like you have to throw all your stuff away. Deciding what to get rid of is hard. I prefer to focus on what to keep instead. When you begin to declutter an area, firstly choose all your favourite, most used, and valued pieces and put them aside. Then look at the rest of your items and decide if they are really necessary now that you’ve already chosen the best of the best.
7. Set a decluttering schedule.
Consistency is key in order to maintain your motivation while decluttering. Plan ahead and set a regular decluttering schedule that fits your lifestyle. Whether it’s 30 minutes a day, a few hours each weekend, or a focused decluttering week. Having a routine will help you make steady progress and is an important strategy to maintain motivation while decluttering. Make decluttering a regular part of your routine.
8. Enlist a friend or professional organiser.
Sometimes, decluttering can be emotionally challenging. Having a friend or a professional organiser by your side can provide support and keep you on track. They can offer valuable insights and help you make tough decisions about what to keep and what to discard. Enlist a friend or family member to declutter with you or hold you accountable. Sharing the process can make it more enjoyable.
Making it fun is a great way to maintain motivation whilst decluttering. There are plenty of fun challenges such as the 30-day Minimalism Game. Enlist a friend or family member and have a reward for the winner. You can read more about the game here.
9. Track your progress.
Document your decluttering journey. Taking before-and-after photos is a great way to visually see the transformation and how far you’ve come. Keep a journal of your accomplishments and how decluttering makes you feel. Keeping a journal and tracking your progress can be a powerful motivator.
Try the 2023 items to declutter in 2023 challenge. I’ve completed the challenge a few times now and it’s a great way to maintain motivation towards decluttering your home over the course of the year. Track your progress on a counter app or make a chart to mark off as you go.
10. Reward yourself.
Don’t forget to reward yourself along the way. Having a reward to look forward to will help you to maintain your motivation while decluttering your home. Set mini goals and choose a reward to celebrate your decluttering milestones. Choose a reward you enjoy—a favourite meal, a relaxing bath, a family outing, or even some time for a hobby. Looking forward to these rewards will reinforce your motivation.
Maintain motivation during the decluttering journey.
Implementing simple but effective strategies will go a long way to helping you maintain motivation to continue decluttering.
Decluttering is a skill that, once mastered, can lead to a more organised home and life. By starting with a clear plan, breaking it down into manageable tasks, and staying motivated with these strategies, you can transform your home.
Remember, it’s not just about tidying up; reducing the clutter in your home will provide a more harmonious and stress-free environment for yourself and your family.
Experience the many benefits of clearing the clutter and create a beautifully organised home you love.
Read more about decluttering:
Decluttering top tips to get you started on your decluttering journey.
Declutter session success: Simple first steps.
