10 Eye Opening Things You Need To Know Before You Start Decluttering
Decluttering can be a life-changing process, but letโs be real: itโs not as simple as Instagram makes it seem. Before you dive into organising your space, here are 10 things you really need to know – so you can set expectations realistically – and have huge success!
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Decluttering is one of those tasks that seems simple in theory but can quickly become overwhelming once you dive in.
I’ve seen it time and again with past clients when we decluttered their homes. But as soon as we chatted about what to expect, and why it was so so worth the process – the whole thing became easier and a lot more fun.
With that in mind, if you’re about to get started with decluttering your own home – here are some eye-opening truths you need to know.
When you have this knowledge – you’ll be unstoppable!
#1 – Itโs Hard Work
Decluttering is not a quick-fix solution to tidiness. If you want to do it right, it DOES take a lot of hard work.
After all, when you do it right, and so it lasts, it’s not just about putting things into piles or moving items into different rooms.
Proper decluttering means making a decision about every item you own.
It can be emotionally draining which is hard in another way, especially when youโre sorting through sentimental items or things youโve held onto for years.
So above all (this is why it’s #1!) donโt underestimate the effort it takes to declutter properly โ itโs a real commitment, both physically and mentally.
Having said all that – it doesn’t have to feel hard. As long as you go into it knowing it can be full-on, you’ll be fine!
Related: 20 Ways to Make Decluttering Much Easier
#2 – It Takes More Time Than You Think
Itโs easy to fall into the trap of thinking youโll get it all done in an afternoon.
The reality?
Decluttering always takes longer than you expect.
In fact, once you start pulling items out from cupboards, drawers, and long-forgotten boxes, youโll start to realise just how much stuff youโve accumulated over time.
The sheer process of sorting through it all, making decisions, and finding the right places for things can turn into a much bigger job than you initially planned.
The key here is to be patient.
Donโt set unrealistic time limits, and remember that itโs perfectly okay to tackle your decluttering over several days or even weeks.
In fact, decluttering should really become a habit for life from now on – that way you’ll always stay on top of things.
Related: How To Declutter Fast โ 15 Quick Ways That Really Work!
#3 – It Gets Worse Before It Gets Better
When you begin decluttering, youโll pretty much always end up creating more of a mess than you started with.
As you pull everything out to evaluate it, your space might well look chaotic. Clothes will be piled up on your bed, books spread out on the floor, and boxes you didnโt even know you had will be scattered everywhere.
Just remember that itโs part of the process, because it can be really discouraging if youโre not prepared for it.
Stick with it โ once youโve sorted through everything, the space will start to come together, and the transformation will feel even more satisfying.
#4 – Itโs Dirty Work!
Decluttering isnโt just about dealing with your belongings โ it also involves getting your hands dirty, quite literally.
The items youโre going through may have been sitting untouched for years, and theyโve likely accumulated dust and grime.
Youโll probably be digging into the back of wardrobes, cupboards, and under beds where dirt can build up without you even realising.
The trick is simply to be prepared for this part of the job. Have cleaning supplies at hand, and be ready to vacuum, dust, and wipe down surfaces as you go.
By the time youโre done, your space wonโt just be decluttered, itโll be much cleaner, too!
#5 – Distractions Will Happen!
Itโs so easy when decluttering to get distracted by the things you find:
- That old photo album you havenโt looked at in years,
- A forgotten souvenir from a holiday,
- or letters from your childhood.
These distractions can turn a two-hour job into an all-day project!
The trick to stay on track is to set a timer and break your decluttering sessions into small blocks of time.
Allow yourself to enjoy those nostalgic moments, just make sure you donโt lose sight of your overall goal. The more focused you stay, the quicker and more efficiently youโll get the job done.
#6 – NEVER Declutter Other Peopleโs Stuff
As tempting as it may be to clear out your partnerโs old clothes or your childrenโs forgotten toys, itโs crucial to avoid decluttering other peopleโs belongings.
Everyone has different thresholds for what they consider sentimental or useful, and what might look like clutter to you could be valuable to someone else.
Decluttering someone elseโs things without their consent can lead to resentment and conflict.
Instead, focus on your own items and lead by example. Once they see the results of your efforts, they may be inspired to tackle their own clutter in time. But remember, overall it has to be their decision.
Related: 4 Easy Ways To Deal With Other Peoples Clutter With Less Stress!
#7 – Trust Your Gut
During the decluttering process, youโll likely find yourself questioning your decisions:
- โWhat if I need this later?โ
- โIs this too sentimental to throw away?โ
are some of the most common thoughts.
And it’s totally natural to second-guess yourself, especially when youโre dealing with items youโve had for a long time.
However, the key is to trust your initial instincts. If you immediately feel like something should go, youโre probably right.
Try not to overthink it. Youโre decluttering to simplify your life, and keeping things out of fear that you might need them someday often leads to more clutter down the line.
Trust your gut and keep moving forward.
#8 – The Maybe Box Is a Trap โ Avoid It!
The โmaybe boxโ might seem like a good idea when youโre struggling to make a decision, but it can quickly become a procrastination tool.
A maybe box allows you to avoid making hard choices, and before you know it, youโll have multiple boxes filled with items you couldnโt commit to dealing with.
If you absolutely must have a maybe box, make sure itโs small and set a strict deadline for going through it.
In general, though, try to make decisions as you go. The more decisive you are during the process, the less clutter youโll have hanging around afterward.
#9 – Decluttering Isnโt Done Until Itโs Actually Gone
This is a crucial point: your decluttering isnโt finished just because youโve decided to get rid of something.
Itโs all too easy to make piles for donating, selling, or binning, only for them to sit around your house for weeks.
Until those items have been taken to the charity shop, listed online, or thrown away, theyโre still clutter, just in a different form.
The answer is to make a plan for how and when youโll get rid of everything, and allow time as soon after decluttering as possible to take it away.
#10 – It Feels Amazing When Youโre Done
After all the hard work, the decision-making, and the mess, thereโs no better feeling than finally finishing your decluttering.
The sense of accomplishment is incredible, and the mental clarity that comes with a tidier, more organised space is something you canโt put a price on.
Not only will your home look better, but youโll also feel more at peace, knowing that everything you own has a place and a purpose.
The process may be tough, but once itโs done, youโll be left with a sense of freedom and lightness that makes all the effort worthwhile.
Related: 14 Amazing Benefits of Decluttering Your Home โ Get Started!

Decluttering can be a transformative experience, and it’s so worth it – but itโs not without its challenges, and that knowledge is power!
If you can understanding these 10 truths before you start it will really help you to manage your expectations and stay motivated through the tough parts that are inevitable.
It’s a fantastic process when you have all the tools you need – so enjoy the journey!
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