Decluttering can be a life-changing process, but let’s be real: it’s 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!
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 – It’s 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 you’re sorting through sentimental items or things you’ve held onto for years.
So above all (this is why it’s #1!) don’t underestimate the effort it takes to declutter properly – it’s 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
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you’ll 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, you’ll start to realise just how much stuff you’ve 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.
Don’t set unrealistic time limits, and remember that it’s 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 – 15 Quick Ways That Really Work!
#3 – It Gets Worse Before It Gets Better
When you begin decluttering, you’ll 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 didn’t even know you had will be scattered everywhere.
Just remember that it’s part of the process, because it can be really discouraging if you’re not prepared for it.
Stick with it – once you’ve sorted through everything, the space will start to come together, and the transformation will feel even more satisfying.
#4 – It’s Dirty Work!
Decluttering isn’t just about dealing with your belongings – it also involves getting your hands dirty, quite literally.
The items you’re going through may have been sitting untouched for years, and they’ve likely accumulated dust and grime.
You’ll 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 you’re done, your space won’t just be decluttered, it’ll be much cleaner, too!
#5 – Distractions Will Happen!
It’s so easy when decluttering to get distracted by the things you find:
- That old photo album you haven’t 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 don’t lose sight of your overall goal. The more focused you stay, the quicker and more efficiently you’ll get the job done.
#6 – NEVER Declutter Other People’s Stuff
As tempting as it may be to clear out your partner’s old clothes or your children’s forgotten toys, it’s crucial to avoid decluttering other people’s 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 else’s 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, you’ll likely find yourself questioning your decisions:
- “What if I need this later?”
- “Is this too sentimental to throw away?”
are some of the most common thoughts.
And it’s totally natural to second-guess yourself, especially when you’re dealing with items you’ve had for a long time.
However, the key is to trust your initial instincts. If you immediately feel like something should go, you’re probably right.
Try not to overthink it. You’re 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 – Avoid It!
The ‘maybe box’ might seem like a good idea when you’re 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, you’ll have multiple boxes filled with items you couldn’t commit to dealing with.
If you absolutely must have a maybe box, make sure it’s 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 you’ll have hanging around afterward.
#9 – Decluttering Isn’t Done Until It’s Actually Gone
This is a crucial point: your decluttering isn’t finished just because you’ve decided to get rid of something.
It’s 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, they’re still clutter, just in a different form.
The answer is to make a plan for how and when you’ll get rid of everything, and allow time as soon after decluttering as possible to take it away.
#10 – It Feels Amazing When You’re Done
After all the hard work, the decision-making, and the mess, there’s 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 can’t put a price on.
Not only will your home look better, but you’ll also feel more at peace, knowing that everything you own has a place and a purpose.
The process may be tough, but once it’s done, you’ll be left with a sense of freedom and lightness that makes all the effort worthwhile.
Related: 14 Amazing Benefits of Decluttering Your Home – Get Started!
Decluttering can be a transformative experience, and it’s so worth it – but it’s 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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