I wrote this article because…well, I really needed to sit and think about decluttering. I can be a bit of a packrat and with the holidays coming (and being a blogger), it is getting worse by the day as brands send over samples to include in gift guides, articles, and more. Even if you aren’t in this situation (although if you are a blogger/influencer you know EXACTLY what I’m talking about) it’s easy for clutter to accumulate in our homes. Over time, that clutter can lead to stress, anxiety, and an overall feeling of being overwhelmed, especially when the time comes to move and you need to pack everything up and find affordable long distance moving companies to transport it all. The good news is that decluttering your home doesn’t have to be a daunting task. In this blog post, we’ll explore some practical strategies to help you declutter your living space when you’re feeling overwhelmed by everything.
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Start Small
When you’re surrounded by clutter, the mere thought of decluttering can be paralyzing. Instead of attempting to tackle your entire home in one go, start small. Pick a single room, or even just a corner of a room, and focus your efforts there. Once you’ve completed one area, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment and motivation to continue.
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Set Clear Goals
Before you begin decluttering, define your goals. What do you want to achieve? Are you looking to create a more organized space, free up room for new activities, or simply reduce stress? Having clear objectives will keep you on track and help you stay motivated throughout the process.
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Create a Sorting System
To make decluttering more manageable, create a sorting system. You can use categories such as “keep,” “donate,” “sell,” and “discard.” As you go through your belongings, place each item into the appropriate category. This system helps you make decisions more efficiently.
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Take It One Step at a Time
When decluttering, it’s easy to get lost in sentimental items or become overwhelmed by the volume of stuff. To avoid this, take a step-by-step approach. Begin with items that are easy to part with, like broken or unused items. Once you’ve built some momentum, you can move on to more challenging decisions, like sentimental items.
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Declutter, Then Organize
Decluttering and organizing are two distinct processes. It’s essential to declutter first to reduce the volume of items in your space before attempting to organize. Once you’ve pared down your possessions, organizing what remains becomes far more manageable.
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Be Mindful of Sentimental Items
Sentimental items can be some of the most challenging to declutter. While it’s crucial to keep things that hold sentimental value, be honest with yourself about which items truly matter and bring you joy. Consider taking photos or creating a memory box for items that you’re not ready to part with but don’t use or display.
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Set a Time Limit
To prevent decluttering from becoming an overwhelming, never-ending project, set a time limit for each decluttering session. It could be as short as 15 minutes or as long as a few hours, depending on your schedule. Knowing that there’s an endpoint in sight can help you stay focused and prevent burnout.
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Involve Others
Don’t be afraid to ask for help from friends or family members. They can provide support, a second opinion, or simply keep you company while you declutter. Additionally, involving others can make the process more enjoyable and less overwhelming.
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Establish New Habits
Once you’ve successfully decluttered your home, it’s essential to establish new habits to maintain your organized space. Regularly set aside time for maintenance decluttering, so you don’t find yourself in the same overwhelming situation in the future.
Decluttering your home when you’re overwhelmed by everything may seem like a daunting task, but with a systematic approach and the right mindset, it becomes a manageable and even rewarding process. By starting small, setting clear goals, and maintaining a mindful and organized approach, you can create a more serene and organized living space that enhances your well-being and quality of life. So, roll up your sleeves and begin decluttering – you’ll be amazed at the positive impact it can have on your life.
