When Not to Declutter

In the last blog I shared steps for how and when to set aside time to declutter, but it’s also important to know when it’s not a great time to take on a decluttering project. If you’re experiencing any of the following feelings or corresponding example situations, consider planning another time to take on decluttering:

1. You're overwhelmed.

• taking on more responsibility at work than usual (via promotion, co-workers being out sick or on vacation, etc.)

• moving or relocating (short or long distances)

• there's been a death in the family

2. You're pressed for time.

• it's baseball/dance/soccer/etc. season for the kids and most weekends are spent at tournaments/competitions

• your spouse needs you to temporarily take on more responsibility than usual at home (cooking, cleaning, bills, kids, yard, etc.)

3. You're exhausted.

• not getting enough sleep

• just had a baby

• sick (or recovering from being sick)

4. You're not motivated.

• dreading the idea of adding another item to your to-do list

• feeling depressed or "not quite yourself" lately

5. You're pressed for money.

• car stopped working and needs to be fixed (or you need to buy a new one)

• major home repairs need to be taken care of (roof, flooding, etc.)

• unexpected wellness expenses (hospitalization, surgery, etc.)

It can be very difficult to consider your items carefully and make good, confident decisions about them when you’re experiencing any of these extreme emotions or circumstances—especially when they’re not a “normal” part of your day-to-day life. They will likely slow down the decluttering process tremendously, or even worse, cause you to stop mid-way without finishing. This leaves you feeling even more physically, mentally, and emotionally drained or overwhelmed than before you started.

I know you’re already very busy. Additionally, we all have seasons of life that ebb and flow, so it’s important to be realistic. There may never be the perfect time to take on a decluttering project (that’s normal!). However, lengthy periods of time being spent in survival mode are detrimental to a successful decluttering project—especially a large one. Burn-out is inevitable.

As clutter compounds, it quickly begins affecting our daily stress levels, mental and emotional wellbeing, and relationships. If decluttering is a high-priority task during heavy or stressful moments or seasons of life, I highly recommend having help. Having help will:

• relieve you of the emotional and mental weight of taking on such a project

• get you quickly set up and functioning at an optimum level

• create the breathing room you need to continue your day-to-day responsibilities

• provide you with extra time to rest

I’m always here to help be the support you need to clear the clutter and achieve the benefits listed above. Please don’t hesitate to schedule a free In-home consultation with me to see if we’re the perfect fit.

In the meantime, here are 5 tips to help spark motivation:

1. Give yourself permission to have fun! Add something you enjoy to the time you spend decluttering (e.g. a favorite snack, beverage, or music).

2. Have accountability. Find a friend or family member to hold you accountable by checking on you via text or phone call. You could even plan a time for both of you to simultaneously tackle your task of choice together via Zoom or Skype. Sometimes just having another person present—but busy doing their own task—adds accountability and increases your (and their) chances of getting it done.

3. Plan a reward for yourself when the job is complete. Adding something to look forward to beyond the task is always motivating.

4. Set a timer and plan short breaks. This makes it easier to buckle down, knowing that a task you may not “enjoy” will only last a little while. You can even race the clock to add a fun game-like element.

5. Declutter with a friend. Be careful with this one, though. Adding a “Chatty Cathy” to your declutter time can quickly derail your project. Make sure you pick someone who is a good listener and willing to help you make sure the job gets done.