How to get started decluttering and actually stick with it

Decluttering is more than a physical process; it’s an emotional journey. The key to a successful decluttering experience lies in one essential rule: have a plan for what you're going to do with the items you're parting with.

Without a plan, decluttering turns into a never-ending cycle of moving clutter around rather than truly eliminating it.

Items can easily end up in your garage, on the dining room table, on top of bedroom chairs, in the backseat of your car, with no clear plan of getting out of your house and your life.

Yes, I’m talking to all of you who have been driving around with donations in the back of your car for eight months!

Not everyone wakes up in the morning and thinks, yippee! I get to declutter today! Well, except for me, a total outlier. So, if decluttering is difficult for you, let’s talk about how to plan your work and work your plan.

Figure out your why

Why do you want to declutter? Why do you want to get organized? Maybe you’re trying to save money and watch your spending.

Maybe you want to clear out your spare bedroom so you can finally have guests stay the night. Or, maybe it’s finally time to tackle that storage unit of stuff you don’t need or use, and stop paying for it every month.

Pick a why that is important to you. Once you establish your why, that is what’s going to keep you motivated.

Schedule your plan

How much time do you have? Is this a project that requires 4 hours on a weekend? Or a few hours on a weekly basis for a month?

If decluttering and organizing isn’t natural to you, you’re not going to want to be excited about tackling this project.

You’ll need to book the time in your calendar like a doctor appointment. If you’re unsure where to start, set aside five minutes each day to declutter.

Assess and decide

Start by categorizing your items into four main groups: donate, sell, recycle, and throw away.

Do a quick pass and you’ll be surprised how quickly you can dwindle down your pile. When it comes to donations, figure out the best and easiest way for you to donate your clutter responsibly.

Identify charities, thrift stores, or community groups that accept donations. Different items may need different destinations.

For instance, clothing might go to shelters, while electronics might be better suited for specialized recycling programs. Pro advice: recycling technology varies based on where you live and what electronics you have.

Check to see if the company has a recycling program (Apple, Dell, HP, etc). Or, if electronic stores have a similar program (Best Buy, Staples, etc). ALWAYS wipe your technology!

If you decide to sell

Before you open up Craigslist, remind yourself of the realities of selling your second hand items. How much time and energy is it worth?

You have to photograph, write a description, list online, and even possibly go back and forth with potential buyers. Are you going to take the time to pack it and ship it? Or, are you willing to get in your car and drive to meet someone or schedule a time they can pick said item up?

Oftentimes, my clients will get so hung up on the idea of selling items they want to declutter, they end up never getting rid of them. Remember: no matter what you paid or how much you think it’s worth, what matters is what someone will pay you cold hard cash for today.

Feeling lost or overwhelmed? Always come back to your why. This is your guiding force! It’s what drives you to tackle the clutter in the first place and helps you stay focused on your goals.

Whether your motivation is to create a more serene living space, to simplify your life, or to make room for new possibilities, keeping your reason at the forefront will reignite your enthusiasm and help you push through any obstacles.