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I am excited to bring you Part 2 of our Decluttering series! In Part 1, we started by exploring our feelings and how just thinking about decluttering can make us feel. If you haven’t read Part 1 and you have time, go back and check out. It will help give you context for today's discussion. Today, we delve into what makes decluttering so challenging.
Deciding to get organized is a significant step, especially in this season of your life. However, decluttering is often the next most challenging part of the process. It requires you to dig into spaces you likely haven’t touched in a while, think about things you haven’t considered, and deal with items that have been hidden away for months or even years. This journey can also lead to finding lost treasures and experiencing positive emotions.
Decluttering not only creates a physical mess but also stirs up various emotional and practical challenges. Let's break down these obstacles:
Why is Decluttering So Challenging?
1. Emotional Attachments: Letting go of belongings that hold sentimental value can be incredibly difficult. These items often remind us of special memories, people, or significant life events. It can seem like it’s not just an object we're parting with, but a piece of our past. For instance, a childhood toy, an old letter from a friend, or a souvenir from a memorable trip can all hold powerful emotional significance. However, we must remember that we will always have those memories even if we don’t have the items. Creating a keepsake box for some of our cherished items can be a great compromise.
2. Practical Concerns: You might worry about wasting resources or needing items in the future. The thought of discarding something that might be useful someday can be paralyzing. This is especially true for items that are still in good condition or were expensive. Concerns about environmental impact and wastefulness also come into play, making it hard to let go. These are all valid concerns, yet we don’t want to allow these concerns to get in the way of us establishing peace and productivity in our space.
NOTE: In our Summer Organizing Checklist we talked about the 20/20 rule. The 20/20 rule is a decluttering strategy created by Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus of The Minimalists. The rule states that you should consider letting go of an item if you can replace it for less than $20 and can replace it in less than 20 minutes. This rule is for small and random items around your home and may not apply to sentimental items, clothing, or other significant possessions.
3. Aspirational Clutter: Decluttering can remind you of goals you haven't achieved or identities you aspired to but didn't become. Items like unused gym equipment, hobby supplies, or aspirational clothing sizes can be a constant reminder of unfulfilled aspirations. These objects symbolize who we wanted to be, and letting go of them can feel like giving up on those dreams, which can cause us to experience strong emotional attachments. This is a time where we have to be realistic with ourselves. Self-awareness will take us a long way when dealing with aspirational clutter and help us keep our emotions in check. Reflect on how long it’s been since you used the item(s). If you haven't used it in a long time, decide whether you are still interested in the item or project. If you are, give yourself what I call a “by when” time frame. This means if you haven't used it "by [date]", you will get rid of it.
4. Mental and Physical Exhaustion: If you're already exhausted, finding the energy to declutter can be a daunting task. The process requires decision-making, physical labor, and emotional resilience. For someone who is mentally drained or physically tired, the mere thought of starting can be overwhelming, making it easier to put off until "another day." This is when planning becomes essential. If you know you have more energy in the morning, plan to work on decluttering one area for 10, 20, or 30 minutes (or however long you can) without overdoing it. You can also hire a professional to help. A great ProOrganizer will lift the weight off your shoulders, giving you peace even before you start a decluttering session, along with accountability and support.
5. Overwhelm: Facing a large number of items can make it overwhelming to decide what to keep and what to discard. When every drawer, closet, and shelf is packed, it’s hard to know where to begin. This sense of overwhelm can lead to procrastination, as the sheer volume of work required feels insurmountable. This is when most of my clients call me—when they have reached the end of their rope and don’t know what to do. I highly recommend connecting with a ProOrganizer before you get to this point. It will take so much pressure off you, leaving you with peace and confidence that you can get through this.
What to Do?
Step 1: Start by checking out my Summer Organizing Checklist . This checklist will help you with your purging process.
Step 2: Create a plan.
Step 3: Take notes in one location.
Step 4: Get into ACTION!
Tip: If you have items that can be sold, sell them. Give each item a “by when” date, and if it hasn't sold by that date, donate it. Remember, the value you believe something holds is not necessarily its true value. Just because you paid $5000 for something 10 years ago and it's still in great condition does not mean it will sell for even close to that. We have to base the value of something on the current market.
Understanding these challenges is the first step towards overcoming them. Remember, the goal is to create a space that supports your current life and aspirations. Start small, be kind to yourself, and take one step at a time.
Stay tuned for our next installment, where we will share strategies to tackle these challenges and make your decluttering journey smoother and more rewarding.
Before you go, check out some of my favorite Keepsake Boxes.
Collapsible Decorative Memory Box with Lid: https://amzn.to/4d3No3V
Foldable Magnetic Gift Boxes with Lid: https://amzn.to/3WsuyxO
Collapsible Fireproof Storage Organizer Anti-Static Box: https://amzn.to/469h657
WeatherPro Portable File Organizer w/ Organizer-Lid: https://amzn.to/4d3No3V
(This post contains affiliate links to Amazon that I make a small commission from with no extra costs added to you.)
Until Next Time,
TakillaRene
Xtreme Audacity
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