Here are 10 secrets to declutter and have a cleaner home to decompress in. Home cleanliness is a large factor for depression and anxiety. The stress of existing with a lot of clutter then the overwhelm of requiring to organize it is freezing. The act of decluttering and cleaning could be more mentally stressful than the actual clutter itself.
Inhale 2-3-4 – Hold 2-3-4 – Exhale 2-3-4 – Rest 2-3-4
Whenever facing stressful situations therapists have taught the breathing technique. decluttering is also a challenge. Get some water to sip and destress. It’s a bio thing. The body will literally relax with sips of water just because it’s hard to do flight, fight, freeze if you’re able to drink.
1) Declutter first – organize last
Save some money. Don’t go buying a bunch of organizational boxes from the get go. The reason for all the stress is clutter. Reducing the clutter will breathe a bit of fresh air (literally now you can get that dust) that permits some less stress pondering in terms of how to organize what remains.
2) Indoor shoes
Don’t ask me why this helps. I have indoors shoes (well, slippers that aren’t fuzzy cause: Florida) and outdoor shoes. When it’s declutter time putting on the indoor slippershoes flips a brain switch that I’m working not lounging.
3) Start Small. Smaller than an entire room
A good example is the Ikea Kallax shelf unit. Start with one cube. Focus on that cube. Throw what needs to be thrown away. No don’t worry about that other dirty shelf. You are focusing on one with all your energy. When finished and aren’t at a state of exhaustion move to another cube.
4) Two bin method: Trash can + Move elsewhere basket
Before starting I grab a trash can and a bin, basket, whatever. This clutter bin that is a clear indicator whatever is in there is meant to go elsewhere. It is a way to stay stationary instead of running around and getting distracted by another place to declutter and clean.
5) Use the $30/30min** Rule
I’m guilty of this. When looking at something not touched for more than 1 year and if there’s a wishy washing about but I might need it... This is when the 30/30 rule kicks in. If it can be replaced for $30 or less within a 30 min radius: let it go. If there’s an object just waiting to be used and it’s been held for 3 years that’s almost 1100 days of it taking up space just in case for that one day. Let it go. It wasn’t needed those other 1099 days there’s other solutions for that 1.
**Typically this rule is 20/20. I’m adjusting for inflation because prices don’t accommodate 20/20 anymore. 🙁
6) Take a photo of sentimental item
This process will pull up sentimental items. It’s hard to let go. Take a nice photo of it and then categorize the object. Depending on what it is can push it into the stay, donate, or say goodbye category. It’s okay to say thank you and goodbye. You now have a digital copy of it through a photo so it hasn’t completely left.
7) Start implementing One Small routine of decluttering
This is for daily cleaning habits: Start with one. Don’t commit to too many to overwhelm you if it’s not met on day 3. One. It could be as minimal as: I finished brushing my teeth so I tidy the counter and give it a quick wipe down with some TP. Or: I unload the dishwasher while waiting for the coffee to brew so I only fill it while preparing next meal. Or: always have a sink full of soap water as I cook so I clean as I cook. Whatever is best in your already living routine of activity. Your choice.
8) Look at your home like a guest would
Social media is obsessed with a high level of cleanliness, don’t fret if your home isn’t at that level at every moment. If I go to a friend’s home and see a bin of “Brand” quick Oats for oatmeal on the shelf instead of it in a mason jar: that’s their breakfast. That’s it. Not an elaborate judgement given. I see a couple of dirty dishes in the sink: lunch was about 30 min ago, no biggie. The controllers for the TV and other systems on the coffee table: People live here. I’m going to reiterate that: People live in your home. Residing somewhere creates clutter and mess. Breathe, it’s okay.
9) Donation station
When looking at the “move elsewhere” basket or decluttering the closet and things keep popping up that “are nice, I just don’t need or want them.” It’s time to set up a donation station by the door out of your place. Bag for clothes, larger amazon box (guilty), for items. Success! Things in the “move elsewhere” basket are indeed moving elsewhere entirely.
10) Take regular breaks.
Just because you started decluttering does not mean you need to resolve 1000 small points of mess in one day. More than likely all these points did not happen in one day. They did not get decluttered yesterday so they will reliably be there tomorrow when you had some time to rest. You get paralyzed by 1000 cuts.
You have to give yourself permission to step away.
I hope this makes you feel better about this stressful situation of decluttering. It’s a process and it’s okay that it takes some time as well. Weight loss takes time. Relationships take time. Growing takes time. Practice moments daily and many things will resolve over time. There’s lots of time ahead so it’s okay.
Happy Cleaning!
Rachel
