Preparation, preparation, preparation!
The number one step in decluttering and organising – which often gets overlooked – is preparation and planning.
It can be tempting to dive straight in and start emptying your cupboards, but if you are not clear on your intentions and goals you may find that you become stuck.
Before starting work I recommend putting pen to paper (or finger to smartphone) and writing down the following:
- What is my objective?
Try to be as specific as possible – rather than just “to have a tidy house” think about what it is about a tidy house which appeals to you. It might be “to be able to easily find my things.” or “to be able to have a friend to stay.” or “to make it easy to clean.”
- What will that look like?
How will you know when you have met your objective? What specific milestones will you be aiming for? This might be something like “I will be able to fit all my clothes in the wardrobe and close the door.” or “I will reduce my crafting materials down to these two drawers.” or “There will be nothing on any of the surfaces.”
- The Why
Why is this work important to you? Keeping sight of “The why” will help you to maintain motivation when things get difficult. This stage can be quite emotional, so bear in mind that you might experience some discomfort. These feelings are likely the reason you are here, ready to make a change. Make sure to focus on the ways in which your life be better as a result of doing this work, as well as the challenges you are facing now.
- When will I do the work?
Scheduling out specific dates and times, as well as session duration. You may find it helpful to set a timer, and remember to allow plenty of time for tidying up at the end – decluttering involves a bit of chaos during the process!
Every hour you spend doing this work is another step towards your goals, so don't be disheartened if progress feels slow sometimes.
- Other factors
Check out local recycling schemes, waste collection, online marketplaces.
It's helpful to have a plan for your unwanted things before you start, so that they don't end up sitting by the front door for weeks.
Ideally try to schedule drop offs and collections for the day you do the work. This will give you that real sense of space and freedom as a reward for your hard work!
