Decluttering isn’t just about cleaning up your physical space—it’s a journey towards a more mindful, organized, and peaceful life. However, it´s a process that requires patience and realistic expectations. So, how do you actually achieve this?
You can, of course, take a weekend off and go crazy with decluttering, sorting through all your belongings in one go. When I was struggling with clutter in my own home, that’s exactly what I felt like doing! (You can read more about my personal background here.) But for a sustainable result, without getting burnt out and overwhelmed, I definitely recommend a slow and steady approach instead.
It took me about a year to go through all my own and shared belongings the first time around. Yes, the first time. Decluttering is a never-ending process, but there’s a big difference between keeping up and catching up. And there’s no rush. You might be able to do it in a couple of months or less, or it might take three years. It’s all okay.
Realistic Expectations
The setting of realistic expectations is crucial. You have collected your possessions over a lifetime, and decluttering all of it won’t happen overnight. Accept that progress might be slow, but each step forward is improvement, and that means success!
Break down the process into smaller, manageable tasks. Tackle one drawer, one shelf, or one corner at a time. This approach is very important to prevent from getting overwhelmed and allows you to see progress immediately, which will give you the motivation to move forward.
Decluttering is not about getting rid of everything. It’s about making conscious choices about what to keep and what to let go. The attachment to our things is real, but with some practice, it will get easier to let go of things you no longer need or want.
Always start with easy things like obvious trash, recyclables, or items you have absolutely no attachment to. Just doing that will give you a dopamine kick and the motivation to move on!
Your Journey
Remember that your decluttering journey is unique to you. Try not to compare your progress to others. What matters is that you’re moving forward at your own pace. It’s normal to feel frustrated or stuck at times. If that happens, ask yourself what’s holding you back. Are there emotional attachments? Lack of time or energy? Understanding the reasons can help you address them effectively.
It is also extremely important to stop the inflow of items. Take a good look at your shopping habits and decide what you will change from now on. You don’t want all your hard work to be for nothing, right?
Just like physical exercise, decluttering requires practice. The more you do it, the better you become. Over time, you’ll build your “decluttering muscles,” making the process easier and more intuitive. Acknowledge and celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Take before and after pictures to compare—many find that very motivating!
Patience with others
If you have a spouse or a family, it’s important to manage your expectations of other people in your household. You can’t force them to adopt your pace or mindset. Be patient and focus on what you can control—your own belongings and neutral areas, like the kitchen, bathrooms, entryway, the living room and possibly the children´s rooms. Lead by example, and your actions might inspire others to join you, but don’t pressure them. I know it’s hard, but over time, others might see the benefits of a decluttered space and choose to join you. Bite your tongue, be patient and give them the space to come aboard at their own pace.
Decluttering is an opportunity for personal growth, specifically for changing habits and mindset. If you truly want a more simplified and easy-to-clean home, you have to respect its limits and boundaries. And to do that, you need to get rid of all the excess. It’s going to be a lot of work, but it’s going to be worth it.
Conclusion
Decluttering is a journey that requires patience, both with the process and with ourselves and others. By setting realistic expectations, taking it one step at a time, and embracing the slow and steady approach, we can create lasting changes that lead to a more organized and peaceful life. Remember, it’s not about perfection—it’s about progress. Celebrate your wins, be kind to yourself, and inspire those around you through your actions. If you need more motivation, you are very welcome to follow Home Organizing with Ordna on Instagram! And if you need help in person, don´t hesitate to contact me for a free introduction call. Happy decluttering!
Love,
Malin
