Declutter Myth
How to Declutter with ADHD
How many times have you decided that you are going to take a weekend day and “tackle the garage” or “declutter the kitchen.” Then you pull everything out and feel exhausted.
It can seem that this is the best way to declutter, take a whole weekend and pull everything out of your closet, pantry, kitchen cabinets, garage etc……
But don’t fall into that myth, any decluttering rather than none is helpful.
But today, I want to dispel a common myth: decluttering doesn't have to take hours of your time.
The idea that decluttering requires a marathon session of cleaning and organizing is simply not true. In fact, adopting a few simple strategies and changing our mindset about tidying up can make a world of difference. Here are some tips to help you navigate the path to a more organized home without spending hours on end:
Tips to help Declutter:
Micro-Moments Matter: Instead of waiting for a massive cleaning spree, dedicate just 5-10 minutes a day to decluttering a small area. Set a timer and focus on one specific task during that time. You'll be amazed at what you can achieve in those short bursts of effort.
Break It Down: Divide larger tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. For instance, tackle one shelf in your closet, one drawer in your desk, or one corner of a room at a time. This approach prevents overwhelm and helps you stay on track.
The Power of Routine: Incorporate tidying into your daily routine. Spend a few minutes in the morning or before bed putting things back where they belong. Consistency is key to maintaining an organized space.
Set Realistic Goals: Don't strive for perfection. Understand that a perfectly organized home may not be achievable, and that's absolutely okay. Focus on making your space functional and comfortable for you.
Declutter as You Go: Whenever you notice an item that no longer serves a purpose or brings you joy, consider letting it go. The more you declutter as you go about your day, the less clutter accumulates over time.
Get Creative with Storage: Baskets, bins, shelves, and hooks can work wonders in helping you keep things organized with minimal effort. Utilize these storage solutions to your advantage.
Ask for Help: Don't hesitate to enlist the support of friends, family members, or professionals like myself when needed. Sometimes, an extra pair of hands or a fresh perspective can make a world of difference.
Remember, decluttering is not a one-size-fits-all process. Your journey to a more organized home is unique to you. By adopting these strategies and letting go of the myth that it has to be a time-consuming task, you can make steady progress towards a cleaner and more organized living space.
Many times as well decluttering has an emotional component with it as well. There are questions that have to be answered with almost every object and this can take its toll.
Questions to think about:
Do I use this item regularly, or is it collecting dust?
Is this item in good working condition, or is it broken or damaged?
Does this item serve a practical purpose in my life, or is it purely decorative?
Have I used this item in the past year?
Does this item have sentimental value, and is it significant enough to keep?
Can I easily replace this item if I need it in the future?
Does this item fit my current lifestyle, or is it no longer relevant?
Is this item taking up valuable space that could be used more efficiently?
Am I keeping this item out of guilt or obligation, rather than genuine need or desire?
Does this item contribute positively to my life, or does it cause stress or negative emotions?
Would I choose to buy this item if I encountered it in a store today?
Is this item part of a duplicate set, and do I need all the duplicates?
Does this item require significant maintenance or upkeep that I'm willing to commit to?
Does this item align with my current goals and priorities in life?
Can this item be repurposed or donated to benefit someone else?
Using these questions can help with making decisions about items.
Let me give you an example: A friend of mine had given me a gift of a facial steamer, it was a sweet gift, with her thought to give me, a new mom, a moment of zen. But I never used it. It sat in its box, I moved it across the country, in it’s original box. As I was unpacking, I saw it, and my thoughts changed, moving it used resources, holding on to it meant that it was not being used. I realized that I had a memory and the intent my friend had given me, that was worth more than the item. I donated it and felt good that it was finally going to be used.
I took the time to answer some of those important questions, with my answers I was able to move on. I recognize that some items have emotional and sentimental attachment to them. But taking a moment to explore what that attachment is can help with becoming more comfortable with letting physical things go as well as creating a less cluttered environment.
Where can you start in your decluttering journey?