Time, physical strength, emotional energy… there are a lot of factors that go into decluttering our homes. While I’ve covered some organizing “don’ts” before (for example, you can check out my post on harmful organizing solutions here), I’ve have a new batch of don’ts to share that are all about decluttering.
If you’re planning to clear out some of your clutter some time soon, this list is a must-read! By avoiding these time-wasting and energy-draining decluttering don’ts, you’ll have your home in tip-top shape in no time at all.
7 Decluttering Don’ts To Avoid Wasting Time And Energy
1. Don’t Dedicate An Entire Day To It
Be honest with yourself—do you really have the mental and physical stamina to spend all day organizing, or the emotional fortitude to sort through all of your stuff in a single sweep? For most of us, the answer is likely an emphatic “No,” (if any of you said “Yes,” color me impressed!)
If you try to dedicate an entire day to organizing, you’ll likely find yourself feeling frustrated and burnt out by lunchtime. Instead, spread your decluttering tasks out over several days by dedicating an hour or two to each section of your house.
2. Don’t Hold A Yard Sale
Traditional yard sales are time-consuming, frustrating and not nearly as lucrative as they used to be. If you’re more interested in getting rid of stuff than you are in making the most possible money, skip the part where you spend all day outside watching your belongings not sell.
Instead, list your big-ticket items for sale on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or your local equivalent, then donate the rest.
3. Don’t Start Without A Goal In Mind
If you don’t know what you’re trying to achieve by decluttering, it’s going to be harder to get rid of the things that are taking up space. Ask yourself why you want to get more organized. Do you want to spend less time cleaning, or do you need more space?
Revisit your motivations throughout the decluttering process, especially in moments of frustration or uncertainty. Reminding yourself of why you’re doing what you’re doing should refocus your efforts and help you make the best decision.
4. Don’t Take A Trip Down Memory Lane
Sifting through boxes of old photos can be really enjoyable—it’s why we keep them around, after all! But an unplanned trip down Memory Lane will surely eat into your precious decluttering time.
If you feel tempted to start flipping through photos or memorabilia, remind yourself of what you’re trying to accomplish and set them aside. You can always find a more appropriate time to look through them and reminisce.
5. Don’t Declutter Just Once
Decluttering is just like any other skill—the more you do it, the better you’ll get at it. When you begin your decluttering efforts, do it with the mindset that this is your first sweep.
Then when you’re in need of another decluttering session down the road, you can think back to the stuff you went back and forth about the first time and have a better idea of how often you really use them. Keeping clutter at bay is an ongoing project, so you’ll benefit from thinking of it like one.
6. Don’t Aim For Perfection
There’s no way those picture-perfect closets and pantries you see on Pinterest are that clean, pretty, and organized 100% of the time. The goal of organizing is to make your space more functional so you can live in it comfortably—it’s not about making your home look like a spread in the latest Southern Housekeeping magazine.
Keep your expectations realistic. This applies both to your own organization efforts, as well as the ongoing maintenance it will require to keep things clean and tidy. Setting the bar too high for yourself never ends well.
7. Don’t Let Guilt Guide You
A lot of us struggle with guilt when it comes to getting rid of things that cost us or someone else a lot of money, or that was given to us as a gift. If you find yourself struggling with this sort of guilt while decluttering, ask yourself if the item you’re feeling guilty about is adding anything of value to your home.
If all the item is really doing is taking up space, give yourself permission to let go of the item and the guilt along with it.
Do you have any decluttering don’ts you would add to this list?
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