admin, Author at Dare to Declutter

Start Small: The Key to Successful Decluttering and Organisation

In a world filled with constant distractions and a fast paced lifestyle, starting small is a big step in your journey.

Trying to maintain a clutter free and organised living space can feel like an overwhelming task.

However, the secret to achieving lasting results lies in the simplicity of starting small.

As a seasoned declutterer and personal organiser, I understand the importance of taking manageable steps to create a more organised and harmonious environment.

In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of starting small and guide you through the process.

We shall look at decluttering various areas, from rooms and drawers to wardrobes, sheds, and garages.

The Power of Starting Small:

Embarking on a decluttering journey might seem like a daunting task.

Starting small is the key to overcoming inertia and building momentum.

Here are some compelling reasons why beginning with manageable areas can lead to long-term success:

Overcoming Overwhelm:

Tackling an entire room or a cluttered wardrobe at once can be overwhelming, often leading to frustration and burnout. Starting small allows you to focus on a specific area, making the process more manageable and less stressful.

Building Confidence:

Success breeds confidence. By conquering smaller spaces first, you’ll experience immediate results, boosting your confidence and motivation to tackle larger areas later. This incremental approach ensures a sense of accomplishment at every step.

Establishing Sustainable Habits:

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is an organised living space. Starting small helps you build sustainable habits by gradually incorporating organisation into your daily routine. It’s a journey, not a sprint.

Creating Lasting Change:

Small victories accumulate into significant changes. The habits you develop during the process of starting small will pave the way for a more organised and clutter free lifestyle in the long run.

Decluttering Various Spaces:

Now that we understand the importance of starting small, let’s delve into practical tips for decluttering specific areas of your home:

Drawers and Cupboards:

Begin with a single drawer or cupboard. Empty its contents, assess each item, and categorise them into keep, donate, or discard piles. Invest in drawer dividers or organisers to maintain order. Starting with smaller storage spaces sets the stage for a more organised home.

Wardrobes:

Approach your wardrobe in sections. Start with a category, such as shoes or accessories, and work your way through. Donate or sell items you haven’t worn in the past year. Utilise storage solutions like hanging organisers and shelves to maximise space and maintain order.

Rooms:

Divide rooms into zones and focus on one area at a time. This could be a corner, a bookshelf, or even a tabletop. Remove unnecessary items, clean the space, and add storage solutions like baskets or bins. Gradually work through the entire room, celebrating small victories along the way.

Sheds and Garages:

Tackling larger spaces like sheds and garages may seem intimidating, but by breaking them down into sections, the process becomes more manageable. Start with a single shelf or a corner, sorting and organising tools, equipment, and other items. Dispose of anything you no longer need and invest in storage solutions like shelves and bins to maintain order.

Start small: the way to go

In the journey towards a more organised and clutter-free living space, starting small is the cornerstone of success.

Eventually, by embracing this approach, you not only make the process more manageable but also set the stage for lasting change.

Remember, every small step you take contributes to the larger goal of achieving a harmonious and organised home.

Either way, start small, stay consistent, and revel in the transformation of your living space.

How to Set Clear Decluttering Goals for a Clutter Free Space

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In the chaos of our daily lives, our physical spaces often mirror the disarray within.

Setting clear decluttering goals is not just about organising belongings but is a transformative process.

This process can significantly impact our mental well being.

This blog will guide you through the steps of defining clear decluttering objectives.

If you visualise the benefits of a clutter free space, this will help you stay motivated and focused on your journey towards a tranquil home.

Understanding the Importance of Clear Decluttering Goals:

The first step in achieving a clutter free space is understanding why setting clear decluttering goals is crucial.
Clear goals provide direction, purpose, and a roadmap for your decluttering journey.
They help break down the overwhelming task of decluttering into manageable steps, making the process more achievable and less daunting.

Identify Specific Areas for Decluttering:

To set clear decluttering goals, start by identifying specific areas in your home that need attention.
Whether it’s the overflowing wardrobe, cluttered kitchen counter tops, or a chaotic home office.
Pinpointing these areas will help you create targeted and achievable goals.

SMART Goals for Effective Decluttering:

Adopt the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) criteria when setting decluttering goals.
For example, instead of a vague goal like “organise the living room,” make it specific and measurable, such as “declutter the living room by sorting through and donating unused items within the next two weeks.”
SMART goals provide a clear structure and timeline, making it easier to track progress and stay motivated.

Visualising the Benefits of a Clutter-Free Space:

To stay motivated, it’s essential to visualise the positive impact of a clutter free space. Envision the serenity, productivity, and overall well being that a tidy environment can bring.
Imagine the peaceful haven and warm feeling of achieving a decluttered space.
These visualisation techniques will spur you on to do more

Create a Vision Board:

Take your visualisation a step further by creating a vision board.
Compile images, quotes, and goals related to your ideal clutter free space.
A vision board serves as a tangible reminder of your objectives, keeping you focused and inspired throughout the decluttering process.
Include images of well organised space and quotes on simplicity will help the motivation to declutter.

Break Down Goals into Bite-Sized Tasks:

Large decluttering goals can be overwhelming.
Break them down into smaller, more manageable tasks.
For instance, if your goal is to declutter the entire wardrobe, break it down into sub-goals like ‘sort and donate unused clothes,’ ‘organise accessories,’ or ‘create a capsule wardrobe.‘
This approach makes the process less daunting and enables a sense of accomplishment with each completed task.

Regularly Review and Adjust Goals:

As you progress, regularly review your decluttering goals.
Adjust them as needed based on your evolving priorities and circumstances to enable success as you move forward.
Flexibility is key to maintaining motivation and adapting to unexpected challenges.

Clear Decluttering Goals:

Setting clear decluttering goals is the foundation of creating a harmonious living space.

If you understand the importance of clear goals, you can identify specific areas for decluttering.

By adopting the SMART criteria, visualising the benefits and possibly creating a vision board, is a good start.

Breaking down your goals, and regularly reviewing progress, you can achieve a clutter free and tranquil home.

Embrace the process, stay motivated, and let the transformation begin.

An Extra Pair of Hands in Decluttering

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In a world that seems to move faster every day, our living spaces can easily become chaotic and overwhelming.

Whether it’s a cluttered closet, a disorganised garage, or an overflowing basement, the task of decluttering can feel daunting.

Hiring a declutterer is like inviting an extra pair of hands into your life, and the benefits are numerous.

The Extra Pair of Hands You Need

Imagine having someone by your side, helping you sift through years of accumulated belongings.

Declutterers help you to make decisions about what stays and what goes.

A professional declutterer is precisely that – an extra pair of hands dedicated to streamlining your space.

They bring expertise, objectivity, and a fresh perspective to the task, making the process not only more manageable but even enjoyable.

Benefits of Hiring a Declutterer

1. Expertise and Efficiency

Declutterers are trained professionals who understand the psychology of clutter and the most effective methods for organising a space.

They know how to maximise efficiency and minimise stress. With their guidance, what might have taken you weeks to accomplish can often be done in a fraction of the time.

2. Objectivity

It’s easy to become emotionally attached to our belongings, even if they no longer serve us.

A declutterer offers an objective viewpoint, helping you let go of items that are no longer useful or meaningful.

They ask the right questions to guide your decision-making process, making it easier to part with things you no longer need.

3. Customised Solutions

No two spaces are the same, and what works for one person may not work for another.

Declutterers provide personalised solutions tailored to your needs and lifestyle.

Implementing a new storage system, rearranging furniture for better flow, or suggesting creative ways to repurpose items.

Declutterers offer solutions that fit your space and preferences.

4. Stress Reduction

Clutter can have a significant impact on our mental and emotional well-being.

It creates visual chaos and can contribute to feelings of overwhelm and anxiety.

By clearing out the excess and creating an organised environment, a declutterer helps promote a sense of calm and tranquillity in your home.

5. Time and Money Savings

While it may seem counterintuitive to hire someone to help with decluttering, the time and money saved in the long run can be substantial.

A declutterer helps you avoid costly mistakes, such as purchasing storage solutions that don’t work or keeping items you don’t need.

They also free up your time, allowing you to focus on the things that matter most to you.

In a world where time is a precious commodity, enlisting the help of a declutterer is a smart investment in both your space and your well-being.

They are not just organisers; they are partners in creating a more harmonious and functional environment.

So, the next time you feel overwhelmed by clutter, remember the power of those key words: “hire a declutterer.”

It’s like having an extra pair of hands, ready to transform your space and simplify your life.

How to Start Decluttering. Yes it’s hard

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Unlock the power of Decluttering

In a world filled with endless distractions and possessions, finding peace amidst the chaos can feel like an uphill battle. How to start decluttering can combat this.

Decluttering and organising our spaces can seem like an insurmountable task, leaving many feeling overwhelmed and paralysed.

However, understanding why decluttering is challenging and equipping ourselves with effective strategies can empower us to take the first steps towards a more organised and harmonious life.

how to set clear goals — Setting Clear Goals

Why Decluttering is Hard

Emotional Attachment:

We often form emotional bonds with our possessions, making it difficult to let go of items even if they no longer serve us.

Decision Fatigue:

The sheer volume of items to sort through can lead to decision fatigue, making it challenging to prioritise and take action.

Fear of Waste:

Many people struggle with guilt or fear of wasting items that were once valuable or expensive, leading to hoarding tendencies.

Perfectionism:

The desire for perfection can hinder progress, as individuals may feel overwhelmed by the idea of achieving an immaculate space.

How to start Decluttering:

Start Small:

Break the task into smaller, manageable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Begin with one area or category at a time, such as a drawer or closet.

Set Clear Goals:

Define your decluttering objectives and visualise the benefits of a clutter-free space to stay motivated.

Establish a System:

Create a system for sorting items into categories such as keep, donate, or discard, making decisions easier and more efficient.

Seek Support:

Enlist the help of friends or family members to provide encouragement and accountability during the decluttering process. Or hire a declutterer

Tips for Success:

Practice Mindfulness:

Stay present and focused on the task at hand, letting go of distractions and negative thoughts.

Embrace Imperfection:

Recognise that decluttering is a journey, not a destination. Celebrate progress rather than striving for perfection.

Donate or Recycle:

Redirecting unwanted items to those in need or recycling them can alleviate guilt and contribute to a greater sense of purpose.

Maintenance is Key:

Once you’ve decluttered, establish habits to maintain organisation and prevent clutter from accumulating again.

The Importance of Decluttering:

Decluttering goes beyond creating a tidy space; it can have a profound impact on our mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

As Joshua Becker, author of “The More of Less,” aptly puts it, “Minimalism is the intentional promotion of the things we most value and the removal of everything that distracts us from it.”

By simplifying our surroundings, we create space for clarity, creativity, and meaningful experiences.

A clutter-free environment can reduce stress, increase productivity, and foster a greater sense of peace and contentment.

While decluttering may pose challenges, it is a journey worth embarking on.

By understanding the barriers to decluttering and implementing practical strategies, we can reclaim control over our spaces and lives.

As we let go of the unnecessary, we make room for what truly matters, unlocking the transformative power of how to start decluttering one step at a time.

Ashamed of your clutter?

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When you hear the word “declutter”, the words that immediately spring to mind are, mess, clutter, chaos, organise and clear.

There are so many words that are associated with decluttering, the list could go on and on.
Unfortunately the word I hear again and again is “ashamed”.

I also hear overwhelmed, anxious, sad, lost, but most of all ashamed.

I hate it when I walk into a client’s house and they hang their head in embarrassment and tell me how ashamed they are.

At this point I normally sit them down and tell them that, I am no one special, just another human being coping in this crazy world.

I tell them that I am not there to judge, I am there to help. I remind them that they are employing me and that they are in charge!

And there really is no reason for embarrassment.

After all it’s only stuff, no one has done anything wrong. It’s just an accumulation of lots of things, and it’s all become overwhelming.

Many homes I visit are lost in clutter. Sometimes I can’t see the furniture or the floor.

Some of my clients haven’t slept in their beds for years because it’s hidden under a pile of things, and that’s when I know the clutter comes from a deeper place.

Ashamed of your clutter – the reasons

Bereavement, mental health, illness, sadness, loneliness. So I never want to pile shame, and judgment on top!

It can be really hard for some people to make a start. And it takes a lot of courage for some to reach out for help.

So when things get too much and you are looking to heal. Never feel ashamed of your clutter, feel excited, feel exhilarated and feel proud.

Proud that you have found the strength to make a start. Proud that you found the courage to reach out for help.

Never be ashamed of your clutter

Hiring a declutterer you are in control

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How much control should you have when you hire a professional declutterer?

Total control is the answer!

When you hire a professional organiser/declutterer, it is so important that he or she respects your belongings.

It can be really intimidating letting a complete stranger into your home and allowing
them access to all of your belongings. It’s so important that they allow you to lead the project and have complete control of what you keep and what you let go of.

Everyone is different, and what one person wouldn’t dream of holding onto can be another person’s treasure.

With this in mind, it’s crucial that a declutterer is non judgemental and treats their clients belongings with respect.

When hiring a declutterer, you are in control

The role of a declutterer is to find ways of keeping, storing or displaying the things you hold dear.

For example one of my clients had a collection of tiny bits and pieces that she adored,
most of them held some sentimental memory.

She explained that in the past some of her friends had tried to help her declutter, and had dismissed these little beauties as rubbish, telling her to throw them away.

They were very pushy and bossy and left my client feeling a little ashamed and very angry.

This interaction had a lasting effect on my client, and in our first conversation
she asked “how much control will I have when you arrive?”

I went on to give her ideas on how to keep her treasures, storing some, and displaying the most loved ones in a display frame that has pride of place on her hallway wall.

Making sure you have a good relationship with a declutterer is key, so check out their website, read all of their reviews, and most importantly speak to them first.

This will give you a feel for them, because not all will be a good fit for you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Remember when hiring a declutterer, you are in control. Above all, ask them to respect your stuff