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Taking stock of your lifestyle and deciding to go down the road of decluttering is a big step in anyone’s life – and it’s essential to go about things the right way. Recently, experts met in an online discussion to reveal what they’ve learned along the way that they wish they had known before being introduced to the world of decluttering.
1. Expect Some Pushback
Not everyone will be on your side. Unsurprisingly, many people feel judged when they decide to declutter. “It’s not always easy,” reveals one man.
You’ll probably have family members who will act like you’re doing something terrible; you haven’t donated enough, there’s insufficient time, stuff like that. Remember: This is your decision, not anyone else’s.
2. Only Declutter Your Own Things
Many experts reveal how much pain it caused when others took it upon themselves to throw out things that didn’t belong to them. While it may feel exhilarating to declutter your own life, and the feeling of helping others do the same may seem exciting, remember that the only person who can truly decide what stays and goes is the person who owns it.
The Biggest Decluttering Mistake You Don’t Know You’re Making
This common sorting mistake can completely derail your decluttering progress. Find out the mistake you’re probably making without realizing and what to do instead.
3. You’ll Face Your Bad Habits
Taking mental stock of your current situation – and how you got there – is vital to emerging from this process as a better, healthier person. “It’s hard to declutter art supplies you bought because you have to admit that you tried to be an artist and failed,” explains one woman. “Maybe you have a bad habit of collecting supplies, but either way, expect this and give yourself permission to move on and accept you have changed.”
4. Take Pictures If You Can
Often, people in the midst of decluttering fear the memory of an item will disappear over time. Experts agree that taking photos of things with small sentimental value — but still need to be thrown out — prolongs that item’s memory in your brain.
Popular Decluttering, Organizing, and Minimalist Trends People Can’t Stand
It’s no secret that many people are looking for any way to declutter their lives, and for most, that starts with their homes. There are countless methods to declutter, organize, and embrace a minimalist lifestyle, but not all are respected by the general public. Recently, decluttering experts met in an online discussion to reveal the trends they wish would go away forever.
5. Be Careful With Selling
While the prospect of making a few dollars by selling unwanted stuff is intriguing, countless declutterers admit it made the process even more challenging. “I know myself well enough to know that I won’t ever sell my clutter — and even if I tried, I wouldn’t be able to,” confesses one woman. “Same with yard sales. It’s better for me to get rid of it right away than to let it fester in the home for another second.”
6. Consider Minimalism
Once you’re on the road to decluttering success, ask yourself: Will I be happier if I take this process even further? If the answer is yes, then it’s advised you strongly consider minimalism. A minimalistic way of life could be the eye-opening seismic shift in your mindset that you didn’t know you needed!
One Question Keeping Your Home Cluttered
It’s true! Asking yourself this one question could be keeping your home cluttered. Learn what that question is and how simply rewording it can mean the difference between struggling with clutter and finally becoming clutter-free:
7. Being Overwhelmed is Normal
Decluttering often feels like a mountain that’s impossible to climb — but it’s not a mountain. Trust the process, and don’t let negativity seep in. “It’s not the system; it’s the stuff,” explains one man. “No amount of organizing will work if you have a thousand things. It’s like being a teacher stuck with too many students.”
8. Stop Before You’re Tired
Fatigue can creep up and ambush you anytime, putting you in a negative headspace. Fight the urge to “power through” and get more decluttering than you feel comfortable with. Remember: Decluttering is a journey that can take more than just a few days!
Declutter Your Home Quickly: 10 Easy Ways to Simplify
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by stuff and wondering how to purge your home, we’ve got you covered. Starting to declutter and simplify your life doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Promise! Here are 10 easy ways to get started and create a happy, organized life.
9. Accept the Reality
The entire decluttering process will be arduous, and it may be challenging to gauge your progress. However, know that every item you throw out is one step closer to your goal!
10. Only Include Family Members Who Support You
Many people decluttering their life confess that some family members were not helpful during the ordeal. It’s common for relatives to fight to keep certain items that you would like to throw in the trash! Everyone must be on the same page, so if you sense animosity from a family member, they should let you do this alone.
Source: Reddit.
This article was produced and syndicated by Happy Organized Life.
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