Are you struggling to complete the decluttering process? Have you gotten started with decluttering only to find yourself stuck? Perhaps the initial excitement wore off. Or maybe you lost focus. Here are some common reasons why you are struggling to complete the decluttering process.
Why You Are Struggling to Complete the Decluttering Process
1. No accountability
With any big task or undertaking, it is highly likely you will lose motivation at some point. When you have a big goal, it’s very helpful to have a person or group that will help keep you accountable.
Choosing to live more simply and with less stuff isn’t the cultural norm. It’s harder to live differently when it feels like no one is on your side or helping you keep up with your commitments.
There is power in accountability and it can be an integral part of helping you achieve your decluttering goals.
This is why you’re struggling to complete the decluttering process because you are trying to go it alone. While that works for some people, it makes it significantly more challenging for most.
Having people in your life whether it be in person or online who will help you stick to your goals and commitments will make it much more likely that you’ll achieve your vision.
“Accountability is the glue that ties commitment to the result.” -Bob Proctor
2. No plan
Have you ever started with a great idea that just didn’t seem to work out because you lacked the specifics of the plan? It’s easy to start decluttering with lofty ideas of how you’ll get it all done.
I remember the first time I went to declutter my clothes. My plan was to get it all done in an hour and a half before I had to go pick up my kids.
Thinking I had plenty of time I emptied my closet and drawers onto my bed (similar to what you see in Tidying Up). The problem was I grossly underestimated how long it would take me to go through the clothes.
I had to leave to pick up my kids with clothes everywhere and I was really annoyed that night when I wanted to go to bed, but couldn’t see my bed underneath all the stuff I’d piled on it.
That experience served as an example of how ill-fated plans can end with you being more frustrated than when you started. You’re not as likely to continue with the decluttering process when it’s a constant source of stress and disruption.
Create a plan and scope your projects down. Don’t try to bite off more than you can chew. You don’t need to be the fastest declutterer there ever was. Consistency wins every time.
You’re struggling to complete the decluttering process because you don’t have a clear plan. Having a plan and knowing the steps to take to get there will help you to stay focused and on track.
“If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail!” -Benjamin Franklin
3. Lack of support
It can be quite a challenge to try and make changes to your home when you live with other family members who do not share your vision.
You are struggling to complete the decluttering process when you feel alone and as if others in the home may be working against you.
When you can’t find support at home, look for support and encouragement in your journey elsewhere. Find a friend and be part of a community of people who are also working to declutter their homes and lives like Simplify & Declutter.
When you hit roadblocks and challenges in your decluttering journey having supportive people in your life will help encourage you to keep moving forward to meet your goals.
“The only way to get better is to surround yourself with people who believe in you.” -unknown
4. Habits remain the same
Maybe you made it through decluttering your entire home but then found that the clutter came back. In order to have lasting change happen in your home, you have to look at where the clutter is coming from.
There are a few common culprits that lead to clutter re-entering the home. If you have school-aged children, school and events often bring in clutter. The papers and projects from school can seem endless at times.
It also seems as though any time my kids attend an event there are lots of random free swag and art projects that they bring home.
Relatives or friends often contribute to the clutter influx also. Well-meaning people who love you and your family members continually give you or often your kids things they think they’ll like. However, not all gifts end up being used or loved.
Encourage friends and family to consider gifting experiences instead of more stuff. Clutter-free gifts are a great option to give something that can be enjoyed but that doesn’t cause additional clutter in the home.
Your own shopping habits may be contributing to the influx of clutter too. Look at what you spend your money on and ask if those purchases are contributing to your life and goals.
You’re struggling to complete the decluttering process when you still have clutter constantly coming into your home. See what habits need to change and plan for regular maintenance to keep things decluttered.
“The secret to permanently breaking any bad habit is to love something greater than the habit.” –Bryant McGill
5. Unclear on the end goal
Maybe you’ve decluttered some in most of your home, but you still don’t feel good about what remains. Perhaps you didn’t set a goal for the end result before you got started.
Many people, in their excitement, to make progress and get started, skip this step. However, I’ve seen time and time again the difference it makes when you take the time to set your decluttering goals before you begin.
It’s harder to chart the course when you don’t know the destination. Having a clear vision also helps continue to motivate you through the process.
When you can see the end goal and it’s important and meaningful to you, you’ll be much more likely to work through the difficulties along the way.
A clear goal provides clarity throughout the process. When you can envision the way you want your home to look, function, and feel it becomes easier to let go of items that are getting in the way of your goals.
“People with goals succeed because they know where they’re going.” -Earl Nightingale
If you find yourself struggling to complete the decluttering process perhaps it is one or more of these five areas that are the problem. Once you identify the challenges, you can work to remedy them and finally achieve your decluttering dreams.
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Need more help with decluttering?
I created the Your Home Decluttered course to walk you step by step through the decluttering process. It includes the Your Home Decluttered workbook which is also available by itself. It includes sections on setting goals, creating your plan, checklists for each room type, celebrating your victories, assessing your habits, and making sure you reached your goals.
For further details on the course & workbook and to purchase, go here: https://thesimplicityhabit.vipmembervault.com/products
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