1. Begin with whatever irritates you most. However, DO NOT choose someone else’s space (husband’s office, child’s room). Take care of your own stuff.
2. Use a timer. Set time limits of 10, 15 or 30 minutes. Allow yourself to be done with the task, even if the project is not done.
3. Tackle one small section at a time. Use a small container to limit how much stuff you will deal with at a time. Consider using a “declutter” box for each person in the family into which anything out of place is placed to be put away by the owner.
4. Stay focused. Don’t get pulled into another cluttered area and abandon the job you started or you will end up with two (or more) partially decluttered areas, and you will feel defeated once more.
5. Find an accountability partner. (If nothing else, join The Declutter Lady on Facebook and post your daily intentions.)
6. Incorporate decluttering into your lifestyle by forming new habits. BUT, keep decluttering in perspective: don’t let it take over your life. It’s an ongoing activity that you do so your home and/or office feels comfortable, looks presentable and you live life the way you want.
Hey Brenda! I found your blog via #31DbbbDay1. I just moved into a new house this week and this seems like sound advice. I’ll let you know how it goes. If you need more followers/help, check out thesitsgirls.com. They are AMAZING.
Thanks so much! I appreciate your advice and will check the site out. In the meantime, I hear you about moving — we moved four times in the last two years, so if you have any questions related to unpacking, let me know! Brenda