As a professional organizer, I’ve seen firsthand the common challenges and feelings of overwhelm that many people face when it comes to decluttering. 

The start of a new year often brings a renewed desire to tackle these challenges, but where do you begin? 

The key, I’ve come to believe, is in shifting our perspective and approach. 

How? It’s easy. 

We can transform decluttering from a daunting task into an enjoyable and rewarding process.

Understanding the Overwhelm

Feeling overwhelmed when you think about decluttering your whole house is completely natural. 

It doesn’t mean you’re not up to the task. It’s just a human reaction to a big project. 

Realizing this is the first step towards planning a decluttering strategy that’s realistic and won’t leave you pulling your hair out.

Beyond Basic Tips

The internet is full of decluttering basics. There’s no shortage of advice on how to start, but what often isn’t talked about enough is how to keep that decluttering momentum going. 

It’s one thing to begin the journey; it’s another to stay on the path, especially when life gets busy or motivation wanes.

Over time, through various experiences and interactions with clients, I’ve gathered a range of insights and strategies that go beyond the usual ‘decluttering 101’. 

These tips, which I’ve sprinkled throughout my blog, touch on everything from practical step-by-step methods to more thoughtful approaches that connect decluttering with community impact.

And let’s not forget the emotional journey that decluttering often entails. For many, items aren’t just objects; they’re memories, feelings, and connections to the past. 

Navigating this emotional landscape while decluttering is something I’ve also explored. Understanding how to honor and preserve these memories while still making progress can be a delicate balance, but it’s an important aspect of the decluttering process.

These posts offer some foundational advice, but sometimes, we need more than just the basics to keep us going.

Finding Fun in the Process

Believe it or not, decluttering can be fun. It’s about shifting our perspective from seeing it as a tedious chore to viewing it as a treasure hunt or a game. 

When we start to enjoy the process of organizing and reclaiming our space, we’re more likely to stick with it. 

This mindset change has been a game-changer for many of those I’ve helped.

Decluttering Bingo: A Creative Twist

To add an element of fun, I’ve designed a decluttering bingo sheet. Download it and print it out here. 

This isn’t your typical bingo; it’s designed to make organizing your space a more engaging and rewarding experience. 

Set a goal for yourself, whether it’s completing a row, a column, a diagonal, or the whole card. 

And as a bonus, I’ve included my 14-day get-organized challenge in this bingo, offering you a structured way to start.

Other Strategies for Staying Motivated

As someone who declutters for a living, I’ve found a few personal strategies that keep things interesting. 

I often encourage clients to keep a decluttering diary that allows them to track their progress and see how far they’ve come. 

Similarly, a before-and-after photo journal can be incredibly motivating. It’s a visual testament to your hard work. 

And who doesn’t love a good playlist? Music always makes decluttering feel more like a party and less like work.

Here are other tangible tips that can help keep you motivated during the decluttering process. Try them all and see what sticks. 

• The “One-Year Rule” for Clothes: If you haven’t worn an item of clothing in a year, it’s likely you won’t wear it again. This rule helps make decisions about clothes easier.
• The “Box and Banish” Method: Place questionable items in a box and store it out of sight. If you don’t find yourself searching for any of those items within a set period (like a month or two), you can safely donate the box without opening it again.
• Decluttering Donation Jar: Every time you declutter an item, put a small amount of money (like a dollar) in a jar. Use the money for a special treat or donate it to a charity of your choice once it reaches a certain amount.

• The Hanger Trick for Clothes: Hang all your clothes with the hangers facing backward. When you wear an item, put it back with the hanger facing the correct way. After a set period, consider donating clothes on hangers that are still backward.
• “If It Takes Less Than Five Minutes, Do It Now” Rule: This mindset can help keep small clutter from building up. If you can put something away or deal with it in less than five minutes, do it immediately.

Before you leave, don’t forget to download your Decluttering Bingo Card here! 

Remember, decluttering isn’t just about sorting through stuff; it’s about creating a space that feels good to be in. 

What are your thoughts on making decluttering more enjoyable? Have you found any unique strategies that work for you?

Share your experiences in the comments – I’d love to hear from you. 

And if you think this post could help someone else in your circle, pass it along! You can motivate each other and even add a little friendly competition.

Don’t forget to follow me on social media for more practical tips, and check out my other posts for further decluttering and organizing advice. 

I’ll leave you on this note – decluttering can indeed be a rewarding experience if you take it one step at a time.

Before you go…

MAKE SURE TO FOLLOW US FOR MORE GOOD IDEAS
Instagram | Facebook | Little Red Book | Wechat

You can also contact me or subscribe to my newsletter here.

---

PIN IT FOR LATER ↓