A new year is here, and with that comes an opportunity for a fresh start. But what happens when the good intentions are there, but you are hitting a wall? You might be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, defeated, and frustrated. You don’t know where to start, where to find the motivation, and completely mad at yourself for letting things get to this point. Don’t worry, we’ve all been there (more times than I would like to admit). Below are warning signs you may own too much stuff and actionable tips for a peaceful decluttering session.

It might be time to declutter when…

• You have to stuff, shove, or struggle to put things away.

• Your things are starting to take over other areas of your space - what I call the “spill-over”.  

• You think your space is too small. Hint, it’s probably not! 

• You forget what you own. 

• Packages, shopping bags, or half wrapped gifts start pilling up in the corner. 

• You are buying organizing tools before decluttering. 

• You can’t find what you need when you need it. 

Actionable Steps

Keep what you actually want

I have gone through many decluttering sessions where I get rid of things because I am in a frenzied headspace, not a practical one. And when I have attacked my closet in this way, I would often get rid of things I would regret later.

The way I have fixed this is to declutter when I am in a good mood and think about my items, not in what I should get rid of but what I want to keep. This helps shift the negative headspace into a more productive one. 

Control the inflow

In my experience, it is more important to control what is coming in more than what you are taking out. Clutter accumulates overtime, not all at once.  

Create a wishlist

There will always be something you want. That’s why I swear by using a wishlist. When I feel the urge to buy something, I add it to the list and revisit it later. More often than not, I find that I’ve either:

1. Gotten over the impulse, or

2. Forgotten it was even on the list.

This simple practice filters out unnecessary purchases before they happen.

Give yourself time

Once you have added that item onto your wishlist, wait at least 72 hours (or more) before purchasing the item. This way, you can be sure that it truly is something you want. And when shopping in person, put the item(s) on hold, take a walk around, grab a bite to eat and if the want is still there then you can be more confident in your purchase.  

Make it a habit

Decluttering is best used as a maintenance tool rather than a frustration one. Start small! Take it sections at a time, and you will find the practice more rewarding and productive. 

And that is what I’ve got for you this week. 

Happy New Year everyone and talk to you next time, 

Dre