Why do we Procrastinate? Usually because we fear something is too difficult, too overwhelming, too boring & tedious or we think the task is simply not worth the effort. These all apply to a multitude of different tasks but there are a few other that are specific to De-Cluttering and Organising your home.
3 Types of Clutter Procrastinators – Which are You?
The ‘Just In Case’ Crowd:
If you’re the type of person who says ‘I might need it’ … ‘I’m saving it’ ….. ‘It’s a back up’… your in this group. These ‘just in case’ decisions will clutter up your house faster than any thing else. ‘Just in Case’ is a free pass to buy what ever you want & keep what ever you want. You will also end up taking things that others are getting rid of just because it’s free. You are collecting things with no clear plan for them and no idea where you will store them. Loft and garage are full to the brim? You have probably been guilty of this at some point.
Solution: Be picky about what you allow into the valuable asset that is your home. I’m not talking about the money value of an item. Instead consider what the item actually contributes in a meaningful way to your life. ‘Just in casers’ usually have lots of brand new never used items. Be pragmatic about your purchases in future, these days we can buy anything and have it delivered in 24 hours, so we don’t need for ‘just in case’ items. Declutter the stuff you will never use and organise the consumables you have over purchsed (cleaning or food supplies for example). When you see how much you have you may be surprised and it will help you to stop overbuying in the future.
The ‘Buyers Remorse’ Bunch
Its hard to get rid of things we have spent a lot of money on, even when we actually don’t even want or like them. People usually feel that if they’ve overspent on an item they should have a stronger attachment to it, and keep it longer than they should. Buyer’s remorse won’t help you declutter – It will just slow you down.
Solution: Don’t dwell on money you have already spent, the discomfort of getting rid of it will be temporary and the relief will be bigger than you expect. Remember this is not an item that you will miss …. Because you don’t actually want or use it. Selling and donating your things may reduce the discomfort. When you donate focus on the good your are doing, and when you sell put the money aside and savve it for something special (dont waste it on buying more things you dont really need.)
The ‘I Don’t Know How to Start’ Stallers
If you talk about decluttering all the time but have yet to make a start or have tried but made no progress, this is your group.
Solution: Start Right NOW! In each room of your house declutter the following:
- Anything broken that cannot be repaired.
- Items with missing pieces.
- Miscellaneous pieces of things that you cannot identify.
- Instructions Manuals for things you no longer own.
- Clothes that are torn or permanently stained.
- Clothes that have not been worn for 12 months.
- Children’s clothes they have outgrown.
- Make up that is past its expiry date.
- Books that you have read and won’t read again.
- Children’s books that are damaged beyond repair.
- Puzzles & games that you no longer play or use.
- It’s Spring – put gloves hats & scarfs away.
- Toys the kids have outgrown
- Toys the kids don’t play with and never liked in the first place.
If you are still unsure, give me a call and we can develop a plan together.
Clutter Free & Organised 