How do I avoid common decluttering mistakes?
Written by
David Nelson
Reviewed by
Prof. William Dalton, Ph.D.Avoiding the most common organizing mistakes will save you frustration and wasted energy in your organizing projects. Many people unknowingly thwart their success by making mistakes that could have easily been avoided! I have observed the major pitfalls from years of organizing experience, and have also developed solutions to these for lasting success!
Storage Timing
- Postpone container purchases until after purging
- Measure storage needs only for kept items
- Avoid organizing unnecessary possessions
Session Management
- Set 30-45 minute time limits per session
- Use timers to maintain focus
- Schedule breaks between zones
Item Placement
- Designate specific homes before starting
- Label temporary holding areas
- Avoid relocation without decisions
The largest mistake is to purchase storage options too early. You should always use containers after purging, not before. You should also only measure spaces for containers after verifying your keepers through your decluttering process. This will stop you from creating expensive storage options that will quickly fix an organizational problem that does not exist.
Establish definite time constraints for each session using visible timers. Thirty-minute focus intervals minimize decision fatigue better than playing for long periods. Plan rest breaks between different areas of concentration to maintain cognitive clarity all day long.
Choose locations for items before touching any of them. Designate spaces labeled Donate, Discard, Keep, and Relocate. It will stop the disrespectful (and exhausting) act of transporting piles of items from room to room without resolution. Upon contact, make an immediate determination.
When sorting sentimental items, limit them to no more than one box from each category. Deal with these items separately after you finish with the practical areas of sorting. Please take photographs of objects before getting rid of them, so you still have a memory, but don't have to keep the item.
Read the full article: 10 Best Decluttering Tips for Your Home
