Let’s be real, decluttering sounds super easy in theory. You grab a trash bag, toss out stuff you don’t want, and voilà, your house is now an Instagram-worthy minimalist haven.
Or so you thought. In reality, you’re 15 minutes in, surrounded by a pile of questionable “maybe I’ll need this someday” items, and suddenly, you’re emotionally attached to an old sock. Sound familiar? 😅
Don’t worry. You’re not the only one. Decluttering, properly, is a process, and before you even touch that drawer of chaos, there are three key steps you need to take.
Trust me, these will make the entire journey smoother and less “why-did-I-even-start-this-again?”
Here’s the deal, in this article, I’m breaking down three essential steps to take before you declutter. These little pre-cleanse rituals will set you up for success, save you a ton of time, and maybe even make it (gasp) enjoyable.
Let’s dive in, shall we?
Step 1: Get Real About Your Why
Okay, here’s the thing, before you grab a single bin or Marie Kondo something “for the last time,” you need to nail down why you’re decluttering in the first place. Without a good reason, you’ll lose steam before you’ve even tackled your junk drawer.
Why Does This Matter?
Decluttering isn’t just about getting rid of physical stuff, it’s about creating space for what matters. Cheesy? Maybe a little.
True? Absolutely. If you’re not clear on the purpose, you’re more likely to quit halfway through or (worse) re-buy all the things you just threw out. 😬
Ask yourself: What’s your goal here?
- Do you want a more peaceful, less chaotic space?
- Are you downsizing or prepping for a move?
- Is the clutter affecting your mental health, like, seriously stressing you out?
My Personal “Why” Example:
A few years ago, my closet was a hot mess. I had clothes I hadn’t worn in years, but every time I tried to clean it, I froze. Why? Because I didn’t have a solid reason.
Eventually, I realized I wanted more time to focus on what I love, like traveling, and less time dealing with stuff. That mindset shift made all the difference.
Pro Tip: Write your “why” down somewhere where you’ll see it. Put it on a sticky note, on your phone, tattoo it on your arm (kidding… kind of).
When you hit that mid-declutter slump, it’ll remind you why you started.
Step 2: Set the Mood (Yes, Really)
Decluttering is a mood, trust me. If you dive in while you’re tired, hungry, or cranky, it’ll feel like torture. But if you set the stage properly, it can actually feel, dare I say, therapeutic?
Create Your Decluttering Vibe
Think about it, do you really want to tackle your kitchen cabinets in dead silence, surrounded by chaos? Nope. You need energy, comfort, and maybe even a little fun. Here’s how to set the perfect decluttering vibe:
- Pick Your Playlist: Grab your favorite playlist (remember, you’ll need something upbeat or empowering). I personally love blasting some ‘90s throwbacks, it’s hard to stress over clutter when you’re belting out “Wannabe.”
- Snacks & Drinks: Yes, snacks are essential. You’ll need fuel for energy and focus. Try something simple (FYI: coffee counts).
- Dress the Part: Wear clothes you can move around in. Trust me, wrangling boxes in skinny jeans is the worst.
- Grab Your Tools: Have everything ready, garbage bags, donation bins, maybe some gloves for gross mystery items (because let’s be honest, there’s always one).
A Quick Anecdote:
One time, I decided to declutter the pantry without eating first. A hangry me staring at 27 cans of expired soup? Let’s just say things didn’t go well. Lesson learned, food first, chaos second.
Pro Tip: Make it a solo mission, or invite a friend if you want moral support. Either way, keep distractions minimal, this means no scrolling through TikTok mid-sort.
Read More about – 12 Things That Make Your Home Look Cluttered & How to Fix them
Step 3: Visualize the Finish Line
Alright, my friend, this step is clutch. Before you dive headfirst into tossing and sorting, visualize your end goal. What will your space feel like when all the clutter is gone? What vibe are you aiming for?
Why Visualization Works
Your brain responds to clear goals. If you can picture your clutter-free bedroom or that Pinterest-worthy desk, it gives you a tangible finish line. Plus, it’s way easier to stay motivated when you know what you’re working toward.
Here’s How to Do It:
- Pick a Space to Start: Choose one room or area, don’t try to tackle the whole house in one day unless you secretly enjoy chaos.
- Find Inspiration: Hop on Pinterest or Instagram and save a few photos of spaces you love. Notice the details: neat shelves, cozy vibes, or minimalism.
- Mentally Rehearse: Picture yourself in that space when it’s done. Imagine how much lighter, calmer, or happier you’ll feel when you’re not dodging clutter everywhere.
My Visualization Story:
Before cleaning out my office, I spent five minutes imagining what it would be like to walk in and not trip over random papers. I even pictured exactly where I’d place plants and candles. Cheesy? Maybe. Effective? Absolutely.
Pro Tip: Take a quick before photo of your space. Then, once you’re done, snap the after photo, it’s the most satisfying thing ever.
Quick Recap:
Before you declutter, remember these three steps:
- Figure out your why—What’s your ultimate goal, and why does it matter?
- Set the mood—Create a vibe that makes decluttering easier (and maybe even fun).
- Visualize the finish line—Picture your clutter-free space and use it as motivation.
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Final Thought:
Decluttering doesn’t have to be overwhelming or stressful. With a little prep and the right mindset, it can even feel empowering.
So, whether you’re tackling your bedroom, your kitchen, or that black hole of a junk drawer, you can make it happen, and you might even enjoy it (maybe).
Now, grab a snack, put on your favorite playlist, and let the decluttering adventure begin! 🚀 You’ve got this.