Back in the Saddle

We are speeding toward the middle of the year; where did the time go? How are your New Year’s decluttering goals coming along? Have you fallen off the horse? Not to worry; you still have time to get back in the saddle. It is not too late. 
 
If your horse never left the stable, you can take him out for a walk today; he might be chomping at the bit for some fresh air! 2023 still contains nearly six more months to complete that decluttering project. As a result of this year’s efforts, 2024 can be a year of more enjoyable and creative goals. 
 
Think of all the activities you could do with your free time once you handle the clutter.
 
How can you realistically start today? I recommend beginning with such an infinitesimally small task that it almost feels painless. Here are some suggestions:

• Revisit the original decluttering goal. Spend a few minutes addressing why the project stalled so you can course-correct it. For instance:
• Was the goal too big? Was it realistic?
• Did I break it down into small tasks that do not take too long, or did I keep it in the original form of a large (and potentially daunting) project?
• Did I get stuck trying to determine where to start?
• Was I trying to do the task perfectly?
• Did I realize that a different decluttering project had to happen before I could address the ultimate goal?
• Did I get distracted?
• Did I procrastinate because the project felt too scary, boring, or hard?
• Did I think about why this project was essential to undertake? 
• Set a timer for five minutes and “treasure hunt” for items you are ready to ditch. It might be five minutes of throwing away the trash. It could be sorting things into categories for later review. You can celebrate your effort when the alarm rings. If you want to work longer, set the timer for another five minutes. This allows you to stop after the second five-minute round without feeling guilty. If you do not set the alarm again, you risk going on a decluttering marathon that could easily leave you exhausted and likely to avoid the next session. You can increase the session length by a few minutes once five minutes feels manageable.
• Remember why you initially determined the goal to be necessary. If you can reconnect with the emotion behind it, you are more likely to start.
• Enlist a friend to help, especially one who needs help decluttering their home.
• If you realize that letting go of objects feels impossible, enlist outside support. You could gain insight as to what emotional need the items fill. Then you have the additional power to create workarounds. You can do this by connecting with a local Clutterers Anonymous group, joining a local Buried in Treasures support group, or researching a local therapist who understands the challenges of collecting behaviors and/or hoarding disorder.

​No matter where you start, the critical part is just to start. So many individuals get tripped up by attempting to find the perfect place to start. Then the stakes feel too high because the possibility of making a mistake feels too dangerous. Start imperfectly and start small. When all else fails, it might be time to enlist the help of a Certified Professional Organizer. I am only a phone call away!