3 Ways to Persevere When Decluttering

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Perseverance does not necessarily come naturally.  Especially when decluttering!

In fact, maintaining the status quo and doing what you’ve always done, is definitely an easier route to take.

I’ve been guilty of cutting and running when things get difficult. Or boring.  Anyone else?

Sure enough, starting a project can be exciting – it’s new and fresh.  You’re bubbling over with ideas about how to get it done, where to get it done and when to get it done, etc.

And, with the passage of time, something tends to happen that’s almost inevitable – you lose interest, you no longer have the time, or you simply don’t “feel” like it anymore.

How many unfinished projects are in your home? How many times were you on the brink of finishing something, but something else came up and, it’s still incomplete?

FINISH WHAT YOU START

Finishing what you start is especially important when decluttering, getting rid of stuff, paring down. Whatever term you use.

Even when you start small, it’s tempting to “almost finish” and tell yourself that you’ll get back to it “later.”  However, “later” doesn’t happen.

With this in mind, being intentional and finishing what you start, are important reminders when decluttering. 

In other words, don’t quit!

Easier said than done? That may be so, but, it’s not impossible.

HOW DO YOU PERSEVERE WHEN DECLUTTERING?

1. SCHEDULE IT

“Later” is not on the calendar and as a matter of fact, neither is “Someday” or “Whenever.”

So, put your plan into existence.  And, schedule it.

That’s really the only way it’s going to happen. There will be plenty of other competing activities. It’s the reality of being busy. Busy people use schedules – even for small things.

Because you’re busy, is precisely the reason to schedule this.

Besides, there are so many options available for scheduling that it’s difficult not to find one that will work for you.  Whether you prefer electronic or paper, as previously stated, there are numerous choices.

In Atomic Habits, James Clear writes “professionals stick to the schedule; amateurs let life get in the way”.

Keep your appointment with yourself. You’re worth it!

2. MAKE IT FUN

Okay, let’s keep it real.  Decluttering may not be the most exciting item on your long list of things to do. Furthermore, there’s the temptation to keep moving this to the bottom of the pile – no pun intended!

Resist this urge.

There are ways to declutter and be productive while having fun at the same time. 

We’re fortunate enough to live in an age with endless amounts of resources at our fingertips.

When I was growing up, my mother used to shout, “You have too many choices!”

Of course, she was right.

Why not listen to an audiobook or play some music while decluttering?  Or, one of my favorites – listen to a podcast?

Even setting a timer for 15 minutes (if that’s all the time you have) and seeing how much you can accomplish in that timeframe, can be entertaining and, dare I say, motivating?  Maximize the time you have, to accomplish a specific goal.

Hey, a little effort to make this a fun activity can go a long way!

3. PUSH THROUGH THE DISCOMFORT

This is a tough one.

It can be uncomfortable.  And, in some cases, even embarrassing.

Does, “How did things get to this point” ring familiar?

When discomfort arises, and you feel sorry for yourself, or, feel overwhelmed, there’s a natural tendency to reduce your discomfort.   And, discontinue what you’re doing.

Do not revert to what’s familiar – inaction regarding your clutter.

Keep your eye on the prize. Imagine no more piles of stuff in the corner of your bedroom floor or various other places in your home.  Envision opening your dresser drawer with ease.  And, having a place for everything and everything in its place.

The pathway to this is to finish what you start and not to give in to your feelings.

The feelings aren’t going to get the job done.

Your perseverance will.

PRACTICE

Putting a schedule in place, having fun while you’re being productive, and pushing through any feelings of discomfort, are 3 ways to persevere when decluttering.

Overall, practicing perseverance is an essential building block to putting effective systems into place and maintaining them.

Persistence will be key for getting your clutter under control.  Decluttering will feel good and you can achieve that sense of relief you’ve been looking for.

Keep it up and you’ll be on your way to conquering clutter!

In the words of James Clear, “mastery requires practice”.