It appears uncomfortable, it needs change, it is long overdue. That feeling when staring at your home that doesn’t look the way you want it to look. It’s no longer the place you want to spend your time.
But where, and how, to start decluttering?
The very first thing to do is to get clear about your intentions. I come from a corporate background. When we get to the base of issues, we want to ask 5 times ‘why’. This is to be very clear and precise about what problem you want to solve. So, let’s say “I want less clutter in my home.” Why? “Because I want to come back to a clean space.” Why? “A tidy home makes me feel more relaxed.” Why do you want this? “I love to spend more time reading books, not cleaning up.” Okay, this is a much better and tangible reason to start than “I have too much clutter.”
Why is this important? Every change takes energy to stay on the task. There will be times where you feel frustrated, and you want to give up. In these moments you want to remember the reason you started (ideally, you wrote this down on piece of paper or a sticky note). And this goal is compelling and attractive, so you have a much better chance to succeed.
It really doesn’t matter where to start; though helps to pick an area in your home where you spend quality time. If you wish to read more books then your reading nook should be your first focus. Create the soothing space you imagine. Your favorite chair, the small side table to put your cup or glass, good lighting. Nothing that could distract you. Or, if you like to cook more, clean up the kitchen counter, go through the drawers, remove things you never use, make it the place where you really want to create. Enjoy the tidiness. Keep it this way with all means.
It is your starting point, the first cell your decluttering journey will grow from. At times when you struggle, go back to this initial space you created and love. Breathe, take in new energy, and continue where you left off.
Mark Twain rightly said: “Continuous improvement is better than delayed perfection.”