Starting a decluttering project can be exciting, but it’s easy to lose steam, especially when you hit what we call the “messy middle.” That’s the point where things look worse than when you started, and you may start second guessing this whole idea! One powerful way to stay motivated while decluttering is to understand your “why.” Think about what prompted you to start decluttering in the first place. What is making you feel anxious or unsettled? What are your end goals?
- Closet chaos: Is your closet a source of daily stress because you can never find what you’re looking for? Are you wearing the same few outfits because the rest are too hard to get to? Is it full of clothes that don’t fit, or you don’t wear anymore? Would your mornings be more enjoyable with an organized closet full of only the things that make you feel good about yourself?
- Kitchen overload: Do you have cabinets overflowing with items you never use, making it hard to cook efficiently? Are you wasting food because you can’t see what’s hiding in the back of the refrigerator or jumbled pantry? Could you bless others with the kitchenware you don’t use, or would you cook more for your family if what you had was easily accessible?
- Paperwork piles: Are you constantly losing important financial documents or having trouble keeping track of events and activities? Do you keep lots of paper that you’ve been meaning to read or have a hard time throwing away for various reasons? Would you love to have a specific “home” for every paper you pick up?
If you want to work on resolving the specific frustrations that clutter brings into your life, stay focused on your purpose and recognize your pain points. This thought process can help you stay motivated- even through that “messy middle.”
Work hard and be kind, clutter crushers!
Love,
Your friends at Cut the Clutter RVA