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Clutter, can and often does, creep up on us because decluttering is an ongoing process. This makes our homes feel more like chaotic storage units than serene sanctuaries. Keep reading to learn how to avoid making decluttering mistakes.

Decluttering Mistakes | How to Avoid Common Pitfalls

Everyone wants a tidy, organized space, yet many of us find ourselves emotionally drained after repeated failed decluttering attempts. It's like walking through a dense fog, hoping to find the sunshine on the other side, but instead, feeling stuck in the gloom.

Failed efforts not only leave us buried in physical clutter but also fraught with guilt and anxiety. A clutter-free home isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating an environment where you can breathe easier and find peace. Understanding common decluttering mistakes can pave your path to a simpler, more comfortable, lifestyle.

Common Decluttering Mistakes to Avoid

Decluttering can be an easy task or a gut-wrenching grueling experience. Recognizing where you might stumble can be the key to transforming the task of decluttering into an achievable goal. Here’s what to watch out for:

Trying to Declutter Everything at Once

Imagine trying to juggle twenty balls at the same time or eating an elephant in one bite. Ick. That’s what it's like to attempt to declutter your entire home all at once. Great intentions but this can be unmanageable and unsustainable, especially if this is your first time decluttering.

Focus on one area at a time. For effective decluttering take small steps, you can create small victories that inspire you to keep moving forward.

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Not Setting Clear Goals Contributes to Decluttering Mistakes

Have you ever started something without knowing exactly what you wanted to achieve? How did that work out? Have a clear vision. Not having clear decluttering goals can leave you wandering aimlessly through piles of stuff.

Set specific, actionable targets for each session. Define what success looks like for you and you will have your clear goal. Make a note of your vision for the days you feel stuck and off track, a glance at your note will get you back on track.

Starting with Sentimental Items adds to Decluttering Mistakes

We have an emotional connection to photos, old letters, and childhood stuff. Sentimental items tug at our heartstrings so jumping into these personal treasures too soon can make decluttering emotional.

Start with less emotional categories like the kitchen junk drawer, under the bathroom sink, or laundry room. Build your decluttering muscles before tackling those memory-laden items.

Organizing Before Decluttering

Putting things into neat little bins before deciding if you even need them is at best a waste of time and self defeating. Organizing should come after you've cleared the clutter. Discard what you don't need, then return the remaining items to their proper places.

Decluttering 101

First throw away all the trashy trash physical items like empty bottles, cans, and old wrappers. Discard as much stuff as humanly possible. Next, get rid of all the obvious unused items you can find.

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Pick a small area and sort similar items with similar items. When this is done you will have a better idea of what you have and how you will organize what you choose to keep.

Most of us use only 20% of our possessions 80% of the time. Keep this in mind as you continue decluttering.

Storage Bins Add to the List of Decluttering Mistakes

How long have these bins of yours been stored? If the things have been stored for a long time and you haven't used them why are you still saving? I would rather free up the space.

Do not get me going on the storage units people pay monthly rent for. 11% of people living in an average U.S. household rent storage unit(s).

18% of the rented storage units are leased by owners of 4-bedroom or larger homes and 46% of these people pay rent on these units for an average of one year!

In 2022 the storage unit rental business was 38 billion – with a ‘b’ – dollar industry in the USA.

For other clutter stats check out an article I wrote 'Shocking Clutter Statistics That Should Outrage You'.

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If you want a clutter-free environment you need to reduce the number of items you presently have. Empty the contents of one of your storage bins and put back only the physical items you need and will use.

Some people have a gazillion storage bins filled with paper clutter. When I ask why they are saving these they reply they need to shred. Get a shredder! Or take the paper to a shredder store. My community regularly offers shredding services. Does yours?

Stored paper and paper goods can be a magnet for pests you do not want to ever see in your home.

Holding onto Items 'Just in Case'

How many times have you kept something “just in case” you might need it someday? These items often end up collecting dust. This mentality ties us to the past and clogs our spaces. Be honest about what you truly use and cherish. Trust that letting go can open up room for new experiences and freedom.

Do Not Discard Other People’s Stuff

Decluttering other people's stuff is a really bad idea. Big mistake, this never ends well. A great way to get others to declutter their things is to quietly continue with your decluttering efforts.

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When family members see what a great difference you have made by discarding all your unwanted items they will often join and start their own decluttering plan.

Strategies for Successful Decluttering

Now that we've identified the potholes, here’s how you can navigate your decluttering journey smoothly:

Create a Decluttering Schedule to Avoid Decluttering Mistakes

Like any significant task, decluttering is easier when broken down into manageable chunks. Set aside specific times in your calendar dedicated to decluttering. Whether it’s an hour every Saturday morning or 15 minutes a day, find a routine that keeps you on track without feeling overwhelmed.

Relying on Decluttering Challenges or Trends

Just because a trend works for someone on TikTok doesn't mean it'll suit you. This may result in another unsuccessful attempt and cause disappointment. Use common sense to customize your approach based on what fits with your lifestyle, values, and home dynamics.

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Use the Three Bag Method

Arms folded, staring at a room full of stuff can feel paralyzing. Enter the three-bag method - one bag for items to donate, one for items to sell, and a third for trash. As you sort through your items, placing them into these bags offers clarity and action.

Donating your gently used goods is a fun thing to do. When you fill up a bag with unwanted and no longer useful things you can drop the bag at a local donation center. Your goods will be greatly appreciated especially by the recipients who may otherwise not be able to afford these things.

I wrote an article 'Declutter| How To Donate Small Items & Big Heavy Stuff' all about donating and have included a free 17-page Resource Guide showing you how to easily donate almost all your household items, including treadmills and other large things. Most donations are free and many include free home pick up.

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Seek Support from Friends or Family

Who says you have to declutter alone? Ask a buddy to declutter with you! A little healthy competition with a friend or family member can be fun! This can also offer motivation. Sometimes a supportive nudge is all you need to make those tricky decisions.

Reflect on Progress to Avoid Decluttering Mistakes

Along the way, take a step back to admire your work, this will motivate you to continue. Whether you decluttered your entire living room or a couple of items, reward yourself. You have succeeded in starting, which is often the hardest part of decluttering.

Reflect on your decluttering progress and how far you've come and adjust your strategies as needed. Celebrate your wins, no matter how small, and let them fuel your drive to continue.

Reward yourself with a real reward! Even if it is only a favorite cookie you reward yourself with, you need to acknowledge your success. I suggest you look in the mirror and high-five yourself with a big smile!

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Maintenance Plan

"How on earth did all this clutter get back in my home again, I just decluttered a few months ago!" If this sounds like you, the answer is simple. You, like many others, neglected to put a maintenance plan in place. After decluttering if you do not want to end up in a mess again plan to do quick and easy tasks regularly.

• Be on the lookout for clutter building up.
• Look at your buying habits
• Put some new habits in place that will help you stay decluttered.
• When you bring a new item into your home, discard another item. This is called the 'One In, One Out' Rule. Even if you do not do this every time, doing this sometimes will help.

Every new item that enters your home is an opportunity to let go of something old. This simple rule not only prevents clutter from creeping back but fosters mindful consumption. It’s a balancing act that ensures your space never becomes bloated again.

You can keep your entire home decluttered if you make a clear plan for the future.

Home Sweet Home

My home is my nest. Create a space where you truly want to be. This almost always happens by reducing the number of items you have, not adding more.

A good home designer will tell you less is more! By dodging common mistakes and employing smart strategies, you pave the way for a home that works for you. A comfortable home that reflects you is your aim!

You don't necessarily need to spend money to create your own nest. Be creative! March to the beat of your own drum and ignore the naysayers!

Decluttering is not an event, but a path toward serenity. Take that first step today, and embrace the simplicity and peace that awaits.

Photo byMarj Bates

Marj Bates is a life long ridiculously organized declutter-er and artist. Less is more are words Marj lives by in everything she does except collecting dogs. “Dogs are like potato chips! Can’t have just one.” says Marj. Marj wonders if growing up with a fanatically clean Jewish mom means her decluttering and organizational skills are in her blood.

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