How To Develop A Decluttering Mindset!

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Some people will find success when they reach their decluttering goals. Some will not and there are those successful declutter-ers who find themselves cluttered again in no time fast.

Mindset shifts to achieve your decluttering goals explain why and how to reach your decluttering goals and remain clutter-free.

Opening your closet or garage and feeling overwhelmed by clutter isn't just about having too much stuff—it's often a mentality issue. Many people enthusiastically start decluttering but find themselves defeated by the impossible task of staying decluttered.

Everything begins in the mind. A decluttering mindset is essential for making lasting changes and truly transforming your space. Are you holding on to items "just in case"? That scarcity mindset might be the culprit holding you back.

Here you will be guided through shifting your mind so you can finally achieve and maintain the decluttered home you've been striving for.

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Understanding the Decluttering Mindset to Reach Your Decluttering Goals

The way we think about our belongings plays a big role in how tidy or cluttered our spaces are. If you've ever felt stuck in a messy room, you're not alone. Many people struggle with decluttering because of their mindset.

By changing how we view our boxes of stuff, we can start to clear out the mess and keep it that way. Let's explore how to think differently about clutter.

A Declutter Mindset to Achieve My Decluttering Goals

A decluttering mindset is about viewing your belongings with clear eyes and deciding what's truly important. Here are some basic principles:

• Value Over Quantity: It's not about how much you have, but how meaningful each item is to you. Ask yourself, "Does this add value to my life?"
• Embrace Simplicity: Think about how much simpler life could be with fewer things. Less stuff means less to clean, organize, and worry about.
• Live in the Present: Holding onto things "just in case" can lead to clutter. Focus on what you need right now, not what you might need someday.

By adopting these principles, a decluttering mindset helps us make thoughtful choices about our belongings. It's like putting on a new pair of glasses that let us see what truly matters.

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The Role of Mindset To Achieve Your Decluttering Goals

Your mindset can be the difference between a short-lived cleanup and a lasting, clutter-free lifestyle. How? Here are some ways:

• Boosts Motivation: A positive mindset can give you the push you need to start decluttering and keep going, even when it's tough.
• Encourages Consistency: When you see decluttering as a routine, not a one-time event, it becomes more sustainable. Just like brushing your teeth daily, regular decluttering keeps spaces tidy.
• Reduces Emotional Attachments: Letting go of items tied to past memories can be hard. By focusing on current needs, you can break free from these emotional chains.

Think of mindset as the foundation of decluttering. Without the right frame of mind, even the best plans can fall apart. It’s like setting out on a journey with a clear map – knowing where you're going makes getting there much easier.

Changing your mindset is not about flipping a switch overnight. It's a gradual process that starts with understanding what you truly want your space to be. Once you know that, transforming your space becomes a natural next step.

Common Mental Barriers to Decluttering Sabotage Your Decluttering Goals

When it comes to decluttering, many of us face invisible barriers that can make it feel like we're trying to climb a mountain without any gear. Understanding these mental blocks can be the first step in finally clearing out the clutter and making way for a fresh, organized space. Let's take a closer look at some of these common barriers.

Scarcity Mindset

Have you ever held onto items just in case you might need them someday? This is the scarcity mindset at work. It convinces you that you won't have enough in the future, so you must hoard things now, especially if you spent a lot of money on the item in question.

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Imagine living in a constant state of "What if?" and allowing that fear to dictate your surroundings.

The biggest hurdle to decluttering is not recognizing and changing this mindset, when you realize what you are doing start reminding yourself that it's okay to let go. Trust that more opportunities will come your way when you need them and that you will always have resources available to you to replenish.

Sentimental Attachment

Everyone has items that pull at their heartstrings, like that old teddy bear or grandma’s quilt. It is so interesting to watch family members go back and forth about a particular item. One person is not the least bit interested in adding this clutter to their environment and some people dig in and refuse to let go of things.

Holding onto sentimental items can clutter your home and your mind. You have a choice to make - live in the past surrounded by clutter or live in the present among the things you love.

Instead of drowning in nostalgia, ask yourself if these items are serving your present life. Keep a few meaningful tokens and let go of the rest. Taking pictures of the items before parting with them can help ease the process.

Fear of Making Mistakes

​As a recovering perfectionist, I consider myself an expert in this area. I have learned pencils have erasers for a reason. We make mistakes, Get over it and move on.

What if you let go of something and later regret it? This fear can paralyze your decluttering efforts. The key to overcoming this is to trust your decisions. Most people find that they rarely miss what they’ve parted with.

To ease this fear, start with items that aren't emotionally charged or valuable like the kitchen junk drawer or a shelf in the garage where you keep the automotive stuff.

Build confidence gradually as you go along. Change your mindset, the right mindset being live in the present.

By addressing these mental barriers head-on, you can start to free your home and mind from unnecessary clutter. Effective decluttering is not just about making space but also about making peace with letting go.

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We Grow and Change and Your Decluttering Goals Will Reflect This

When I go into someone's home and see 50 years of the same stuff that has been in the same place the entire time I know decluttering will be challenging. Embracing change can be scary and difficult. Someone told me once there are only 2 directions - growing and dying.

If you resist change you will resist letting go of things. It is mathematically impossible to declutter without removing any objects. You can't let go and hold on at the same time. If you desire an environment with fewer possessions a mindset shift is the first order of business.

Successful decluttering requires ending up with fewer possessions when your goal is met. Organizing clutter is simply shuffling clutter around.

Developing a Decluttering Mindset to Reach Your Decluttering Goals

In the first place, the decluttering process is more than just letting go of the things you surround yourself with. A lot of the time decluttering is difficult because people usually don't know what they want. They know they are sick and tired of living in a mess and feel ready to tackle their decluttering project.

Shifting to positive mindsets that embrace decluttering isn't just about cleaning out your closet or tidying up your desk. It's about fostering positive mindsets around the decluttering process. You need a clear end goal. Keep reminding yourself decluttering will lead to a more organized and efficient life.

Commitment, vigilance, and consistency can play a vital role in developing a decluttering mindset. Let me explain.

Commitment to Change

The number one biggest mistake people make is not making a serious commitment to the decluttering lifestyle they crave. This is why so many people find themselves in a cluttered mess soon after they decluttered.

The starting point towards a decluttered life begins with a solid commitment to change. You are not committing to a weekend marathon of decluttering. You are making positive changes in your life to make different lifestyle choices.

You have heard for a lifetime diets don't work. It is when you decide to make healthy food choices a part of your life you will find a healthier you. The same is true with decluttering, it is not a one-time thing.

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Why is this Commitment Crucial? 

When I set out to do something I make a commitment to the project and tasks at hand. I would not willingly go into a project without a clear and concise plan and the steps to execute my vision. 

To not make a commitment would likely lead to a half-finished job and I consider this to be a waste of precious time.

I know all about organizing clutter, I did this for years in my art studio. By the end of my decluttering session I never had more than a couple of things in the trash bag.

That was the evidence that could be used against me! What I was doing was shuffling clutter around because I did not want to part with any of this.

I had a dilemma and needed a solution, This is when I devised my plan to identify the things in my studio I loved and intend to keep, at least for now. I know that as I grow and change so will my desire about the things I want in my life.

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Once all the 'loved' objects were tagged the fear of discarding the things I love was erased! Now I just had a roomful of stuff and I knew what I had to do.

• Long-term Focus: You need to keep your eyes on the prize. Having a clear vision of what you want your space to look like will keep you motivated.
• Emotional Preparedness: Be ready to let go of items that no longer serve a purpose in your life. This often requires emotional strength.
• Accountability: Hold yourself accountable for maintaining this change. Write down your goals or share them with a friend who can keep you on track.
• Helping Others: Donating goods is a win-win strategy I encourage you to utilize. Donating 'gently used' and new things is a 'feel good emotion' when done properly. Who doesn't like to feel good?!

The key is to stay intentional about this journey. What will your home feel like once it's decluttered? Keep that image in your mind as you move forward. Draw or write out a plan to get you to your vision.

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Practicing Vigilance

The biggest roadblocks to your decluttering plan are you, not that you don't have time, or feel overwhelmed, or don't know where to start.

A good question to answer is...'Do you want more material possessions or personal growth'?

You may have to examine your spending habits. Buying too much stuff can lead to too much clutter.

Clutter has a sneaky way of creeping back into our lives. To keep it at bay, vigilance is necessary. How do you stay vigilant?

1. Regular Check-ins: Set aside a few minutes each day to tidy up. A daily sweep of your space helps prevent the accumulation of clutter.
2. Mindful Purchasing: Before bringing something new into your home, ask yourself if it's truly needed. Is it going to add value, or will it just gather dust?
3. Designated Spots: Assign specific areas for frequently used items. This not only helps in finding things easily it also keeps you organized.

Consistency in Decluttering Practices

Consistency is the glue that holds this entire process together. It's like brushing your teeth—you do it regularly to maintain health, not just when you feel like it.

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• Habit Formation: Make decluttering a regular part of your routine. Schedule it like you would any other important activity.
• Progress Tracking: Keep track of what you've accomplished. Seeing your progress can encourage you to keep going.
• Positive Reinforcement: Reward yourself for maintaining a decluttered space. This can be as simple as enjoying a clutter-free moment with a cup of tea.

Consistency is key to transforming your home and keeping it that way. It's the small, everyday actions that lead to significant, lasting changes. By incorporating these strategies, you're not just decluttering your home; you're decluttering your mind.

Ask for help!

Do not give up on your dream(s) because you don't know how or where to start. People love to help! There are many online decluttering groups although I am partial to our Facebook Declutterbuzz group because I started this group and molded it to be a safe, private, helpful, and motivating space for people to move forward in their lives.

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Pick up a free copy of Resource Guide if you need help finding a home for something you want to donate. Most charitable organizations pick up for free, even big, bulky stuff like treadmills.

People are aware that their mental state is affected by clutter and negative mindsets. They said so when they requested to join our group. The challenge is people are stuck and do not know how to get started to change this.

There is no shame in asking for help. It is easy to identify with how hard asking for help can be. There was once upon a time when I could be on fire and still not ask for a fire extinguisher, please.

I have learned there is an easier, softer way to get things done, and this is asking for help. I shudder at the things I used to insist on doing solo. Crazy!

I find the buddy system to be enormously helpful, in fact, I entered into a business partnership a year and a half ago because I knew I could not do alone what I intended to do. I am amazed to this day what a great decision this was.

Find a buddy and begin! Cheer each other on and prop each other up when motivation is needed.

Mindset Shifts for Permanent Decluttering

Decluttering isn't just about getting rid of a lot of clutter; it's a mental transformation. Successfully transforming your space requires you to change how you think about your belongings and their role in your life.

Are you tired of living amid the chaos? If so it's time to adopt a fresh mindset. So you may be thinking how am I supposed to evolve my thinking? Well, I am glad you asked!

From 'Just in Case' to 'Just in Time'

Ever held onto an item because you might need it someday? Many of us store stuff for a 'just in case' moment that rarely happens, burdening our homes with excess. There is a rule called The 20/20 rule.

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Shifting to a 'just in time' mindset means trusting that you can find what you need when you truly need it. This shift encourages letting go of what's unnecessary, making room for what truly matters.

Learning to Say No

The art of saying no isn't just a life skill—it's a decluttering superpower. Learn to use one of the littlest words in the dictionary. This gets easier with practice.

The spaces in your home are sacred, at least this is true in my life. Filling your home with unnecessary things can make you feel overwhelmed rather than comforted.

By learning to decline new items, whether it's a freebie, a bargain, or something you felt momentarily excited about, you are prioritizing what is important in your life. Think of every acquired item as a new item you have to care for. Does it add value, or is it just more noise?

Embracing Minimalism

Minimalism isn't about stripping away everything you love. It is very much the opposite. It's about focusing on what's truly important and letting go of the rest. See how a change in your mindset strips away the misnomer about minimalism meaning we have to trade comfort to live a minimalist lifestyle.

One of my dearest friends has a home I love and I said to Karen you continue to perfectly curate the contents in your home over the years. She agreed she feels exactly like a museum curator. Nothing gets into her home without the approval of her keen eye.

Imagine your life as a museum, with every item being an exhibit. Would you display everything you currently own? When you adopt a minimalist philosophy, you're curating a collection of things that add joy, efficiency, and meaning to your life.

It's a gentle reminder that less can indeed be more, and with fewer distractions, you can appreciate the beauty of what remains.

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Committing to these mindset shifts won't just change your space; it'll change how you live in it. You're not just throwing things away; you're creating room for possibilities and peace of mind.

Embracing a decluttering mindset transforms your space and your approach to what truly matters. It's not about just tossing out junk; it's about understanding what you value.

This clarity makes decisions easier and long-lasting. Take that first step. Start small, and be certain about what stays and goes.

A clear mind and space can lead to a more focused life. I crave a focused life which is more of a challenge each day as I am being bombarded with this and that.

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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