Clutter is the result of postponed decisions. As you declutter this spring, make the keep/toss/donate decisions easier by asking yourself:
Does this item serve a purpose or add beauty or meaning to my life?
Getting organized is not about getting rid of all your stuff; it’s about honouring what truly serves you and letting go of what’s just taking up space. If you don’t love it or use it, it’s time to lose it.
Procrastination is a habit, not a flaw in your character. Most of us do not welcome change easily, but we will benefit greatly from becoming willing to develop new habits to overcome procrastination. Here are a few ideas to help as you get to your decluttering goals this spring.
- Put your cleaning and decluttering plan in writing. Prioritize the items on the list.
- Set out a realistic schedule for completion.
- Break up your projects into small pieces and avoid “all or nothing” thinking. *Personally I think this is the the step that can have the most impact on your success.
- Procrastination often comes from perfectionism. We often procrastinate because we are challenged with doing things perfectly. I’m really trying to learn the lesson – Done is better than perfect!
- Remember that it is motivation that gets you started and habits that keep you going. Resolve to get started. What kind of a reward can you give yourself just for getting started? Often starting is the biggest hurdle to get over!
How do busy families keep on top of the house? Sometimes we just don’t have the luxury of doing a full home spring cleaning. Look at the calendar. There are usually 5 weeks in a month. Divide your house into 5 zones (taking into account the short weeks) Make a master list of everything that you’d like to do in a particular zone (i.e. light fixture, curtains, walls, scrub floor etc.)
Put the list in a page protector. As you do items in each zone check them off. Next month pick up where you left off in that zone the previous month. Get all members of the family on board to help. This plan ensures that the full house is cleaned over a period of time, rather than in an short intense time frame. Done is better than perfect! (Credit for this great idea goes to Marla The Fly Lady)
If you are having a hard time motivating yourself to organize, perhaps a friend, family member or co-worker could help. Could you barter with them? Could you set-up a plan to be accountable to each other? Get creative! If what you’ve been trying isn’t working…..try something new.
Many people think it’s easier to just do everything themselves. Unfortunately, you can’t do everything yourself and give everything 100%.
Delegating means giving someone else a task that you don’t have time to do. You train the person how to do it and you follow up to ensure it is being done correctly. Select the appropriate person to whom the assignment will be given. Ensure that person has the time, tools and the skill to do what you need done correctly and in a timely manner.
If your default setting is do it yourself, this spring consider sharing the load. Think about ways you can partner with family or friends to accomplish your projects. Divide the task and double the success!!
Once the task is completed, a word of thanks, a small gift or a handwritten note go a long way in showing your appreciation. Plus…..you’ll motivate them to want to do more!
Family members will soon be wanting to access bicycles and skipping ropes so the seasonal switch needs to happen!
Make this a family project! Determine a set time that you will spend in the garage or shed and decide on what you want to accomplish. Assign each person to their task and set the timer. Everyone commits to working hard and fast and you will be amazed at what you can accomplish.
Think about jobs such as:
- moving the snow blower & snow shovels away from the door and into the back corner. If you don’t already have a spot to hang the shovels this would be a perfect time to do that.
- being sure that the winter toys are tucked back into their proper bin or are stored on the upper shelves again for the summer.
- scanning the space to see if there are items that should go into the garbage or donation bag.
- bringing the bikes from their winter storage spot to a spot that is close to the door and easily accessible.
- sweeping the floor
Turn on the tunes – upbeat music can get you started and keep you moving!
Beat the clock – Feeling overwhelmed? Getting started is half the battle. Set your timer for 10 minutes and keep tossing things you no longer need. When the 10 minutes are up, take a break and then pick-up where you left off. Decide ahead of time whether you’re going to have 3, 5, etc. 10 minute decluttering sessions that day, so you feel a sense of accomplishment and closure when you’re done.
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If you are determined to meet your cleaning and decluttering goals this spring, we find that it helps to speak those goals out loud.
It takes 2 to tango, and we’d be happy to be your accountability partner. Email us and tell us what you hope to accomplish. We’d be happy to do a quick check-in with you on the agreed upon dates.