Decluttering is an important thing that most people can\u2019t be bothered to do. And we don\u2019t blame them; why would you want to tidy up when there is literally enough entertainment out there to fill multiple lifetimes?<\/p>\n
But it must be done, which means you need to motivate yourself somehow. Here are some top tips.<\/p>\n
As a kid, you probably got some kind of reward when you tidied your room. It\u2019s the oldest trick in the parenting book and it\u2019s remarkably effective when you\u2019re an adult.<\/p>\n
Before you set out decluttering, decide a reward for yourself: an episode of a TV show, some chocolate – whatever gets you motivated. Give yourself the reward when you\u2019re done.<\/p>\n
Bear in mind that this takes quite a bit of willpower. If you lack willpower, get someone to monitor you and bark encouragement – the bigger and scarier, the better.<\/p>\n
If you read our entire archive of decluttering posts, you\u2019ll find this piece of advice in at least 95% of them. That\u2019s because it\u2019s so important. Decluttering without a goal is like going on a walk with no destination: it seems like a good idea at the time but before you know it, you\u2019re in the middle of Romford with no trousers and a smashed up phone.<\/p>\n
Set yourself small, achievable goals before embarking on a decluttering session, like \u201d\u02dctidy up the DVD collection\u2019 or \u201d\u02dcsort out the wardrobes in the bedroom\u2019. You\u2019ll be surprised how much easier it is to get stuff done when you know what you\u2019re trying to achieve.<\/p>\n
Having a 20 minute snooze might sound counterproductive but if you\u2019re feeling a bit grumpy and upset about having to declutter, it\u2019s probably the best thing you can do.<\/p>\n
A good nap will help reset your emotions, making you feel more alert, more awake and ready to tackle the clutter. Just make sure you set an alarm.<\/p>\n
Without deadlines, nothing gets done. You drift through the day, procastinating and generally doing anything other than what needs to be done.<\/p>\n
With a deadline looming, you feel a sudden rush of energy and urge to do as much as possible. Of course, this rush relies on worrying about some kind of punishment if you miss the deadline. Set yourself a decluttering deadline and a suitable punishment – like no TV for the night or something similar – for missing it! If you need to, get someone else to enforce it.<\/p>\n
Seeing your best friend\u2019s minimalist dream house could be enough to kick up the bum and start decluttering, if only out of shame. Seriously, though, seeing an ultra clean house will motivate you to sort your stuff out like nothing else.<\/p>\n
JUST…DO ITTTT!!!<\/b><\/p>\n