Staying focused
How do you all stay focused, especially when each room has a lot of decluttering to do. This is not all my stuff. This house has 3 generations of stuff in it. Some of Granny's and my Mother-in-Law's stuff, I really like, and I'm finding new places for it, and repurposing some of it. But, I really have a lot to declutter in each room. I get overwhelmed, and it's hard to stay focused on the goal, which I guess, is making this house mine.
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You got this! I wanted to share this link that our team shared in another thread in case you'd find the resources helpful. Lots of personal stories and other info on how to manage when things get stressful 💛
For me personally, I need to tackle things bit by bit. It might sound obvious or silly — but even if I cross off one thing from my list that day (or week even!), that makes me feel better knowing I'm working toward a goal. If I step back and think of the big picture of the project overall, everything starts to feel really big, which can lead to overwhelm
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I always say, one box or one drawer at a time. While it sounds good and fun on TV shows to do an entire room or house even, it's literally impossible because it takes TIME. Most especially when dealing with family history and mementos. Take it easy, take your time, and even one drawer is progress!
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hi @user9009335! I'm so sorry to hear that it's been overwhelming to declutter. for me, sometimes it helps to rethink my goals. instead of one lofty goal of decluttering an entire home, I break it down. so I'll look at a room and think of three smaller goals (maybe it's clearing out one drawer, donating clothes from one side of the closet, or organizing nightstand storage) and completing those easier goals will help me feel more positive about the project and more motivated with little wins along the way. I hope this helps ☺️
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I agree with @SNandez. The best way is to do small jobs, one a day or week, or whatever. I find the dividing up hard to do, but 1 drawer or shelf or small area at a time is not overwhelming, and you do feel good at the end when you can see a difference between Before and After! Toss the "maybe" stuff into an Outbox to deal with after a week or two. You get to see what your place is like without all those Maybes, and often it looks so much better that you are more motivated to get rid of them permanently!
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Agree with EVERYONE that's mentioned small steps. I have a lot of stuff from my mom, etc., that needs to be gone thru. If it's small stuff, I put it in boxes, and then when I'm hanging out in the evening, I might go thru a box while I'm watching TV. I keep a constant "out" box to throw items in to go to the resale shop. It takes a LONG time, but slow and steady progress WINS.
I also have a box near my closet for clothes. If I wear something that does not make me happy, into the box it goes, to separate it from the clothes I do wear and love.
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For me, the secret is what I think of as "islands of serenity". Those are spaces that I have successfully decluttered already, such as my desk and the dining room table, my bathroom and the little storage room off my office. I find it so very restful to look at them — I genuinely sometimes picture my decluttered storage room in stressful situations. These islands serve as anchors (to mix metaphors badly :) and my first priority is to maintain them. I always clear my desk in the evening, I always tidy my kitchen after breakfast. Only if and when that is done and I still have time/energy do I work on expanding the islands.
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I found help in the Cure…organized steps helped - I concentrate on 1 room at a time….forget the junk drawer in the kitchen then moving on to the bedroom closet….just did it all in my bedroom first. My daughter has lots of guests, she did the social areas first. We are both happy with our progress.
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This is so clever! I'm going to think of this whenever I'm struggling. Great tip 👏
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Autumn cloud I too love your advice. Thinking of your decluttered storage room in stressful moments is definitely a goal I want to work toward! I've had a hard time ever coming up with a goal in my life (I'm 75) & apparently that's because of how I look at goals. Thank you so much for offering a different perspective coming from your actual experience. It means so much.
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I want to thank AT for providing this forum so we can connect with one another. I could never express how grateful I am for this. It is, to quote autumn cloud, "an island of serenity" in the sea of confusion that surrounds me.
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Sharon, this comment means so much ❤️ I'm so glad you found your way here. This is the type of connection that we strive for!
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I just said it in another thread, but I think setting a timer is a great trick! Committing to a few minutes a day will really hep you chip away at things!
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