For a woman with ADHD, decluttering projects can be daunting and overwhelming. The sheer number of strategies and methods available can be paralyzing, making it difficult to know where to start or what to do next. Without a plan, it’s easy to get stuck in analysis paralysis or mindlessly try different tips without making any progress.
To overcome this, it’s essential to have a clear plan in place before starting a decluttering project. Having a plan helps you feel in control, like the boss of your own project, and allows you to take charge of the process. By knowing exactly what to do and how to approach the task, you can overcome moments of overwhelm and stay on track.
In my own experience, I wish someone had shared these six simple steps with me when I first started decluttering years ago. If I had followed these six steps when I first started decluttering, I would have been kinder to myself and my home. By taking these steps, you can start your decluttering project on the right foot and set yourself up for success.
Instead of diving into decluttering without a plan, take these six steps to evaluate your home and identify areas that need attention. These steps can also be applied at any time to assess your home and prioritize which areas need attention.
Observe Your Home
Take a moment to walk through your home, paying attention to one room at a time. Spend about thirty seconds in each space—there’s no need to analyze everything just yet.
Listen to your inner thoughts. What are your impressions?
How would you characterize your home?
Do you speak positively about it?
Do you attribute the clutter or disorganization to yourself or your family?
What feelings does each room evoke?
Identify the Positives
Offer some praise to your home.
Remember that your home provides essential elements: shelter, comfort, a place to unwind, and safety. It’s time to acknowledge what works:
What do you appreciate about your home?
Which room or area supports your needs effectively?
Are there organized spaces where items are easy to locate?
Is there a particular room or area that feels inviting and aesthetically pleasing?
Recognize the Drawbacks
Provide constructive feedback to your home.
Your home is a sanctuary where you can express yourself, so treat it gently. Avoid being harsh or critical; instead, maintain a kind perspective even when addressing what could improve.
What aspects of your home are not functioning well?
Is there excessive clutter?
Are items missing?
Do you often waste time searching for things?
Is there a lot of time spent rearranging items?
Envision Your Ideal Space
Now that you’ve assessed your home, switch to a dreaming mindset. Consider these questions:
How do you envision your home looking and feeling?
Would you like everything to be easy to find?
Do you desire more open space?
Would reducing maintenance time be beneficial?
Embrace Realism
Following your visioning, it’s time to adopt a realistic viewpoint. Reflect on your willingness to work towards your ideal home:
How much time, effort, and resources are you prepared to invest in achieving your dream home?
Is your vision achievable given the resources you can commit?
Are your expectations of yourself and your home reasonable within the time frame?
Develop an Action Plan
With clarity around your assessment, positives, critiques, vision, and available resources, it’s time to take action and embark on your decluttering journey.
Organizing can be time-consuming, and letting go of possessions might be challenging. To create a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, it’s important to:
Break your plan into manageable tasks
Prioritize these tasks
Set milestones
For your action plan, to prioritize and set milestones, consider the following:
Examine your home room by room to determine where to begin.
Select a room to start with.
List the different areas within that room.
Choose a specific area to focus on initially.
Declutter and organize that area according to your preferences.
By following these six steps, you’ll be able to create a personalized plan for your decluttering project, making it easier to stay focused and motivated throughout the process. Remember to take it one step at a time, and don’t be too hard on yourself or your home. With this approach, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your goal of a balanced and organized home.
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