Back to basics decluttering isn’t just for beginners. If you are overwhelmed with the idea of decluttering or a little discouraged by clutter creep it’s time for back to basics decluttering.
The simplest way to move forward with decluttering (or almost anything) is to get back to basics. Getting rid of stuff comes with all kinds of complicated emotions and feelings, so it’s easy to get frustrated. If clutter crept back in after a big decluttering effort a few months or years ago, it’s easy to think that the work you did was a waste of time.
You might be wondering …Where did all this stuff come from? Why can’t I let go? What’s wrong with me?
Instead of getting lost in all of the questions, emotions and mind-drama, keep it really simple. If what you want is a clutter-free space, just start removing the clutter. Getting back to basics is the simplest way to find calm in the chaos.
5-step back to basics decluttering
Use this back to basics decluttering process anytime you want to reset or restart. You don’t have to figure out what went wrong the last time. It’s likely that you are in a new phase of life and your wants and needs have changed. Start fresh and give yourself permission to create space in your life.
1. Remember and revisit why you are decluttering in the first place.
Remember why you want to live with less stuff. It’s different for everyone. Some people enjoy more space, time or money and others appreciate the freedom of owning less. Maybe you want room to dance, or bake, or entertain or simply to rest. Knowing your why gives your decluttering purpose. If you aren’t sure why, this will help.
2. Declutter more, organize less.
This isn’t an organizing mission. You may have been distracted with some pretty containers or well organized spaces on social media but if organizing worked, you’d be organized by now. Turn your focus from getting tidy to getting rid of the stuff you don’t need, want, or love. If if doesn’t add some kind of value to your life, let it go.
3. Start with the easy stuff.
Don’t worry about the sentimental stuff or the things you are really attached to. Start with the simple knickknacks, candle holders, junk drawer items, and clothes that don’t fit. Then look at the books you don’t read, towels you haven’t used in years and cords and chargers that don’t work or don’t belong to anything. Don’t forget the duplicates and the “just-in-case” items. How many coffee cups and water bottles do you really need? Getting rid of the easy stuff will give you momentum and inspiration to consider the more challenging items.
4. Get your mind right about letting go.
Shifting your thoughts and philosophy around your attachment to almost anything can be very helpful. What if holding on to something was harder than letting it go? Flip the script on old beliefs. When you think about the time, energy, space, emotion and attention involved in holding on to something, it makes the idea of letting go feel almost easy, or at least not as impossible as you may have initially thought. This is not to say that some things aren’t worth that time, energy, space, emotion and attention. Some things are and the only way to to show up for them is to let go of the things that are not. When you are struggling, consider this.
5. Celebrate every tiny step towards back to basics decluttering.
Now that you’ve gotten back to basics and decluttered your home, or a room, or even a corner of the room, it’s time to celebrate. If you decluttered your kitchen, host a small dinner party. If your idea of celebrating is turning on music, grabbing a good book and relaxing in your newly decluttered space, do that. You deserve to celebrate your efforts in a way that resonates with you.
If you feel overwhelmed or confused about the benefits of decluttering, simply remember that your home is not a container for your stuff, but rather a place for joy and connection. I can’t think of a better reason to declutter than to make room for more of that.
P.S. If decluttering or other simplicity efforts feel overwhelming, try the free Gentle Simplicity Training I made for you.
