Can I Declutter Without Feeling Overwhelmed?
Let's see if I can do it.
I don’t know about you, but I am amazed at how quickly my rooms get cluttered. For one thing, I receive piles of mail, mostly seeking donations, and often, I have more important things to do than to open it all and read it.
Also, I tend to make lists of things to do and notes about this or that. I take notes as I study my Bible, and I make more notes when I think of ideas to write about. Those notes pile up. Then there are all those books I intend to read sitting on a little table next to my recliner…. Well, you get the picture.
So, it is time to declutter. Instead of getting overwhelmed by it all, I plan to do this a little at a time. Here is how I intend to dive into this job.
Committing to a Goal
I feel overwhelmed when I feel I have to deal with all the stuff at once. But I need to commit to my plan to sort, put away, or throw away a reasonable amount of things every day. Once I’ve done even 20 minutes of this, I’ll feel so much better because I’m getting on with it instead of just thinking about it.
If I feel lazy or too busy and just don’t want to start, I need to pray for motivation and wisdom about how to approach my pile-ups.
Beginning with Small Steps
I need to start with the things I am confident about getting rid of. Anything broken or out of date can go straight into the trash or recycling bin. Clothes that no longer fit, are outdated, or that I never wear need to go into a box to be dropped off at Goodwill or the Salvation Army. My kitchen has a few things I never use. I’ll try not to rationalize that I might need them someday and donate them, too.
Setting a Timer
Since I don’t have time to organize my entire apartment in one day, and even tackling one room might feel overwhelming, I think my best approach would be to set a timer for 20 minutes and go at it. If I know I will only work on it for that long, I should be able to keep it manageable. Committing to 20 minutes shouldn’t feel overwhelming to me.
Using Accountability
OK, my plan is in place. I will start tomorrow morning. I’ll leave my phone in the bedroom and start in the kitchen. That way I won’t be checking messages in the middle of my sorting. I will pressure myself to do this so that I can report back to you on my progress. Making myself accountable is another key to overcoming my clutter! I’ll let you know how it goes.