Decluttering, like any other project, comes with its own set of misconceptions. While some people look at decluttering as just another word for ‘organizing’, others find it to be an overly exaggerated thing that shouldn’t be given much attention. And I don’t blame them for thinking so because I too was one of them for a really long time.
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As important as it is to acquaint yourself with the truths surrounding the word ‘decluttering’, there are certain misconceptions and lies about it that need to be addressed too.
Now you might argue that you are certainly not a believer of these lies. But there can be some lies and misconceptions that you might still be believing in, though unknowingly. Since decluttering is also about the mindset that will help you make smart decisions, it can help to know what you shouldn’t believe in.
Below are some of the decluttering lies that might have been stopping you from living your best life:
1. Decluttering Makes Me A Wasteful Person
Decluttering requires you to get rid of unwanted stuff which many of you may consider as a wasteful act. And you are not wrong for thinking that. No one wants to get rid of that expensive juicer sitting in their kitchen only because it hasn’t been used in a while. And it’s never easy to get rid of items of clothing that once made you feel good about yourself, even if they are now stained or worn-out.
But let me tell you that decluttering is never a wasteful act and it sure doesn’t require you to get rid of things that are adding value to your life. Nobody wants you to get rid of that comforter that keeps you warm in the winter, or that pair of heels that you love wearing every now and then. The aim of decluttering is to make your life easier by letting go of what’s not serving any purpose in your life.
2. Decluttering Is Just A One-Time Project
While this may sound tempting, it isn’t really possible to declutter your home and be done with it forever. Your life is constantly changing and every change calls for more clutter. The size of your family expands over time. Kids grow up. Family income changes. Every life transition requires you to buy new stuff and the old stuff stops being useful.
If you have been thinking that decluttering is only required to be done once and then you are sorted for life, stop right there. Your home will need to undergo regular maintenance and purging even if you ruthlessly decluttered your stuff today.
3. Decluttering Can’t Be Fun
Even though you are required to make some difficult decisions while purging your stuff, it shouldn’t make decluttering a boring task. There’s always scope for fun if you can manage to turn decluttering into a game. Apart from the many decluttering games that you can play alone or with your family, there are a number of decluttering challenges that can help make the task interesting. If nothing else, you can just put some tunes on and groove while you declutter.
4. I Will regret It Later
This alone is a big reason why most people struggle to declutter. The idea of being ruthless while decluttering their clothes or books or shoes can leave them feeling anxious.
‘What if I end up needing that bakeware in future?’
Well, if you haven’t used it in the last 2 years, chances are slim that you’ll be needing it anytime soon.
The weight of holding on to unwanted and unloved items is much more than the regret you may feel later. Moreover, when you get rid of a cloth, book, appliance, footwear or anything else that doesn’t end value to your life, you aren’t likely to regret it later.
5. There’s Always A Right Way To Declutter
Many people believe that decluttering has to be done in a certain way to bear fruits. And while there are many methods to prune down the excess stuff, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to it. You do what works for you, even if it’s done without following a particular system or approach.
So, stop believing in people who say that you’ve been doing it wrong. What works for them might not work for you. Always declutter with an approach that works for you even if it means that you don’t follow any method or have to invent your own ways to do it.
6. Decluttering Would Turn Me Into A Minimalist
If you are living in the confusion that decluttering requires you to let go of a lot of your stuff and lead a minimalistic lifestyle, you’ve been getting it all wrong. Social media might influence you to believe that minimalism is great but let me tell you that it’s okay to not lead a minimalist lifestyle.
As long as you are sticking to your decluttering goals, you are doing perfect.
7. Decluttering Can Be Done Alone
I have witnessed my mom declutter her living space all alone for 10 long years, that too with four kids under 12 who were hoarders in every sense.
Many people are able to declutter their homes without any help, but that shouldn’t mean that you have to do the same. For many of us, decluttering can be an overwhelming task and can leave us feeling stuck. So if you have help available, accept it with open hands. Don’t shy away from having an accountability buddy or a community to push you through the tasks. We are humans and we are all built differently. That’s what makes us special.
So, there you have it! If any of the above decluttering lies resonated with you, I hope you find the motivation to overcome it. As someone who has grown up believing in many of these lies, I know how big an impact it can leave on your home if you can somehow manage to shed these beliefs.
Can you think of any other myth or misconception about decluttering that you have believed in? How did you overcome it? I would love to make this a two-way conversation, so feel free to drop a comment below or write me at hello@theaestheticabode.com.