Decluttering your home can be a transformative experience. It creates a more enjoyable, functional and easier to manage space. However, many myths and misconceptions about decluttering can deter people from starting or lead them astray during the process. In this blog, we look at some of the most common decluttering myths and the truth behind them, so you can approach home organising with confidence.
1. Decluttering, Organising and Cleaning are all the same thing
Many people use the terms decluttering, organising, and cleaning interchangeably, thinking they all refer to the same activity. While these tasks are related, they are not the same. So what is the difference between the three?
- Decluttering involves removing items from your space that you no longer need.
- Organising is about arranging your things functionally and efficiently.
- Cleaning, on the other hand, is about maintaining hygiene and tidiness.
Understanding these distinctions can help you approach each task more effectively. We wouldn’t recommend trying to clean and organise at the same time as it’s better to focus on these tasks separately.
2. You Have to Declutter Everything in One Go
One of the most pervasive misconceptions is that you can declutter your entire home in one go. This idea can be overwhelming and discouraging, making it hard to even start. While tackling clutter in one day sounds appealing, it's not the best way to give your home a lasting organisation overhaul. For a truly decluttered space, take it slow and steady rather than rushing. Getting help from family or professionals and using a decluttering checklist can help make the process easier.
3. Once you've decluttered once, your home will always stay tidy
As professional organisers, we understand how good finishing a big home decluttering job feels. However, it’s important to take a step back and remember that your work is not done. As much as we wish this were true, decluttering is not a one-and-done job. Eventually, you will run out of places to put new items and the clutter will slowly pile up again.
It’s better to view decluttering as an ongoing process that needs to become part of your routine. You should continue to adjust your system to find what works best.
4. It’s Wasteful to Declutter
Some believe that decluttering is wasteful because it involves getting rid of items that could still be used. Items that are brand new or in good condition are more difficult to part ways with as we often feel the need to justify the purchase by keeping them. But this guilt is one of the biggest factors that cause declutter to build. To combat these feelings, it’s always best to find places to donate your unwanted items. This way you are creating a more organised space and reducing your waste as well.
5. You Need to Buy Containers and Organisers to Help Declutter
While storage solutions can be helpful for decluttering, they are not a cure-all. Too many storage containers might just contribute to the clutter. It's more essential to sort through your belongings and decide what to keep. Only then should you consider how to store the items that remain. Otherwise, you might end up reorganising clutter instead of reducing it. Prioritise decluttering first, then invest in storage solutions that suit your specific needs.
Need Help Decluttering?
For more expert guidance for decluttering your home, look no further than Well Organised. Our team of professional organisers can help you bring order and calm to your space. Get in touch today to find out more about our home organising services.