If only decluttering were as easy as snapping your fingers, we'd all be living in pristine spaces. Unfortunately, for many of us, the influx of items into our homes seems to outpace our efforts to clear them out. In this blog post, we'll delve into the common mistakes people make when dealing with clutter, particularly when it comes to clutter that seems to be ever-expanding.

Leaving Things in Bags, Plastic, or Envelopes

One of the most common mistakes is leaving items in generic bags, envelopes, or plastic. The problem with this approach is that our brains struggle to decipher the contents of these nondescriptive containers after a day or so. This can lead to the accumulation of a daunting pile of items, such as conference bags or paperwork bags. Avoid the temptation to add another bag to the pile, as this can quickly transform into a vague category of "stuff" where finding a specific piece of paper becomes a daunting task. To effectively manage clutter, it's crucial to take items out of their 'shells' as quickly as possible. Remind yourself what it is and why you have brought it into your home, then decide where these items should go.

The Solution to avoid piles of ‘stuff’

Unpack bags immediately and assign a proper place for each item. This prevents the rapid growth of clutter and ensures that each item has a designated spot.

Not Having a Home for Items

One reason clutter accumulates is the absence of a designated home for items. When we don't have a predetermined spot for something, we tend to leave it "here" and deal with it later. To counteract this, create specific storage spaces for like items. This can be an enjoyable aspect of organising, as you get to choose aesthetically pleasing boxes or files to give your belongings a visually appealing final resting place.

The creating ‘homes’ Solution

Identify like items and establish dedicated spaces for them. This not only helps in decluttering but also adds an element of order and visual appeal to your living spaces.

Procrastination - "I'll Do That Later"

The habit of putting things off until later is a significant contributor to clutter. "Later" often turns into tomorrow, and tomorrow never comes. Instead of delaying the inevitable, make it a habit to unpack your bag and put things in their rightful place as soon as you get home. This simple practice can save you from the chaos of dealing with a mountain of items meant to be addressed "later" at the end of the week, month, or year.

Procrastination solution

Break the habit of procrastination by immediately placing items where they belong often this can be done in 30 seconds. This not only streamlines your daily routine but also prevents the accumulation of big time consuming tasks to be tackled in the future.

In summary

By avoiding these common mistakes and implementing practical solutions, you can take control of your clutter and create a more organised and enjoyable living space. Remember, the key is to address clutter promptly, give each item a designated home, and break the habit of procrastination to maintain a clutter-free environment.

Note: part of this article was originally an Illawarra mercury article updated and refreshed in 2023