If you are downsizing or just feel that your home is a bit overcrowded with possessions, one of the great ways to get started is to set yourself a schedule which can be popped into your diary. This way you are setting time aside for it and you are also holding yourself accountable to do it. It is okay to do something else instead in that time, but you must help yourself by rearranging it for another time before the next one is scheduled. If something like ill health gets in the way, don’t be too hard on yourself, you can still catch up.
If you are just starting your journey to decluttering, you might want to start with short sessions and have them just once a week. If you have a looming deadline, such as a house sale, or the need to clear a property after probate, then you will need to do more and for longer each time. Remember that it can be physically tiring if you are not used to it, and it can also be emotionally draining too. We suggest four hours is the most amount of time you’ll want to do in one go. If you are doing it with someone else who is likely to be emotionally attached to the items as well, then you might find it difficult to progress very fast. (Actually in this instance, we suggest one person does a pre-sort, and leaves piles for the other to say if they agree with the decision or not).
Each person takes a different amount of time, depending on how long the decision-making process takes. To find out how long it will take you, time how long it will take you to do one cupboard in one room, and then multiply up from there. Once you know how many hours you think you need, you can then put 1 to 4-hour sessions in your diary.
If you need help with setting a schedule, or in fact doing the decluttering, then do get in touch with us. We also have our declutter guide which you can download free from the website (with an optional donation to Trinity Hospice). https://mailchi.mp/e4a7c0ab3aef/30day-clutter-clear