How to Maintain Decluttering Motivation Long-Term

Let’s be honest: the initial burst of enthusiasm that comes with decluttering can be thrilling. You clear out a room, toss things into bags, and suddenly, your space feels lighter. But what happens when that motivation starts to wane? Trust me, I’ve been there too, and maintaining that momentum can be a challenge. Here are some tips I've found invaluable for keeping the decluttering spirit alive long-term.

Set Realistic Goals

When I first started decluttering, I went in with grand plans to tackle the entire house in a weekend. Spoiler alert: it didn’t happen. Setting realistic, achievable goals is crucial. Instead of aiming to declutter every room at once, I focus on one small area - doing what I love - the “mini'-declutter” —like a single drawer or a shelf each week. This keeps the process manageable and allows me to celebrate small victories along the way.

Create a Decluttering Schedule

I’ve discovered that consistency is key. By establishing a decluttering routine—perhaps dedicating just 15 minutes a day or an hour on the weekend—I keep the momentum going without feeling overwhelmed. I make it part of my regular cleaning schedule, so it becomes a habit rather than a chore.

Celebrate Progress

It's easy to feel discouraged if you don’t see immediate results, but celebrating your progress can make a world of difference. I like to take before-and-after photos of my spaces. Seeing the transformation not only motivates me to continue but also reminds me of how far I’ve come.

Find Your Decluttering Style

Everyone has their own approach to decluttering. Some people thrive on the methods they see in books or on tv, while others prefer a more intuitive approach. I’ve learned to embrace my unique style, whether that means going through items by category or simply tackling whatever bothers me most at the moment. Find what works for you and lean into it.

Get Support

Decluttering can feel isolating at times, so involve friends or family to boost your motivation. Whether it’s having a decluttering day with a mate or sharing your progress on social media, having that support system can keep you accountable and inspired. If that doesn’t work, you can always contact Decluttr Me (just press the button above) and book an appointment with me.

Reassess and Reflect

Every few months, I take the time to reflect on my space and my belongings. Have new items crept in? Is there anything that I’ve held onto that no longer serves me? This regular reassessment helps me stay aligned with my decluttering goals and reinforces the benefits of a clutter-free environment.

Remember the Why

When motivation dips, it’s helpful to remind myself why I started decluttering in the first place. For me, it’s about creating a peaceful, organised space where I can truly relax and enjoy my surroundings. Keeping my ‘why’ front and centre helps reignite that initial passion.

Maintaining decluttering motivation is a journey, not a sprint. It’s about creating sustainable habits and reminding myself of the joy that comes from a decluttered space. With a little patience and perseverance, I know I can keep my home feeling fresh and organised for the long haul.

So, here’s to a clutter-free life!

Let me know how in the comments if this is helped boost your motivation. If you love the post please share it on your social media and with your friends.

Thanks so much Shelina

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