How To See Progress When Decluttering

7 Decluttering Methods To See Results FASTER

1. Start with the end in mind
   

   This rule of thumb is really great for any goal that you’re trying to achieve, but it’s also true for decluttering your space. I like the tool I call, “planning your spatial constraints.” Basically, you just plan which type of items go in which spaces you have available before you start decluttering.
   
   That way, you can work backward towards what your vision is. This also means that you can have boxes and bags for where things are going to go during the process. So, if you’re working with the end in mind, then you probably want to have a donation box that you can add to as you’re decluttering.
   
    I’ve said before that I keep an electronics bag in my closet to put extra cords that stop working or devices that we’re no longer using. And then, when that bag gets full, I take it over to Best Buy or Goodwill because they both have electronic recycling programs.
   
   Having all of that separation done and the bags or boxes ready to go, can really help you to save time during the process. And, it’s going to make it look like you’re making more progress because all the things that you’re decluttering are no longer just sitting in a pile somewhere else.

2. Take some pictures
   

   This is kind of a funny trick that actually works. But taking a before and after picture for each session of decluttering, can be really helpful to see visual proof of what you’ve accomplished! Of course, it’ll be most impressive comparing the photos before you start the project and when you’ve finished, but seeing those little changes along the way will keep you motivated to keep going 🙂
   
   Oftentimes, people don’t even realize how much clutter they have in their space until they take a picture of it. Our brain’s job is to prioritize where our attention and our focus go. You’ll eventually stop seeing things that are always just in the background.
   
   If you follow this tip, I bet that you’re going to see some major progress when decluttering, that maybe you wouldn’t have even noticed! 

3. Clear the surfaces before and after
   

   Nothing can be more discouraging than to come in and clean out the backs of closets that were full of stuff, only to see all the surfaces of your bedroom full of random things. Then you think, “This looks worse than before I started!”
   
   So be sure to do just a quick clean off of all the surfaces. I like to do it both before and after. When you do it before, then you have just a flat surface and a clean space to work with. And then, of course, clearing it after to bring things back to neutral. I recommend tidying up twice in my 10 steps to declutter your room post, too. It’s just that important 🙂 
   
   This is where having that box of where things are supposed to go afterward, can come in handy. It doesn’t necessarily have to be for stuff you’re donating. Going through with a laundry hamper and collecting the stuff that needs to go to another area of the house can help you make sure it goes back where it belongs.

4. Start with the eye-catchers

   If you’re just starting your decluttering journey and first organize a space that you don’t really interact with much, it’s going to feel disappointing. So start off with areas that you frequent, and you’ll feel the impact of your work much more quickly. Even if that means starting with a more superficial decluttering at the beginning and going back to do a deeper clean later, it can help keep the momentum going.
   
   I recently helped my friend declutter. She’d been sick, so things had gotten really out of control. To make the maximum impact, I started by cleaning off the surfaces that everyone always sees, like the kitchen island. Then I also cleared out the cabinets that people used the most, like the one with glasses and mugs. Prioritizing the places that people frequent the most, can help you see progress when decluttering.

5. Focus on the sorting
   

   In my past, I’ve talked about the only 2 ways to minimize your stuff. Essentially, it’s about one decluttering method to go through the clutter one at a time. The other is my favorite and is done by removing everything and actively selecting the things that belong there and putting them back. 
   
   I really do feel like it’s the easiest and the most impactful way to see results. All the things that you removed can then go into one of your boxes for donation or to be put back somewhere else in your house. But the important thing is, you’re removing everything and only putting the things back in there that you’ve selected to keep.

6. Clean the foundation as you go
   

   If I’m going to invest time in decluttering an entire cabinet or drawer, I’m going to wipe down those surfaces in the process. Why not? That’s the best time to do it!
   While you’re decluttering, you’re likely to see those crumbs at the bottom or the sticky stuff in there. So the best time to do it is right then and there when it’s in front of you. You’ll see more progress if things are clean as you’re decluttering them. 
   
   When I was decluttering my friend’s place I took this approach. I removed all of the glasses out of the glass cupboard and then wiped down the shelves. I even got up on the counter and wiped down the top shelf that nobody ever really gets to. Then I selected the glasses that were going to be kept and put them away neatly.

7. Be intentional about your selling
   

   If you have things that aren’t super valuable, that you’re not going to get a lot of money for anyway, maybe forego selling altogether. You’ll see more progress when you’re more quickly able to get the clutter out the door.
   
   Sometimes the selling process can take a bit of time for people to show interest and more time for you to post them online. It can take so long that you forget to get rid of the clutter at all! So then you’re really not seeing the progress you want.
   
   Remember, baby steps will still get you to the end result! Do not discount the power of taking small, consistent steps. Consistency is more powerful than any big, overzealous project you could possibly plan.
   
   Staying consistent with something, you will see the results, but these seven steps were just ways to see them a little bit quicker during the process. 
   
   Good luck on any of your decluttering efforts! Be sure to let me know in the comments, which area you’re starting on and where you’re hoping to see some major progress going forward. I’ll chat with you next week!