Living in a cluttered space makes me think a lot about when I will not live in a cluttered space! Sometimes, when I am done decluttering a space, I feel relieved and think, “There! Clutter free! Now I have won!”

But winning makes me feel like I can stop and celebrate the win! BUT, the moment I stop and enjoy the win, I look around and realize my house is full of clutter again! Then, I feel deflated! What a loss, and what a waste of time! The vicious cycle continues.

It’s kind of like a diet. You lose all kinds of weight while you are working hard, but then you might reach your goal weight, only to find yourself slowly gaining back that weight you lost.

Try not winning or losing…just…coasting!

Coasting is actually fine, and it works quite well… so long as you have a great maintenance plan!

Coasting is a great feeling! I love it when friends ask how we are doing, and I can confidently say we are coasting. Coasting to me means that there is a balance of work and fun, and the kids seem overall happy with what they are doing.

To coast successfully and to create a good maintenance plan, though, you need to do a few things. I am here to help!

You need a daily clutter plan

You need a plan in order to help you tidy the house every night! You heard me – EVERY NIGHT! Clutter attracts more clutter! The day that you leave something out without tidying is the day you suddenly have more work to do tomorrow. And as soon as you have more than a couple days in a row without tidying, you suddenly have a cluttered house again! It has happened to me too many times! Without a daily clutter plan, you will feel like you are always moving backward and unable to gain any forward momentum. Whether it’s just 5 minutes per room or a list of things to ensure get put away at bedtime, just make sure you have a plan and that you stick to it! If, for whatever reason, you can’t tidy up at bedtime, try to do it first thing in the morning. The key is to be steady and consistent! This can be one of those habits you need to track to conquer your 2024!

You need an out box or donate box

Somewhere in the house, you need a handy, easy to fill donate box, or an “out-box.” Make sure it’s easy to toss stuff in it and that it is a reasonable size for the types of stuff you’re typically getting rid of. Occasionally, there will be something that doesn’t fit in it. That might be a good cue to simply donate the stuff right away rather than let it pile up beside the bin! The other important thing to think about when you are planning your out-box is to have a plan for when it’s full! Decide ahead of time what it looks like when it’s full. As soon as you see it get to that point, load it up, and get it out! You can have multiple boxes around the house or one on each level if need be. Just remember to check them ALL when you are dealing with the stuff and getting it out of the house.

You need to get your family on board!

The most important thing with any decluttering project is getting the family or household on board! Whether it’s your spouse, kids, elderly parents, or other family or even friends living with you. Everyone needs to be pitching in with the decluttering. It can be tricky to get everyone on the same page, but I guarantee that each and every person in your house can decide that they are done with something right now! Even a three year old! Just talk it out. When new toys or items come into the house, have a discussion about what could be parted with. Even while you’re shopping, you could start opening up the conversation of, “I wonder what things I no longer need so that I can make this a priority in my house.” Make it part of your inner monologue every time you are buying something. For kids, you could ask them if the toy they are about to buy is so much better than one of their older toys. It’s hard sometimes for kids to think about it, but if you plant that seed for them in the store, they are generally more open to discussing it further when they get home with their new toy! Teens, kids, and toddlers present their own foibles, but getting spouses on board is the most important!

Spouses can be tricky to deal with, especially if they are not the ones headlining most of the decluttering. I find that patience – yes, even saying for the umpteenth time that the ‘spatulas now go here’ can make or break the progress. Giving everyone time to learn the new system or placement of items is huge. Showing and reminding becomes the cornerstone to making things last. Doing a little extra work and reminding for a shortish period of time compared to living in a cluttered home is worth it! A different lifestyle of living with less is on the radar! Rather than just moving it and becoming resentful, talk about it openly AND without judgment! Everyone will come around in time.

Talk openly with your household, too, about the daily clutter plan. Maybe everyone could take a room or everyone works together in the same room.

Good luck with the process. Remember, decluttering is ongoing! Not a one and done.

What tricks do you use to get the family motivated and excited about decluttering? Comment below!

Thanks for coming home!