The 10 Biggest Decluttering Mistakes to Avoid (how NOT to declutter!)

Summary

In this video, the speaker discusses the art of decluttering and shares eight common mistakes to avoid for a more mindful and effective process. Starting with extreme decluttering and ending with too many 'just in case' scenarios, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a clear purpose for decluttering, taking it slow, and focusing on what to keep rather than what to discard. Additionally, the video touches on the environmental impact of donating unusable items and the psychological aspects of letting go of possessions, ultimately encouraging viewers to declutter at their own pace and in a way that brings them value.

Takeaways

• 💇 Decluttering can be a liberating process, but it can also be overwhelming. It's essential to approach it mindfully and at your own pace.
• 🌡 Avoid extreme decluttering where everything in sight is considered for disposal. Focus on what you want to keep rather than what to get rid of.
• 👗 Don't declutter out of season items prematurely. Wait until the end of the season to assess what you didn't use and consider letting go of those items.
• 🎯 Have a clear reason for decluttering. Whether it's to find things easier, work more efficiently, or reduce feelings of being overwhelmed, understanding your 'why' is crucial.
• 👚 Avoid donating unusable items. Practice 'donating with dignity' and ensure items are in good condition before passing them on.
• 🛍️ Don't let guilt drive your decluttering process. It's better to reorganize than to impulsively get rid of things you may later regret parting with.
• 💸 Remember the sunk cost fallacy. Don't hold onto items just because they were expensive. Consider repurposing or reselling them instead.
• 🏠 Focus on what you want to keep rather than what you want to get rid of. This approach can make the process less stressful and more satisfying.
• 👕 For items in the 'maybe' pile, consider whether you can style them into your wardrobe or if they should be stored away for future consideration.
• 🤔 If you find yourself wanting to keep everything, it might be time to challenge yourself and reassess why you're holding onto certain items.
• ❌ Avoid 'just in case' scenarios as a reason to keep items. Recognize that you're adaptable and can often manage without these items if needed.

Q & A

Why does the speaker believe in decluttering?

The speaker believes in decluttering because they think a cluttered space can equate to a cluttered mind, making it difficult to find things and causing stress in everyday activities like getting dressed or having guests over.

What is the speaker's view on the 'less is more' philosophy?

The speaker used to subscribe to the 'less is more' philosophy but admits to taking it to the extreme, where 'least becomes most', leading to making several decluttering mistakes.

What is the first decluttering mistake mentioned in the video?

The first decluttering mistake mentioned is extreme decluttering, where one might declutter impulsively without a mindful approach, focusing too much on what needs to go rather than what to keep.

Why should one avoid decluttering before a season begins?

Decluttering before a season begins is not advised because it can lead to letting go of items that might still be useful in the current season, causing the need to repurchase them later.

What is important to consider before starting to declutter?

Before starting to declutter, it's important to understand the benefits you wish to gain from it, such as making it easier to find things, working more efficiently, or reducing feelings of being overwhelmed.

How does the speaker feel about donating items that are not in good condition?

The speaker advises against donating items that are ripped, damaged, smelly, or unusable, as it can create problems for others and may lead to such items ending up in landfills or sold in developing nations.

What is the speaker's suggestion for items that are not ready to be donated?

The speaker suggests considering alternatives like having a garage sale, selling items on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Poshmark, or participating in clothing swaps with friends.

Why should one avoid forcing themselves to let go of items?

Forcing oneself to let go of items can come from a place of punishment or guilt, which is not healthy. If one is not ready to let go, they should store the item and revisit it later, giving themselves time to decide.

What is the issue with guilt-driven decluttering?

Guilt-driven decluttering can lead to impulsive decision-making and potential regret later. Instead of getting rid of items, spending time reorganizing might yield similar benefits without the regret.

Why is focusing on the 'sunk cost' a mistake when decluttering?

Focusing on the 'sunk cost' can prevent one from letting go of items that no longer serve them. The money spent is gone, and keeping items out of a sense of wasted money does not recoup that cost.

How does the speaker recommend approaching the 'maybe' pile during decluttering?

The speaker recommends splitting the 'maybe' pile into two smaller piles: one for items to style or use, and another for items to store away for future consideration, reducing the pressure of immediate decisions.

What should one do if they find themselves wanting to keep everything during decluttering?

If one finds themselves wanting to keep everything, they should challenge themselves to be honest about their reasons for holding on to items and consider if they are simply delaying the inevitable.

Why is it a mistake to keep too many 'just in case' items?

Keeping too many 'just in case' items can lead to unnecessary clutter. Most people are adaptable and resourceful, and creativity can come from having fewer options.

What is the role of ExpressVPN in the video?

ExpressVPN is the sponsor of the video. They provide a VPN service that protects online privacy, allows for secure browsing and banking, and can be used to access geo-restricted content on platforms like Netflix.