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3 Things You're Doing That Sabotage Your Decluttering Efforts (+ what to do instead)

I have a lot of repeat conversations with family, friends and new clients about how they put effort into decluttering in their home, only to see clutter come back with vengeance. I’m here to help you take back control of the decluttering in your home so your effort isn’t wasted.

Kitchen counters can harbor a lot of stress when they’re covered in “stuff”, from drying dishes, to appliances, to randomness that needs to get put away. Aim to have out as little as on those kitchen counters as much as possible.

1. Inconsistent home reset routines.

I'm talking about a nightly clean up + reset in the main spaces of the home, hanging up clothing in your room at the end of the bed, clearing off kitchen counters, etc. Doing these daily, quick tidying moments make decluttering so much easier when you go to do it because everything isn't screaming for your attention that simply needs to be put away.

Bonus Take-Action Tip:

Write down one thing you can do to create more order in your home tonight before you go to bed. Just pick one. Start consistently doing it this week and pay close attention to how it positively sets you up for the next day. Example: Put all the dishes away on the counters before bed so you wake up to an uncluttered kitchen and not an immediate to do list.


2. Not having a decluttering mindset everyday.

Tap the brakes, I am not asking you to declutter everyday, not at all. I am asking you to see your home through a lens of decluttering as much as possible. When you see something in your kitchen you never use + it's jamming up your drawer, remove it. When your kiddo comes to you with clothing that doesn't fit anymore, remove it. Better yet, set up a small zone somewhere in your home for donation to go the second you notice they need to go. Decluttering (most of the time) is not this big massive effort. It can + should be chipped away at in little bits!

Bonus Take-Action Tip:

Do a quick check in at the end of the week…did you observe anything this week that you no longer need, was grown out of or is beyond repair? Go ahead and remove those items (toss, recycle, donate). To help you remember, set a reoccurring appointment on your phone once a week that says ‘declutter?’ as a reminder and take action as needed.

If kids are in your home, anytime is a good time to declutter. From books they no longer read or have outgrown, to clothing that no longer fits. Things are constantly changing, growing and evolving with them and it’s the perfect reminder to maintain a declutter mindset with everything in our home.


3. Waiting until you have the perfect time to declutter. 

NEWS FLASH MY LOVE, IT AIN'T COMING!! The perfect time will never show up so please stop waiting! So to recap…start anywhere, at anytime! Small, consistent bits of progress will serve you well + win every time over obsessing about the right time to spend hours decluttering, burning yourself out + making you miserable! Be proud of where you're at + keep going!

Bonus Take-Action Tip:
One way to easily integrate decluttering in your full schedule is to get it down on paper. In whatever time amount you’re comfortable with, jot down your plan. Example: I plan to declutter for 15 minute bursts at least 3 times this week. The more specific, the more likely it is to happen. Pick one zone or move to different areas. Progress is progress, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!

Success doesn't come from what you do occasionally, it comes from what you do consistently.” – Marie Forleo

Want more decluttering tools and tips? Here’s more you can find in the shop.

Clothing Closet Declutter Guide Entire Home Declutter Kit

Declutter Guide for Kids All Access Declutter Bundle



Let me know how I can support you in your home.


Drop your comments below. Thanks for being here!