Decluttering is a net profit of time
One of the things I hear pretty often is “I need to declutter, but I don’t have the time!”
What if I told you that it might be that you don’t have the time, because you haven’t decluttered?
Decluttering is about reclaiming your time and sanity from the chaos. Here are 10 ways that decluttering will save you time. (Stay tuned for the end, I’ll give you some decluttering tips!)
Time Saver #1: No More Treasure Hunts
Ever spent half an hour digging through a mountain of junk just to find your keys? Decluttering means that everything has a home, so you don’t have to embark on an epic quest in the mornings to find your essentials.
Time Saver #2: Streamlined Morning Routine
With less stuff to sift through, mornings become a breeze. No more wrestling with a chaotic closet or wading through a sea of mismatched socks. A decluttered space means you can grab what you need and get out the door without being a sweaty, grumpy mess.
“If you lose an hour in the morning, you will spend all day looking for it.”
Time Saver #3: Efficient Cleaning Sessions
Less clutter equals less surface area for dust to accumulate. With fewer piles, doomboxes, or tchotchkes to navigate around, cleaning becomes a quicker task. When you are cleaning AND tidying at the same time, you are constantly task-switching between cleaning and decision making. This slows you down, it also contributes to decision fatigue and overwhelm. Once you’ve decluttered, it really can be as simple as just wiping down your surfaces.
Time Saver #4: Faster Decision-Making
That being said, when you’re drowning in clutter, every decision can feel like a Herculean feat. Decluttering helps to clear up the mental fog, so that whatever decisions do have to be made can be done quickly and decisively.
Time Saver #5: instant Access to Important files
No more frantically rifling through stacks of paper when you need that elusive birth certificate or insurance policy. A decluttered home has a place for everything, and you’ll be able to put your hands on the important papers you need quickly. And let’s be real: If you’re looking for an insurance policy, time is probably of the essence. So, decluttering will not only save you time - but it will save you valuable time.
Time Saver #6: Effortless Meal Prep
Did you read my article about Menu Planning? Awesome. So, now that you’ve got that Menu in hand and it’s time to prepare food - how efficient will that be?
A clutter-free kitchen means less time spend rummaging through overcrowded cabinets and drawers. With a well-organized pantry and streamlined cooking space, meal prep becomes simplified and dare I say - enjoyable. <3
Time Saver #7: Streamlined Workspaces
Whether you’re working from home or tackling projects in the office, a clutter-free workspace is key to staying focused and productive. It’s hard to maintain any level of focus while working in a room filled with distractions. (Quest difficulty multiplier for those of us who are neurospicy!)
Decluttering your work environment gives you breathing room to focus and be productive in a timely way, even if you believe that it isn’t possible for you. (It is. I’m looking at you, my ADHD beauties!)
Time Saver #8: Eliminate Duplicates
How many spatulas does one person really need? Decluttering helps weed out duplicates and unnecessary items, freeing up space and saving you time searching for the right tool. Because, let’s face it: You might have 7 spatulas, but I’ll bet you have a favorite!
Additionally, having 7 spatulas might mean that you are able to go longer between dishwashing sessions, because you still have a clean one somewhere. Pairing it down to just a couple of them that you use and love will prompt you to be sure your dishes are clean more often, which helps keep the chore from becoming overwhelming because it’s such a large task.
Time Saver #9: Quicker Errands
Have you found yourself struggling to get all the items you need to get to the post office? And make a store return? And pay a bill in person? And deliver napkins to the school for the end-of-year party? And grab the extra crockpot you’ll need for Saturday’s birthday party? Have to run back home, because you remembered all your errands but forgot your wallet?
Decluttering your entryway and having a home to put all of the things you will need to get out the door to run all the errands you have, and to have a designated place to store all of the things you will need to accomplish them. It will also enable you to task batch those errands so you can do them all in one fell swoop, instead of running around 3-4 times a week trying to get them all done.
Time Saver #10: Enhanced Mental Clarity
Perhaps the most valuable time-saving benefit of all, decluttering frees up mental space that would otherwise be consumed by stress and overwhelm. With a clear mind, you’ll find yourself making better use of your time and energy, leading to greater overall productivity and space for intentionality.
BONUS TIPS!
BONUS TIPS!
Yeah, yeah - I know! Telling you all these great time saving examples is awesome, but - how does one get there? Let’s throw in a few decluttering tips and strategies to set you on your way!
Set Clear GOALS
Define WHY you want to declutter and what you hope to achieve. Whether it’s creating a more peaceful living space or reclaiming your weekends from clutter-induced chaos, having a clear vision will help keep you motivated
START SMALL
Tackling an entire house or apartment in one go can feel overwhelming. Instead, break your decluttering tasks into manageable chunks. Start with a single drawer or closet, and gradually work your way up to larger areas.
Use the One-in-one-out rule:
For every new item you bring into your home, commit to removing an old one. This simple rule helps precent future clutter build-up and encourages mindful consumption. (Bonus tip: While you are early in your decluttering journey and trying to down-size your current stuff, try a One-In-TWO-Out rule.)
Celebrate progress
Decluttering is hard work! So, don’t forget to celebrate your achievements along the way! Treat yourself to a small reward for each decluttering milestone you reach, whether it’s enjoying a favorite snack, or indulging in some well-deserved relaxation time. (But probably best if the reward isn’t something that represents future clutter!)
Enlist support
Decluttering doesn’t have to be a solo endeavor! Recruit a friend or a family member to help you stay accountable and provide moral support. You could also hire a professional to come in and offer motivation, inspiration, and help throughout the process. I happen to believe that utilizing an organizer is one of the best investments you can make into the functionality and overall enjoyment of your home, but I guess that’s no surprise. ;)
If you’d like help with your decluttering journey, please feel free to email me, reach out to me on social media, join my Facebook group, call or text at 630-457-4117. Declutter support can be effective in person, but also virtually. There are coaching options that work particularly well with those who are embarking on a pathway to a decluttered and peaceful home.
No matter which path you take, I’m here and rooting for you!
