How to Get Motivated to Declutter

Do you struggle to find the motivation to start decluttering? I'm sharing the best way to motivate yourself. Spoiler alert: it isn't to hype yourself up!

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[yvonneh.]

I am a hoarder, but I'm trying to dig my way out. I used to always drag everything out to clean up. I had 3 small kids so I always had to stop way before I was even close to being done. I couldn't believe how it never crossed my mind to just do one step at a time. I'm still working through things, BUT I am not making it worse now. Your book has helped me so much.

[deranaomi]

I am a therapist and I see the benefits from your perspective! I encourage my clients to go to your videos for inspiration. You are my "declutter guru".

[alysal]

Visibility Rule really works! I cleaned off a small portion of my dresser, literally only about 8 inches by 4 inches (yes it’s that bad) and wiped just that spot. The wood underneath was shining so beautifully like I hadn’t seen it in years. It was such an encouragement that I grabbed another armful of trash! Thank you Dana 😊

[doubleleterlady]

I hope you know how much we appreciate these videos. Not everyone thinks or feels the same way about cleaning and decluttering and it is so helpful to have your perspective and experience

[myheartsdesire]

Dana I have watched you for years and bought your books but today I want to tell u I could hardly get out of bed...we have been battling my husbands cancer for 17 months and now its stage 4...its so hard to even think but I took your advice from this video, took pics in my spare room and took some trash out and cleaned my bathroom!! TY!

[buddyneher]

"Small things, done completely" - your next T-shirt? Coffee mug? My new slogan!

[suec]

I find that my eye gets used to the clutter and I don’t really see it anymore, but if I take a picture of a specific area I’m actually shocked by all the things that I can see in the frame. This helps me to make a start. Don’t know why this works but it does. :)

[maryholton]

I am a caregiver for a family member, so I need to be honest with myself concerning my energy level. If it is rather low, I might set a goal of putting maybe 3 to 5 things away, be it trash, donate or put away in its proper location. If my energy level is higher, I might set a goal of 5 or more items. Following this method, I have made great progress in the last year.

[rg-mihh]

Started three days ago to get rid of basement clutter. Found a basket of candles and half were let go of, three containers of expired juice were put in the trash, and moved a scarecrow back to where it belongs. Three small things that opened up a small space. Finding another small thing today. Visual contrast is really the motivator. An opened space is a motivator. It is like exercising a minute more today, then up to ten minutes eventually.

[angelaweathersbee]

You've really helped me realize how life-changing the "progess, not perfection" process can be.

[rachelsmith]

I was just thinking of this! We are not motivated to go through our garage. I'm not happy with how it looks, and it's overwhelming to think about doing due to having to all that and keep the kids occupied. I was thinking, maybe I just fill a trash bag of trash. It would be better than how it is now. Now I just need to actually do it! I can even just put one thing in the trash each time I'm in the garage to drop off/pickup/errands. At least that's 1 piece of trash out of the garage.

[happyx]

Such great advice, Dana! Because of you, I actually said that to myself yesterday...
"Is it perfect? No."
"Is it better?? Yes!"
And that made me feel so good, that I know I will continue moving forward. Thank you!!!

[katattack]

"Small things, done completely" is so important for so many things! Especially if you struggle with overwhelm. I also rebel against the cheerleader style support because it feels so condescending.

[Donna_]

I sometimes use your method at my office job. This past Friday afternoon not many people were at work and I didn't really want to do much but had a project due on Tuesday. I gathered a few data items and saved them electronically. That was going to be it. Then I did a little bit more. That was going to be it. Then I got motivated and completed the task. I was congratulated for finishing and left for the weekend with a 'clear plate' instead of thinking and dreading Monday when I really had to do the task. Thank you Dana!

[michellemakeupandnails]

your specific approach has truly changed my life bc I too feel like I rebel when I see too much cheerleading as opposed to actually creating motivation - thank you for sharing your perspective!

[mitzilouwho]

Oh my gosh. You are giving me ways to get to work on my mess. I have a sink full of dirty dishes...the same dishes that have been in the same sink for about 2 full weeks. I have emptied the other sinks dishes in the recent past. Anyway today I will wash 2 dishes every time I get up from the couch. Put them in my non-functioning dishwasher to air dry. And with my very overactive bladder, I do get up often. 🙂

[jowen]

The goal of "better" clicked for me today. Thank you! Cheerleading doesn't always work for me especially if I'm grumpy and 'fake it til you make it' makes want to scream.

[janabuchheit]

Thank you! I really like the concept of taking a before picture and giving yourself a "hooray" for anything done. I find that doing anything when I am unmotivated leads to motivation. Be gentle with yourself. Beating myself up over the mess stops me dead in my track.

[cactusbutterfly]

This is great! I can't stand the fake "cheerleading" and just turn off those people. I completely agree with the visual motivation, it is real!

[teresabarefield]

This" better" concept has given me hope.Today, I did the dishes, vacuumed the entryway, and decluttered my entryway closet, using your decluttering without a mess. Winner Winner. 🏆PS (love your dishes math concept too) thank u!!! 😊😊😊😊