BE CLEVER WITH YOUR CLEAR OUT
Being organised is an ongoing process – even if you streamline your belongings for now, more will come your way. Here’s how to stay on top
✢ THINK IN REVERSE ‘What we call “backward chaining” is an effective way to start a process like decluttering,’ explains clinical psychologist Linda Blair. ‘Envisage the last thing you need to do to achieve the perfect result, then gradually work backwards, task by task, until you are at the starting point. This helps you to visualise the path ahead.’
✢ MAKE IT MANAGEABLE
‘Don’t think you have to do everything at once – you’ll get stuck,’ advises Linda. ‘Think of each task in small chunks. For example, rather than totally reorganising the kitchen, start with the cutlery drawer and go from there.’ It can also help to set a timer for each task so there’s an end in sight.
✢ DELEGATE TASKS
If you live with others, explain what you’re aiming to do and ask that everyone plays their part.
✢ TAKE SMALL STEPS
‘A “little and often” approach to tidying up – around 15 minutes every day – keeps jobs small and manageable so that tasks don’t build up,’ says Vicky. ✢ MAKE IT LESS OF A CHORE Play some happy, energising music while you declutter, invest in a smart new cleaning gadget or even some nice cleaning products, then light a scented candle once you’re done. ✢ REMEMBER WHY YOU
ARE DOING IT
From being less stressed and freeing up time, to having less waste and maybe even making some cash, remind yourself that being more organised will make you feel better. ‘It should be because you want to do it, not because you feel you should be doing it,’ says Linda.
✢ BE MINDFUL
When life seems overwhelming, there can be something very calming and meditative about decluttering, even if it’s just a drawer or cupboard. ‘The process allows you to feel in control again,’ explains Vicky.
✢ ALLOW FOR BLIPS
‘Don’t be hard on yourself if the clutter comes back a bit from time to time,’ says Linda. ‘Remind yourself that there’s always tomorrow, then write a fresh to-do list and start again.’