Send me a text message about this podcast

Welcome to another episode of Decluttering Untangled with Heather Tingle. In this episode, Heather explores a critical topic: why decluttering your home quickly is not only impractical but also inadvisable. She delves into the practical and mental reasons behind this.

Why Quick Decluttering Doesn't Work:

• Emotional Fatigue: Decluttering can be emotionally exhausting. It's not just about the physical labor; it involves making constant decisions, which can be draining.
• Repetition Boredom: Repeating the same tasks can become tedious, particularly for those with ADHD. Breaks are essential to stay motivated and avoid burnout.
• Mental Breaks: Feeling like decluttering is dragging on is a sign that breaks are needed to recharge and return with fresh energy and enthusiasm.

Planning is Key:

• Know Your Stopping Points: Planning decluttering sessions with clear stopping points is crucial. These could be after each room or section, or before significant events like holidays or recovery periods from illnesses.
• Celebrate Small Wins: Recognising and celebrating progress, no matter how small, is vital. This positive reinforcement helps maintain motivation.

Long-Term Strategy:

• A Marathon, Not a Sprint: Decluttering is a long-term project. The skills and habits developed during this process will serve a lifetime.

The Importance of Breaks:

• Assess and Adjust: After decluttering and reorganising, take time to assess what is working and what isn't. Adjust strategies as needed to ensure spaces stay organised.
• Celebrate Achievements: It’s important to celebrate every win, no matter how small. This helps in maintaining a positive outlook and motivation.

Final Thoughts: Heather emphasises the importance of patience and persistence in decluttering. It's a process that takes time and should be approached methodically. Remember, it's about creating lasting habits and skills that will keep your space organised for life. Be kind to yourself, celebrate your progress, and keep untangling.

Clean & Tidy Home Show Awards - Please vote for me HERE.
Voting ends 19th July 2024.
Thank you so much, it would mean so much for me if I win, to be able to shout about this amazing community and the struggles we face x

Clean & Tidy Home Show Awards - Please vote for me HERE.
Voting ends 19th July 2024.
Thank you so much, it would mean so much for me if I win, to be able to shout about this amazing community and the struggles we face x

Join my free Declutter Community for real support, tips and advice from Heather and other Untanglers that are just like you!

Follow me on Facebook

Buy my Declutter Your Home Planner from Amazon to start to declutter your home yourself! (affiliate link)

Grab my current freebies to support a cleaner, tidier home.

Follow me on instagram

Send me a text message about this podcast

Summary

In this episode, Heather Tingle discusses the irony of putting items in a safe space only to forget where they are when needed. She explores different strategies for creating safe spaces for important items, such as setting up an odds box for random bits, using technology like Apple tags and tiles, and giving every item a home. Heather also talks about organising important documents and presents, and offers tips for keeping track of tickets and reminders. The key takeaway is to find simple and accessible storage solutions that work for you.

Takeaways

• Create an odds box for random bits that you don't know what they're for but might need in the future.
• Use technology like Apple tags and tiles to keep track of items that leave the house.
• Give every item a home and make sure to put it back in its designated place.
• Organise important documents in a folder or fireproof box and make sure everyone in the household knows where it is.
• Designate a special hidey hole for presents and keep them in a consistent space.
• Staple tickets or reminders into your diary or have them in a designated paperwork folder, and set reminders to retrieve them on the day you need them.

Chapters

00:00
The Irony of Safe Spaces

02:21
Creating an Odds Box

05:10
Using Technology for Organization

08:05
Organizing Important Documents

09:56
Designating a Hidey Hole for Presents

10:52
Keeping Track of Tickets and Reminders

Clean & Tidy Home Show Awards - Please vote for me HERE.
Voting ends 19th July 2024.
Thank you so much, it would mean so much for me if I win, to be able to shout about this amazing community and the struggles we face x

Clean & Tidy Home Show Awards - Please vote for me HERE.
Voting ends 19th July 2024.
Thank you so much, it would mean so much for me if I win, to be able to shout about this amazing community and the struggles we face x

Join my free Declutter Community for real support, tips and advice from Heather and other Untanglers that are just like you!

Follow me on Facebook

Buy my Declutter Your Home Planner from Amazon to start to declutter your home yourself! (affiliate link)

Grab my current freebies to support a cleaner, tidier home.

Follow me on instagram

Send me a text message about this podcast

Episode Summary:

In this episode of "Decluttering Untangled," Heather dives into a hidden challenge that many face during their decluttering journey: decision fatigue. Discover why decision-making can be as exhausting as a marathon, and learn practical strategies to keep your energy high and your mind clear. Heather shares personal insights and actionable tips to help you stay motivated and make effective decisions without feeling overwhelmed.

Key Topics Covered:

• Understanding Decision Fatigue
  • Why decision-making during decluttering is exhausting
  • Recognising the signs of decision fatigue
• Strategies to Combat Decision Fatigue
  • Taking short, refreshing breaks
  • Engaging in activities that divert your mind from decluttering
  • Practicing decision-making to build endurance
• Preparing for Success
  • How to minimise decisions before your decluttering session
  • The importance of having a clear plan and exit strategy for discards
  • Celebrating small wins to stay motivated
• Practical Tips for Decluttering
  • Hiring a professional or having a supportive friend
  • Pre-planning decisions to save mental energy
  • Trusting your initial decisions and avoiding second-guessing

Heather’s Tips for Overcoming Decision Fatigue:

• Take Breaks: Step away from your decluttering project to reset your mind. Have a drink, snack, or listen to a fun song.
• Minimise Early Decisions: Prepare the night before by deciding on your clothes, breakfast, and other small choices to save your decision-making power for decluttering.
• Stay Focused: Know what you’re going to declutter and where the discarded items will go. Review and celebrate your progress before decision fatigue sets in.
• Avoid Overthinking: Hire a professional or have a supportive friend to help guide your decision-making process.

Listener Challenge:

This week, I challenge you to identify one area in your home that’s been bothering you and apply the strategies discussed in this episode. Take breaks, pre-plan your decisions, and celebrate your small wins. Share your progress in our community group on Facebook, or text me!

Clean & Tidy Home Show Awards - Please vote for me HERE.
Voting ends 19th July 2024.
Thank you so much, it would mean so much for me if I win, to be able to shout about this amazing community and the struggles we face x

Clean & Tidy Home Show Awards - Please vote for me HERE.
Voting ends 19th July 2024.
Thank you so much, it would mean so much for me if I win, to be able to shout about this amazing community and the struggles we face x

Join my free Declutter Community for real support, tips and advice from Heather and other Untanglers that are just like you!

Follow me on Facebook

Buy my Declutter Your Home Planner from Amazon to start to declutter your home yourself! (affiliate link)

Grab my current freebies to support a cleaner, tidier home.

Follow me on instagram