Look at me all cute and little! This is my brother and cousins holding me up after my high school graduation. As I look back on this school age version of me, it got me thinking....
What about back to school season always made it feel like a new start?
Here are the answers I came up with and how you can apply them to get a new start in your decluttering journey this fall:
1. New Routine
Starting a new school year meant a brand new routine. The loose structure of summer days was nice a first, but it soon meant eating late, not enough sleep, boredom and a frequent wondering what to do next. School routines always started a bit too early for my taste, but I did love the structure it gave my days.
If you want a refresh for your decluttering this fall, start a new routine. Try an earlier and more structured morning routine that includes 15 minutes of tidying or decluttering. Or if you struggle to get to bed on time, start a new evening routine that helps you get in the mood for sleep so your next day can go better. You'll never have the energy to declutter if you're running on fumes!
2. New Planner
Oh the academic planner, I miss it. I currently use a bullet journal and it might be a bit too free-form for me.
If your decluttering only happens on a whim or when you're in the mood, perhaps it's time to take planning seriously and make decluttering a part of your weekly plan.
Don't have a planning method or want to mix it up? Explore my recommended productivity methods and planning tools.
3. New People
Seeing my friends and meeting new ones definitely made school feel like a new start.
If you see the same co-workers, neighbors, and family members every week and never meet anyone new, your motivation to declutter will be limited. Try a new small group, workout studio / gym, coffee shop, or just check out some free local events. Socializing is good for all of us and you might even meet your new decluttering bestie to help motivate you throughout your journey.
If you're in the Walla Walla area and want to join The Clutter Clique, that's a fantastic way to meet new people who are also trying to declutter their homes. You can join the Facebook group and/or sign up for the Elena's Declutter email list and mark that you are local to Walla Walla, and I'll update you on upcoming in-person events.
4. Getting out of the house
Although summer outings were great, they weren't super consistent. Some weeks we'd go out almost every day and other weeks maybe only once. School provided the opportunity to get out of the house every single day Monday through Friday.
Being stuck in your house sucks, especially if you are surrounded by clutter. So if you don't get out of the house everyday for work, make it a new habit to get out of your house at least five times a week. Whether that be to a coffee shop, workout class, running errands, or just a walk around the block. Decluttering is hard to do when you feel down. So get outside and boost your mood and motivation!
5. New Goals
With the new school year always came new goals:
Get good grades in my new classes
Become best friends with Victoria (cause she's awesome)
Make the sports team
Have the tidiest desk (Was that only a goal I had? Yeah, I know I was a weird one)
If you want a new start in your decluttering journey, you need to set new goals. Ask yourself:
What rooms or categories do you want to declutter?
What events do you want to host in your home this year? How much decluttering do you need to do before that can happen?
What large items do you want to get rid of? How will you do it (sell, dump run, etc.)?
How do you want your home to feel?
Want some more help goal setting?
BONUS: New Clothes
A new outfit or two always helped make the new school year feel fresh too.
If your wardrobe is hard to declutter, find something you wear all the time that is faded, ripped, or not quite fitting right anymore. Buy yourself a new item to replace it. That process may be the step in the right direction you need to give you the motivation to declutter the rest of your wardrobe.
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Thanks for reading all the way to the bottom. I hope you found these tips helpful.
Comment below and let me know which one you liked the most and how you are going to apply it. I'd love to hear from you!
Until next time, keep decluttering a little bit a time.
You got this!
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