Sometimes I've fallen into the myth that decluttering can get done in a short amount of time. Home Makeover episodes portray homes stuffed to the brim getting emptied in just a matter of hours or days. But the reality is, it takes a lot more time than that... especially if you don't have a lot of help.
I am working with a client right now and on our first day together, we emptied one of her two storage units. It gave me hope that this could get done quickly. But now we've been working together for a couple months and we still have a lot to do. The garage is still full... although we've made a little dent. Inside the house still needs a lot of work... although we've tackled quite a few categories. And we still have another storage unit to empty. But we are making progress. And, although it often feels overwhelming and slow, the truth is, my client has not felt so hopeful or light in years. Emotional weight is being lifted off her shoulders with each item she declutters and each thing she gives a permanent home.
The lesson here is, the absolute worst thing you can do when trying to declutter, is expecting it to be done so quickly, that when you can't get it done in time, you give up. Giving up is the only thing that will stop you from getting to the home you want. It just takes time: time to learn what you really need; time to learn what items you enjoy most; time to sort through everything; time to get rid of all you have accumulated. It's a journey. And that is the beauty of it all. It's not some speedy makeover. It's your life. And I believe and know, if you just take it one step at a time, it will someday soon be really, really beautiful.
Leave me a comment or email me at elena@elenasdeclutter.com if this gave you hope to keep going. I would love to hear your story.
Also, I want you to know... You are not alone. You are not a hopeless mess. You can achieve what you are longing for. I know you can. Now get off your screen and start sorting!
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