Learn how to move forward and make progress in decluttering, even in survival mode. Discover the benefits of making small consistent progress, focusing on small tasks, and embracing the mindset of 'better' instead of perfection. Explore strategies to prevent overwhelming catch-up work and maintain progress in decluttering. Understand the significance of ongoing donate boxes and five-minute pickups. Stay on track and prevent regression in the clutter-free journey by making progress, even if it's just for a few minutes each day.
Making small progress, even in survival mode, is possible and valuable.
Maintaining a donate box and utilizing the five-minute pickup are effective strategies for staying on top of your space in survival mode.
Deep dives
Moving forward in survival mode
Moving forward in survival mode is a natural and common phase of life. It can feel frustrating to hear about it when you are overwhelmed with the state of your house. However, even in survival mode, it is possible to make small progress. Shifting your thinking to focus on moving a little bit forward at a time, even if it feels like less impact, can be helpful. Every forward motion, no matter how small, is valuable.
The importance of completing small actions
Defining moving forward as completing small actions that need to be done, no matter how insignificant they may seem, is key in survival mode. Acknowledging that small progress is legitimate progress and celebrating those accomplishments instead of feeling overwhelmed is essential. By focusing on what needs to be done anyway and taking small steps, such as doing a load of laundry or running the dishwasher, you can prevent the pile up and make the catch-up after survival mode easier.
The power of an ongoing donate box
Maintaining an ongoing donate box or boxes in your home can help in survival mode. Having a designated space to put items you no longer need or want allows you to easily declutter and prevent unnecessary accumulation. By donating or decluttering items, you are making your life easier and experiencing the benefits of having fewer things to think about or clean.
The effectiveness of the five-minute pickup
Utilizing the five-minute pickup on a daily basis is crucial for making it through survival mode. It involves picking up and putting away items in your home, but can also include decluttering or deciding where to donate items. The five-minute pickup helps maintain progress in your home and can also be an opportunity to tackle small decluttering tasks or complete unfinished actions. It is a valuable tool for preventing backward movement and staying on top of your space.
At this time of year, MANY of us are in survival mode. That's normal, and surviving is better than not. Today, I'm sharing ways I work to move forward on making progress in my house, even when I'm in the midst of a crazy time that once would have set my home back significantly.