This post originally appeared onZen Habits.
Clutter, it turns out, is procrastination.
That was truly amazing.
Amazing because I didnt really believe I could do it until I did it.
I didnt believe in myself.
Decluttering my home has meant a more peaceful, minimal life.
Its meant I spend less time cleaning, maintaining my stuff, looking for things.
Less money buying things, storing things.
Less emotional attachment to things.
For anyone looking to begin decluttering, Id like to offer a short guide on getting started.
Clutter can be overwhelming, and so we put it off.
The best thing I did was to just focus one one small space to start with.
A kitchen counter (just part of it) is a good example.
Or a dining table, or a shelf.
Clear everything off that space, and only put back what you really need.
Put it back neatly.
Get rid of the restgive it away, sell it on Craigslist, donate it, recycle it.
How do you eat an elephant?
One bite at a time.
(Not literallyIm vegan.)
If you have a free day on the weekend, spend an afternoon doing a huge chunk.
Spend the whole weekend if you feel like it.
Or just do one small piece at a timetheres no need to rush, but keep the progress going.
Put stuff in your trunk.
Choose a time to deliver them.
Enjoy getting them out of your life.
Talk to anyone involved.
Ask them what they think of this.
Send them this article to consider.
Dont be pushy, dont take a stab at force, but have the conversation.
Be okay if they resist.
This resistance is important to watchits your mind wanting to run from discomfort or rationalize things.
The truth is, we put a lot of emotional attachment into objects.
And practicing tackling clutter that you dread tackling is also an amazing practice.
The danger is to start seeing decluttering as yet another chore on your to-do list.
Once you start doing that, it becomes something youll put off.
Instead, reframe it to a liberating practice of mindfulness.
Smile as you do it.
This is a beautiful practice, and I recommend it.
These steps wont get your home decluttered in a weekend.
Youll love this change as much as I have.
The Quickstart Guide to a Decluttered Home| Zen Habits
Leo Babauta is the creator and writer of Zen Habits.
Read more about him:My Story.
Image byred-feniks(Shutterstock).
