{"id":3649,"date":"2023-08-07T20:37:52","date_gmt":"2023-08-08T00:37:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/why-decluttering-isnt-like-waving-a-magic-wand\/"},"modified":"2023-08-07T20:37:52","modified_gmt":"2023-08-08T00:37:52","slug":"why-decluttering-isnt-like-waving-a-magic-wand","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/why-decluttering-isnt-like-waving-a-magic-wand\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Decluttering Isn\u2019t Like Waving a Magic Wand"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Profit<\/a>
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Note: This is a guest post from Karen Trefzger of\u00a0Maximum Gratitude, Minimal Stuff<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

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When I first began decluttering, I had no idea how long it would take, or even how much unneeded, unloved stuff I had.\u00a0As I worked through the process\u2014sometimes with quick successes<\/a> and sometimes more slowly and painstakingly\u2014I began to feel lightness and freedom. I enjoyed having less to care for and worry about, and more time for relationships, goals, and fun.<\/p>\n

However, eventually I realized that decluttering isn\u2019t magic.\u00a0It\u2019s not a once-and-done solution that simplifies life forever after.<\/p>\n

You see, clutter is a symptom<\/em>.\u00a0And just as a cold medication may bring down your fever, keep your nose from running, and quiet your cough without actually making you well, decluttering reduces visual noise<\/a>, makes your house easier to keep in order, and soothes stress and overwhelm without getting to the root of the problem<\/strong>.\u00a0You still have to go through the process of healing the habits that continue to allow clutter into your life.<\/p>\n

Four ways to clear clutter from the inside out<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

1.\u00a0 Limit social media usage.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Social media can be a way to keep in touch and find inspiration, but it can also be a big time waster and a way to compare myself, my home, my achievements, and my life with others.<\/p>\n

Comparison might help us choose between two or more options.\u00a0It might inspire us toward self-improvement.\u00a0But most often, comparing ourselves with what others have or do leads to jealousy and dissatisfaction.\u00a0And trying to \u201ckeep up\u201d leads to an endless search for more.\u00a0We become unhappy, even if we have enough and should appreciate what we have.<\/p>\n

Limiting my time on social media (even deleting some of my profiles) has helped me want less, avoid impulse purchases (which lead to debt and clutter), and be more aware of my blessings.<\/p>\n

2.\u00a0 Decide once.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Some sources suggest that adults make 35,000 decisions per day<\/a>, from what to wear to what to eat to whether to answer the phone or let it go to voicemail.<\/p>\n

Even if that number seems somewhat high, the truth is that we do make decisions large and small from the moment we wake until we fall asleep.\u00a0At some point, decision fatigue sets in and we start losing self-control and willpower.\u00a0Our brains conserve energy by acting on impulse or avoiding decisions all together.\u00a0That\u2019s why you tell your partner, \u201cI don\u2019t care what we eat for dinner\u2014you decide!\u201d Or even, \u201cLet\u2019s just order a pizza tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n

One way to overcome decision fatigue (which will also help you avoid impulse purchases and junk accumulation) is to stick with routines.\u00a0Decide once, and stop reinventing the wheel.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Some areas where \u201cdecide once\u201d works particularly well:<\/p>\n