The Accountability Club<\/span><\/strong><\/a>.
<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhy should you declutter?
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Your reason for decluttering may be that you feel overwhelmed in your house with all the stuff you have to manage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And even though you feel a little emotional letting things go, you know having less to manage will make you feel better from day to day.
Another reason may be that a loved one has passed away and it causes too much grief to continue holding onto their things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When you recall memories of your loved one while you\u2019re decluttering and you start to get a little emotional, remember that letting go of items does not mean letting go of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You will need to remind yourself of your reason for decluttering their things. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Maybe you don\u2019t have enough room or truly these things aren\u2019t benefiting your life to continue holding on to them.
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Before you start decluttering
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Whatever your reason, it\u2019s important to write it down before you get started decluttering. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
That way anytime you feel like giving up, your reason will keep you motivated.
Your reason for decluttering may change or evolve and that\u2019s okay. Just update your declaration and focus on your new motivation.
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2. Understand that it\u2019s normal for decluttering to be hard.
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Understanding that decluttering can evoke strong emotions is crucial, especially for those of us navigating the complexities of ADHD. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The process is often more than just sorting through physical items; it’s an emotional journey that involves confronting memories, guilt, and sometimes even grief. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This emotional weight can make decluttering particularly challenging, but recognizing and accepting these feelings as a normal part of the process is a significant step forward.
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Why do we get emotional about decluttering?
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Many of us attach memories and sentiments to our possessions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A simple t-shirt may remind you of a special day out with your kids, or a stack of books might carry the weight of the dreams you had for yourself. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Letting go of these items can feel like letting go of a part of your history or aspirations, which is why decluttering can sometimes feel like peeling back layers of your life story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For instance, one of my coaching clients, held onto her late mother’s belongings for years.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Every attempt to declutter brought waves of grief and guilt. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It wasn’t until she acknowledged these emotions and understood their roots that she could gently and gradually start to let go, choosing to keep a few special items that truly sparked joy and memories of her mother.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another client avoided decluttering her craft room which was filled with hobbies she no longer was interested in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The clutter represented unfulfilled promises she made to herself, and facing it was a reminder of her failures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, acknowledging the emotional burden helped her understand that her worth wasn’t tied to these abandoned hobbies.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She could honor his past interests without letting them consume her space and mental energy.
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Decluttering can lead to healing
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Decluttering becomes hard and emotional because it confronts us with our vulnerabilities, regrets, and sometimes our losses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But it also offers a path to healing and growth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
By facing these emotions head-on, we learn to process and move past them, making room not just in our homes but in our hearts for new experiences and joys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This emotional aspect of decluttering is why it’s so important to approach the task with compassion and patience, both for yourself and for others who may be on a similar journey. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Acknowledging that the process is challenging but ultimately rewarding can transform decluttering from a dreaded task into a meaningful journey of personal development. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It teaches your resilience, allows you to confront and accept your past, and paves the way for a more intentional and peaceful lifestyle.
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3. Start decluttering less emotional areas.
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When it comes to decluttering, especially for us ADHD moms, starting small and tackling less emotional areas first can make a world of difference. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why? Because it’s about building momentum and confidence without overwhelming our already busy minds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019ve worked with many ADHD moms through decluttering their homes.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019ve seen them gain the ability to declutter more difficult items once they\u2019ve stretched their decluttering muscles with me during our online coaching sessions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If it can work for them, I know starting small can work wonders for you as well!
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