5 Huge Decluttering Mistakes Most People Make

When you’re getting ready to sell your home in Aspen, one of the first things on your To-Do list is probably decluttering – but most people go about it all wrong. Check out this guide, which explains the five biggest decluttering mistakes that people make when they’re getting rid of their excess stuff.

Here are the five biggest mistakes most people make when decluttering their homes:

Organizing too early in the process
Getting in your feelings about your belongings
Leaving kids out of the decluttering process (with their stuff)
Throwing out items you can recycle, donate or sell
Starting with the biggest jobs first

Scroll down for a closer look at each.

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Decluttering Mistake #1: Organizing Too Early in the Process

Don’t start organizing until you’ve finished decluttering – it’ll derail even the best-laid plans. You don’t have to finish your entire home before you organize, but you do have to finish the room you’re in. Many people make the mistake of starting to organize too soon, and it only leads to frustration.

Decluttering Mistake #2: Getting in Your Feelings About Your Belongings

It’s easy to get attached to things that hold sentimental value. But when you’re getting ready to sell your home, it’s important to be practical. Keep in mind that your goal is to declutter and make your home more appealing to buyers. It’s absolutely fine to keep some things; in fact, you should, because you don’t want to regret getting rid of something. Here’s a pro tip: If you can’t bear to part with something but it has no place in your current home, put it in storage until you move into your new place. If you still want it then, you can go back for it.

Decluttering Mistake #3: Leaving Kids Out of the Decluttering Process (with Their Stuff)

If you have kids, they should be involved in the decluttering process – especially if you’re decluttering their bedrooms. Talk to them about what’s going to happen and why it’s happening, and explain that you need their help to make it happen. If they’re old enough, involve them in the decision-making process. As much as possible, try to make it a positive experience for them.

Decluttering Mistake #4: Throwing Out Items You Can Recycle, Donate or Sell

When you’re decluttering, it’s important to think about what you can do with the items you no longer need or want. If an item is still in good condition, see if you can recycle it, donate it or sell it. There are plenty of places that will take gently used items off your hands – and you might even make a little money in the process.

Decluttering Mistake #5: Starting with the Biggest Jobs First

When you’re embarking on a decluttering mission, it’s tempting to start with the biggest jobs first. But that’s not always the best approach. In fact, starting small can be much more effective. Choose a drawer or a closet, and focus on decluttering that space. Once you’ve completed that task, move on to the next one. Working in small increments will help you stay motivated – and it’ll make the process a lot less overwhelming.

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