Spring Cleaning/Decluttering/Minimalism
The beautiful weather we have had in the midwest has inspired my spring cleaning a bit early! However, over time I have recognized the ways my own neurodivergence negatively impacts the process. The piles that collect items to go to a different room, the expectation of a “fresh start”, the never ending process of cleaning with five full grown people and three dogs living in our home. However, I have also identified some tips to overcome these challenges and mindfully declutter.
Know what your goal is! Are you looking to make spaces more functional? Are you looking to reduce piles of clutter such as mail, kids' school papers, etc.? Are you wanting to be more minimalistic in your belongings? If you don’t know what the main goal is then you run the risk of spinning in circles without any real progress. Each room or space can have its own goal but it is important to start with your intention.
Be aware of where your mind is drawn to. Often our brains want the quick and easy dopamine of tasks and therefore tasks with multiple steps (ahem: laundry!) can take a back seat. If you are intentional with the tasks then you can get regular intrinsic motivation (dopamine from the quick and easy tasks) while also gaining skills around the multiple step tasks.
Use what you already have! Go through your home to see if you already have baskets, tubs, totes and other organizing materials.
Take a picture of the before. This can be a powerful tool to use to show your progress. It can be so fun to take an after picture as well.
Be realistic about what you can get done with the amount of time you are able to commit. If you only have a few minutes or an hour each day then you don’t want to empty every shelf and closet. If you have longer periods of time to dedicate then focus on one area at a time. Have sorting tubs for keeping, selling and donating. (Try not to send stuff to the garbage/landfill!)
Do one thing at a time. This can be really hard at times because often one task reminds us of other tasks and it is easy to get distracted. If you can focus on one thing at a time it prevents burning out and allows us space to enjoy the process (yes, it can be enjoyable!)
Don’t judge yourself! You have expired items in the pantry? You haven’t dusted the living room? You have clothes in your closet that haven’t fit for over a year? Don’t judge yourself! Be kind and compassionate and reframe unhealthy and critical self talk. I have never known any type of shaming to be an effective behavior modification and that includes ourselves!
Have a ritual for completing a space. Open windows, use sage, spray intention spray, light a candle, play your favorite song, give yourself a high five. It is important to honor the work you did to feel proud of your space.
Have fun with the process! When we take things too seriously then it creates an association in our brain that is unpleasant. Alternatively, when we play our favorite music or use our favorite scent then it can minimize the boring part in our brain.
I also love this website that has some decluttering tips.
Also, check out Nedra Glover Tawwab's newsletter dated 3-19-24 for some great reminders!
Next blog: Sleep!
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