If only I had a dollar for each time I am asked this question.  Asked it with a hesitant voice, a furtive glance and an expression of self condemnation – before I’ve even said a word in response.
 
Let’s get to the real crux of the matter – decluttering is a gift you decide to give yourself.  It is not synonymous with guilt, not being good enough or accepting that you can never be organised.  It is not in the power of a family member, friend or other to make us feel inadequate and a failure.
​These are the lies that keep us exactly where we are – dissatisfied with our progress and paralysed.
 
Who has the deciding vote as to what is too much, too little, ugly, beautiful, worth keeping or rubbish?  YOU.  Own it and you will feel powerful.
 
Your personality, time frame, current circumstances, motivation, standards are the factors that will determine what you act upon or stand still.  These factors are also changeable.  For some, getting rid of one item a day is huge.  For others a full on re-vamp of their house it the way they roll. 
 
Who cares which way you go as long as you actually go?
 
The logic of life dictates that continual accumulation leads to suffocation but the balance of what and how much you let go of is up to you – the master of your path.
 
Aside from that piece of logic, decluttering is not a science. It's a habit and a lifestyle of your choosing.
 
For me, decluttering is now a daily reflex like brushing my teeth or having a shower.  Not on a monumental scale but on a maintenance wave.  That has come about over time.  I’m not a warrior, I’m better at slow and steady.  That is me.  You are you.  Work out what your comfort level is and do not justify it to others.  Be kind with your expectations and just keep on keepin’ on.
 
 

​What makes you feel secure?  Your job, your routine, 3 meals a day, knowing what to expect in the near future? 
 
By way of contrast, what makes you feel insecure?  Being unemployed, not always able to afford groceries, not knowing where you’ll be living next month or next year?
 
The link to clutter and chaos is this – they have the undesired effect of making us feel anxious, ashamed and out of control.
 
An inherent part of our selves is to be ordered. There are many variances of order but they are still order nonetheless.  When you are able to find your keys, bills to pay, clean clothes – these all make us feel that we are in control of our own personal bubble and not the unintended victim of some random anarchy.
 
Think of 3 things or habits that lend to your day feeling manageable.  Now think of 3 things or habits that leave you feeling stressed, unsure or questioning.  Which do you prefer?
 
Doing your best to maintain the first 3 will be your anchor.  Adding 1 or 2 over time will reinforce that order which leads to calm.  When you stumble make the decision to carry on. 
 
Write them down if need be, put them on your phone as a reminder.  They may seem too insignificant to mention but what we are after is the feeling they create within you. 
Order is reassuring.  It’s a free luxury – gift it to yourself.