7 Ways to Find Time to Declutter Your Home this Fall
When I began my minimalist journey in the fall of 2018, I was overflowing with motivation and vision, but felt like I was lacking one pretty important thing.
Time.
Caring for our daughters, ages four and almost one at the time, more than filled my days. Plus all the daily housekeeping tasks needed done. And I wanted time with my husband. And at least some time to myself.
Decluttering? I just didn’t see how it would fit in my schedule. Honestly, the thought of adding one more “to-do” felt overwhelming.
Time was what I knew I’d get more of if I minimized (less stuff to take care of would mean more free time). It just didn’t seem fair that I didn’t have the time to do it.
Then I realized something.
Saying “I don’t have time,” actually means “I don’t really want to.”
We can always find a way to make time for what is truly important to us. In her book, Less: Minimalism for Real, Rose Lounsbury says, “You always have enough time to do exactly what you want to do. If you really want to run a marathon, you’ll make the time to train. If you really want to eat healthier, you’ll make the time to meal plan.
And if you really want to minimize your stuff, you’ll make the time to address each closet, drawer, and cubby, one small step at a time. And it will get done.”
Feeling like we don’t have time is just that—a feeling. While our emotional brain may be telling us one thing, when we tap into our rational side, we will find a way to make the time we need to declutter.
It may take some “outside of the box” thinking, but it can be done. With kids. With a busy job. With [you fill in the blank with whatever makes it hard for you to find the time].
If you’re needing some ideas for making time to declutter your home, here you go.
Here are 7 ways to find time to declutter your home this fall (even when you feel you don’t have the time).
1. Schedule it
Make weekly or bi-weekly decluttering appointments with yourself and show up for them. On time and ready to simplify. If you have children, hire a sitter during these times or ask family or friends to help with child care—just like you would for a real appointment. Decluttering is an investment in your relationship with your kids. Time spent decluttering today means much more free time in the future, which you can spend fully engaged with them.
2. Get up earlier/ stay up later
For those of us with small kids, decluttering while they are sleeping is a great option. If you’re a morning person, get up an hour early. If staying up late is more your thing, do that. Or do a bit of both. While I’m not one to overlook the importance of sleep, sacrificing a little here and there can go a long way toward decluttering your home.
3. Reduce your distractions
Studies show we spend an average of 3 hours and 30 minutes a day on our phone (over 2 of those on social media) and over 4 hours watching TV. Could you use one of those hours decluttering daily? I’m guessing so. You might miss your favorite reality show or seeing what your old high school friend made that night for dinner. But, remember, time invested in decluttering now means much more time for all that later (if that’s how you choose to use it). Keep time spent on your phone to a minimum by deleting your social media apps for a while or by keeping your phone somewhere you can hear it ring but not see it.
4. Think outside the box
One of my favorite ways to declutter during our initial purge was while playing hide-and-go-seek with our daughters. I’d have a donate bag and a trash bag out on the kitchen table. When it was my turn to count, I’d take an extra long time finding them and would slowly work my way through a kitchen cabinet or a closet during the game. I still like to play this game for maintenance decluttering (it’s a great way to clear counter tops during the day).
5. Designate decluttering weekends
Begin committing large chunks of your weekends (or whatever days you’re off work) to decluttering. You could even use a day or two of vacation time and make it a long weekend. If you have small kids, you can declutter while your spouse spends quality time with them. Or, if your kids are a bit older, you can involve them in the decluttering work too. You can still mix in leisure time, like sorting through the contents of a junk drawer while watching an NFL game. Downtime is certainly important, which you’ll have much more of after decluttering your home.
6. Let go of a commitment
Temporarily uncommit to one of your regular appointments. Maybe you stop volunteering at your child’s school for a few months, stop attending an optional meeting, or postpone a regular get-together with a friend. The fewer extra things you do for a season, the more time you’ll have to minimize your possessions.
7. Watch for windows of time during the day
Enter each day ready to watch for free moments where you can declutter. Maybe your kids are playing well together after breakfast. Tackle a drawer of clothes. Or maybe you have free time during their naptime. Go through a shelf in the hall closet. Keep decluttering at the top of your mind, and take action when the moment is right.
Not all of these ideas will work for you, but I’m guessing at least one or two will. Decluttering your home isn’t an overnight thing, but why not go all-in and get it done?
The trade offs are worth it. With less stuff to manage and maintain, you will have much more time to fill your life with what matters.
Life’s too short to live it any other way.
***
Julia Ubbenga is a freelance journalist whose teachings on minimalism, simplicity, and intentional living have reached thousands of people worldwide through her blog. Julia practices what she preaches in her Kansas City apartment home with her husband, two extremely lively young daughters, and newborn son. You can also find her on Instagram.