#1 Biting off more than you can chew. Make sure you break down your project so you can work on one section at a time so you don’t get overwhelmed. How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time!
#2 Not having a goal. Ask yourself how you want to use your space before you get started. This will help you determine what should leave and what should stay in the area.
#3 Purchasing organizing products first. Although it’s fun to shop, you should save shoppingt as the last step once you know what you have left to store.
#4 Being too hard on yourself. Don’t beat yourself up for the “mess” you have. Life happens and now it’s time to tackle it and move forward!
#5 Being embarrassed to ask for help. Being organized isn’t everyone’s strength. I bet you’re not embarrassed to see a doctor, lawyer or an accountant. Let someone help you who is organized, it makes the process easier!
#6 Not making quick decisions. Be honest with yourself when deciding what to keep and what to let go. Do you love it, are you going to use it, will you really fix it? Decide quickly and move onto the next item.
#7 Working too long. Decluttering and organizing take a lot of mental and emotional energy, don’t wear yourself out. I work in two hour sessions with my clients.
#8 Using the wrong system. Just because your sister uses a file box doesn’t mean you should. Make sure your systems reflect your natural habits so you will actually use them.
#9 Not maintaining your system. If you lose weight, you have to stay on track to keep it off. If you lose clutter, same thing!
#10 Bringing in more stuff then you send out. Keep a balance of sending items out of your home because we always bring in more stuff.
Bonus Round: Storing other people’s stuff. Don’t do it!
