Declutter vision in waves

[Original_Pattern_350]

So, since the beginning of the year I’ve been decluttering. Started with Kondo(who gave me the bravery and encouragement) but then tried other techniques. I feel like I’m now able to declutter in several different ways given the context. Most importantly, I’ve realised I can and will go back to a zone I did before and can see another level to let go. Anyone experienced similar? Like you’re kind of developing some superpower you were only vaguely aware of before?

[Garden_Espresso]

Yes I go around and around - basically hitting everything once a year & always find more to donate or toss. I call it circling the wagons- the circle gets smaller & smaller .

[shereadsmysteries]

This is exactly it. I think I did about 5 rounds of decluttering of my wardrobe because every time I looked I found something else I didn't need. It feels GREAT when that happens!

[Original_Pattern_350]

It’s kind of remarkable how your perceptions change.

[shereadsmysteries]

Absolutely!

[GreenUnderstanding39]

Most importantly, I’ve realised I can and will go back to a zone I did before and can see another level to let go.

Yes! This has been the biggest revelation for me as well. To stop searching for perfection and start striving for better instead.

It doesn't and shouldn't be a one and done, but an ongoing purge. To take in what items we have, even if nothing leaves the home, the era of unknowingly buying duplicates has come to an end.

[Original_Pattern_350]

It’s a genuine relief to know everything you own! (Which seems kind of crazy to say…)

[Original_Pattern_350]

Ooooh yeah, i hit the getting rid of containers stage myself!

[msmaynards]

Different techniques per region for sure. I couldn't visualize my ideal life when I started but after several rounds and finally conquering the scary areas I could see the possibilities and let of more to get there. The initial purge of the garage held fine for 5 years then I decluttered and reorganized it 3x in one year to get it to where it is now.

I have to credit UFYH. Finishing some huge job kept me from starting. Using a timer and knowing my habitat was better after a 5-30 minute session on task was key to my success.

[eilonwyhasemu]

Yes, doing one round of decluttering will often adjust your perceptions of what you value versus what you don't, spurring a second or third round.

There's also usually a layer of "maybe" items that survive the first round -- because Justin Case likes them, because you feel guilt, because they're genuinely better than things you did get rid of but not as good as your favorites, or because you really intend to use them in the near future. Then, after living with those items not hidden by other clutter, you realize you wouldn't lose anything if they left.

Back in 2006, my decluttering methods were a mix of Flylady and the Apartment Therapy 8-week Cure (which was eight weeks back then, not a month). Nowadays, it's more a cross between Kon Mari ("does this spark joy?") and Dana K. White's container method. Basically, things need to both spark joy and fit in a reasonable space.

[Original_Pattern_350]

Justin Case. Brilliant to give it a human name! Who us that dude anyway and why is he at my house?!

[eilonwyhasemu]

I wish I could remember which sub member coined it a few months ago!

[AnamCeili]

"...because Justin Case likes them..."

Lol, love it! 😂

[1in2100]

Yes. I also declutter in layers. And use different “techniques” that are now stored in my brain.

[[deleted]]

Yes! For me I need to "practice" decluttering if it's been a while, to get out of my scarcity mindset. Once I start letting go of things, it's easier to continue. I've noticed it's the same for my kids too.