I need a way to get motivated to clean and get rid of clutter. Any suggestions?

Question

I'm very embarrassed to even admit this: I'm a messy person. I have a bedroom full of clutter. I have gotten rid of 10+ boxes of stuff thinking that would help me clean things up...but it didn't work. I need a way to get motivated and organized. Can anyone relate to this? Does anyone have any suggestions on what I can do to get my bedroom clean so I can be happy?

Please only serious answers. I do not want any smart remarks or people to make fun of me because I already realize this is something that can be easily taken care of -- I just don't know what to do.

Answer 1

First things first: Turn off the computer.
Okay. So I could not resist, but seriously, don't be embarrassed. Even clean-freak Monica on Friends had that closet of shame full of clutter. It's normal.
You're on the right track w/ the 10+ boxes so keep that up. I find it very freeing every time I clear out a closet/drawer and haul some stuff down to the Goodwill.
If it seems overwhelming, just work on the clutter for 20 minutes a day.
As for me, there's nothing like a visit from the in-laws to motivate me to clean. If you have a super organized friend, ask for her help in exchange for drinks, dinner, etc.
And most importantly, stop accumulating more clutter. Before you buy anything, consider where you'll put it. Don't forget the old adage, "A place for everything, and everything in it's place."
Good Luck!
Oh, and I've tried that flylady.com and was barraged with emails - clutter.

Answer 2

I've read all the other answers, and I think they are right with the "start small" suggestions. It sounds like you are overwhelmed by the idea of cleaning the whole house. it's a big job, and i don't blame you. I have the same problem and after working a full day, I have to FORCE myself to clean one room every evening after work. Still, things get cluttered.

Also, have you considered hiring help? Check the want ads and bulletin boards for housecleaning. Even if you just get someone to come in once to really deep clean, that may inspire you to keep it that way.

Answer 3

I found this method helpful. Obtain 3 large cardboard boxes: #1: things to put Away, #2 Things to throw out, #3 Things to give away. Sort everything in these boxes.Put the #3 box in your car and drive to Good Will. Obtain notebooks and clear sheets and use them for warranties, important documents, instructions for different appliances.Write a list of what needs to be cleaned up and cross things off as you do them. After you finish with 5 things, reward yourself with 20min of TV, 20minutes of a video game or whatever you enjoy.Spend 1-2 hours on your project and continue the next day. When it is all done spend 20 minutes a day for general pick up. Invite a friend over for dinner.2 times a month to keep you motivated. Play music that you like when you work. As a preventative, sort your laundry in seperate baskets daily Organize your clothes in your closet as total outfits ready to go. Good luck and remember you will succeed.

Answer 4

I try to keep up with the 6 month rule. If I haven't used it for 6 months then I should get rid of it. Of course that doesn't apply to holiday items or treasured keepsakes. My house is still cluttered! My son leaves in two weeks for basic training then I will be alone. I am looking forward to a bottle of wine and an endless supply of trash bags. I plan to go through the house and get rid of as much as I can force myself to throw out. Good luck! I will be reading all the answers to see if I get any tips!

Answer 5

I want you to know that it is very difficult not to make a smart remark. Your question begs for a smart remark. But, I'll honor your request and refrain.

My suggestion is that your job may seem overwhelming to you. So what you do is divide the job of cleaning up into smaller jobs or smaller tasks. Then, make a to-do list and list them in any order that you want. Then, attack one task at a time. That way although you won't be finished immediately, you'll feel like you're making progress.

Good Luck,
TX Guy

Answer 6

Pile everything that is in your room in the centre of the room. Then pick one thing from the pile and do with it what needs to be done. Throw it out, put it in the laundry, put it away, whatever. Do one item at a time. Eventually the pile will disappear. I call this the "Mountain Method" and it's how my kids cleaned their rooms every week. Piling it on the bed works too, you have to clear it off before bedtime or you have no place to sleep. Tossing it all on the floor is cheating.

Answer 7

Do something really small like one drawer or a small closet. Then look at how nice it looks and feels. Just don one small thing at a time. It took you a long time to get into this shape so it will take a while to get out. Also, see if you can get an outsider to come in and "purge". They can be much more objective. I wish I were close by,. I love getting rid of things.

Answer 8

I am the same way, unfortunately. I have to turn on some fast, upbeat music and just make myself get up and do it. I work left to right, top to bottom so I don't have the overwelming feeling of 'where to start'. Good Luck! Oh yeah, on the organization part, let me know if you find something that works.

Answer 9

I have the same problem. I have to divide a room into zones and straighten out one zone at a time.

If there is even one spot nice and orderly, it motivates me to create another spot, and so on.

When I get the entire room shipshape, I am the happiest person on earth!

Answer 10

There is a wonderful website for people like us...thanks for posting the question, you remind me that I need to get back on that site. It is www.flylady.net

The site is a little hokey, but loaded with lots of motivation!