Waiting for “spring cleaning” never seems to work for me. Once the holidays are over I start to feel that decluttering itch. Decluttering your home can be a daunting task, especially if your significant other isn’t as enthusiastic about it as you are. It’s important to remember that decluttering is not just about getting rid of things – it’s about creating a more organized and functional space that you can enjoy. Here are some tips for decluttering when your SO isn’t into it:

Start small and focus on one area at a time.

Don’t try to tackle your entire house in one day – it will be overwhelming and may discourage you from continuing. Start with a small space, like a closet or a drawer, and work your way up to larger areas. This is also a great way to show your SO that this is something important to you. 

Involve your significant other in the process.

Even if they aren’t as excited about decluttering as you are, try to involve them in the process. Ask for their input on what to keep and what to get rid of, and explain the benefits of decluttering to them. It’s important to meet them where they are though. A lot of people keep things from a scarcity mindset. They may not need it now, but what if they need it in the future. It’s vital to be open-minded and understand where your SO is coming from.

Set aside dedicated decluttering time.

Schedule specific times each week or month to work on decluttering, and stick to them. This will help you stay focused and make progress, even if your SO isn’t always available to help. Be open to trying different methods based on what appeals to your SO. Maybe you turn all the hangers around to see which clothes you wear or put everything you want to get rid of in a box and write a date to get rid of it. When that date comes, if neither one of you can remember what’s inside, it’s easier to get rid of.

Don’t get rid of things without their consent.

It’s important to respect your SO’s belongings, even if you don’t think they are necessary. If there are items you want to get rid of, talk to your significant other about it first and come to an agreement on what to do with them. What works best for me and Alex is to have clear spaces that are “our own.” We respect each other’s space and don’t project our personal desires onto them.

Use storage solutions to keep things organized.

If your SO has items they want to keep but don’t have a designated space for, consider using storage solutions like bins, baskets, and shelves to keep things organized and out of sight. This one is probably the biggest one for me and Alex. We have agreed on a number of “question free” bins that each of us gets. You can put anything you want to save in them, no questions asked.

So if you’re feeling the decluttering bug like I am, but your SO isn’t too keen on it, try these tips. They may never be 100% on board for a variety of reasons, but it’s important to communicate why it matters to you and find a common ground where both of you can be content. Happy decluttering!