144 - The extend and split decluttering mistake most people make

Send me a text message about this podcast SummaryYou know that moment when the kitchen cupboard finally shuts, because you've moved half of what was in there to a back stock cupboard in the garage or a shelf in the cellar? It feels like a win. It isn't.In this episode Heather unpacks one of the most common (and sneakiest) decluttering mistakes, splitting or extending a category so some of it can live in a different room. It solves the problem in room one for about five minutes, then quietly creates two new ones, in room one and room two.Heather explains why this happens (it's not laziness, it's your brain looking for the fastest way out of a hard decision), the three knock on effects that show up later, decision fatigue, forgotten back stock, and a second room that was never designed to hold the extra weight, and walks through real examples including summer and winter clothes, books scattered across the house, and children's toys split between three rooms.You'll also get the actual fix: how to choose one proper home for a category based on where it's really used, and reduce what you own until it fits comfortably, rather than reaching for a second location every time it doesn't.If you've got clutter quietly living in more than one place, this episode will help you spot it and, more importantly, sort it for good.In this episode:What "splitting a category" actually means and why it feels like progressThe three problems it creates over timeReal examples: seasonal clothing, books, and children's toysHow to pick one home for a category and make it actually fitWhy this isn't a willpower issue, and how to give yourself permission to fix itChapters00:00 Introduction: The common decluttering mistake00:30 The problem with splitting categories01:26 How splitting causes decision fatigue02:23 Secondary spaces and their pitfalls04:15 Examples of category splitting: books and toys07:07 Strategies for effective decluttering08:34 Creating space and reducing categories09:58 The importance of proper decluttering10:27 Final tips and encouragement Support the showIf you'd like to say 'Thank you', by buying me a virtual coffee (it'll actually buy me a cup of tea!), you can do so HERE. It will mean I can afford to continue to give help for free and continue with this podcast.Get started with my Zoning and Getting Started Workshop, everything you need to know on how to get started and have the best success when decluttering.Join my free Declutter Community for real support, tips and advice from Heather and other Untanglers that are just like you!Follow me on FacebookBuy my Declutter Your Home Planner from Amazon to start to declutter your home yourself! (affiliate link)Grab my current freebies to support a cleaner, tidier home.Follow me on instagramFeel free to email me: [email protected] Please note, I may not be able to reply, but do read all emails to me and appreciate them massively.