Unlocking the Secrets of Perfect Timing: When Is the Best Time to Declutter Your Life?

Are you struggling to find the best time for decluttering your life?

I’m willing to bet you’ve tried setting up a regular schedule, but it’s hard to squeeze in time for decluttering amidst everything else.

And when you can finally wedge out an hour here or there, it only makes you feel more defeated. Let’s face it, an hour isn’t enough to achieve the organized and clutter-free space you desire.

Don’t worry; you’re not alone.

One of the biggest challenges people face is finding the balance between their everyday life activities, including jobs, errands, hobbies, relaxation, sleep, and family time.

It’s hard to stay motivated to create a clutter-free haven when you’re literally squeezing in a half-hour here and there to tackle the clutter but never really going “all-in.”

Speaking from experience, achieving the clutter-free and organized space you desire takes TIME.

So, how and when can you find enough time for decluttering? Should you do it first thing in the morning? During lunchtime? Later in the day?

Keep reading to discover the pros and cons of each approach…

Best Time for Decluttering Your Life: Do Mornings Have an Edge?

Sometimes, to seize the day, you have to be the early bird.

If you find that early mornings are when you feel most productive, it might be the perfect time to block out some time for decluttering.

Scheduling your decluttering session before everything (and everyone) else has its advantages:

Benefit #1: Starting your day with decluttering already accomplished gives you a sense of accomplishment and motivation to tackle anything.

Benefit #2: You won’t spend the day stressing about when you’ll fit it in because it’s already done!

Benefit #3: Engaging in decluttering early in the morning helps you structure your day and establish a routine.

Now, if you’re not naturally an early riser, adopting a morning schedule can be challenging. However, if you stick with it, over time, you can actually shift your rhythm to become more alert in the morning. Studies even show that getting up earlier can boost your deep sleep, leading to more restful nights.

Studies have shown that individuals who declutter in the morning tend to be more alert and have more energy throughout the day.

The early morning clarity can help you make quick and effective decisions.

If you need assistance planning your day, getting more done in less time, or saving time with decluttering, you may be interested in my FREE Epic Decluttering Tool-Kit. It contains everything you need to achieve a clutter-free and organized space, as well as additional time-saving tips.

Ready to kickstart your decluttering journey? Click here to download your FREE Epic Decluttering Tool-Kit now and take the first step towards an organized and stress-free life!

Best Time for Decluttering Your Life: Afternoons Can Work, Too

If mornings are an absolute hard pass for you, rest assured that tackling decluttering in the early afternoon can be just as effective. However, you need to be diligent with your schedule to make it work, to avoid procrastination.

Here’s a helpful tip

When scheduling time for decluttering between, let’s say, 1-4 pm every day, ensure that you’ve already taken care of your other “busy” tasks.

It’s crucial not to let those lingering tasks distract you. Avoid falling into the “just one more thing before I switch” rut.

To aid your transition into decluttering mode in the afternoon, consider using lunchtime to shift your focus and mentally prepare for the task at hand. This can help shift your body clock and make you more adaptable to decluttering during that time.

The afternoon also has its advantages. Most people tend to be more physically energetic and alert at this time, making it easier to stay consistent with your decluttering.

In fact, a recent study found that afternoon productivity levels can be quite high, with this blog post explaining the results in detail.

So, if mornings aren’t your cup of tea, don’t worry—afternoons are a viable and productive option for decluttering.

Learn how to conquer the clock in this related blog post.

Best Time for Decluttering Your Life: Nighttime Has Its Perks

If the nighttime is your “go” time, more power to you!

Personally, I find it challenging to focus on anything past 9 pm. However, for many people, this is when their energy levels peak.

Scheduling your decluttering sessions after everything quiets down can have some significant advantages. You’ll likely encounter fewer distractions, making it easier to maintain your focus.

This is especially true if, like many, you have a family to care for and can only dive into decluttering after your kids are peacefully asleep.

Another advantage of nighttime productivity is the ability to sustain concentration for longer hours. If you find yourself bursting with energy and focus during the late hours, why not put that time to good use?

Who needs to waste those precious hours watching Netflix when you can be productive and get your decluttering done?

Now, if you’re not naturally a night owl but find that nighttime is the only available time for decluttering in your busy schedule;

Here are some tips to help you stay productive:

Tip #1: Take a short break before you start your decluttering session. This can help refresh your mind and prepare you for a productive evening ahead.

Tip #2: Set a hard start time and a deadline for your decluttering session. Having a specific timeframe in mind can boost your efficiency and ensure you make the most of your nighttime productivity. [Link to research supporting this]

Tip #3: Have a well-timed meal before you begin. Fueling your body with a nutritious meal can provide you with the necessary energy to tackle your decluttering tasks effectively.

So, if nighttime is your prime time for decluttering, embrace it and make the most of your productive hours. With the right approach, you can achieve your decluttering goals even when the stars are shining bright.

There’s No One-Size-Fits-All

Ultimately, the best time for decluttering is whenever you’re most productive. And by that, I mean a time when you are awake, clear-headed, and have a few hours of devoted time ahead of you.

To recap, while an hour here or there can be useful, achieving significant progress requires more than just a short time slot.

When juggling decluttering with other life tasks and responsibilities, it’s crucial to be strict with your schedule. Set specific time-related deadlines and stick to them religiously. If you plan to start at 6 am, commence your decluttering session at 6 am, not 6:30. This approach leaves less room for procrastination and ensures you make the most of your designated decluttering time.

Remember, the most challenging part is often getting started. Even if your brain feels foggy initially, it will gradually wake up as you dive into your decluttering tasks.

It’s Time to Take Action

If you’re unsure how to start planning your day for optimal productivity or need guidance on getting more done in less time, I’ve created a FREE planner/guide.

It contains all the tools you need to achieve your desired results and more.

Click here to download your FREE guide/planner now. It’s time to unlock the secrets of perfect timing and achieve your decluttering goals!