If you’re decluttering, but you’re stuck with a clutterer in your space…
…try some of these techniques.
- Stop rescuing them as far as practical - don’t find their keys when they lose them, or wait for them when they can’t find a clean pair of pants. Maybe, just maybe, they may get motivated to deal with their own stuff.
- Detach your stuff from theirs - declutter your own stuff, and have spaces which are “yours” (clear and organised) and “theirs” (cluttered)
- Be pro-active - agree ahead of time whose spaces are whose, how you can deal with their mess (bag or box it up, throw it out, move to a specific room…)
- Prepare for chaos - decide how you’ll deal with it when their clutter encroaches on your space, or causes you problems.
- Model decluttering – but don’t force it on the other person: when they see how positive the effects are for you, they may join in.
