Whether you want to create a more livable space, find more room for new needs, or simply ease the burden of clutter, you’ve likely taken a stab at tweaking your decluttering approach.

Unfortunately, there’s a lot of decluttering advice out there that won’t help you meet your goals and could actually do more harm than good.

So let’s debunk 7 myths to help you get on the right track for good.

Decluttering Myth #1: "It's a Disrespectful Process"In the past, many people believed that decluttering a loved one’s home was an invasion of their privacy. This myth persists, making the process seem disrespectful.

At least we all thought it was true, and to some extent, it was a concern. That’s why this belief became so widespread. However, approaching decluttering with empathy and involving the senior in decisions is key to doing it respectfully.

The main reason this myth isn’t as relevant today is that many seniors appreciate a well-organized space and welcome the help. Plus, involving them can make the process less stressful and more collaborative.

What to do instead:Communicate openly with your loved one and involve them in the process as much as possible. This ensures that their preferences are respected and helps make the decluttering process smoother. Give them time to make a decision by putting items in the later box. Then go through it at a later date. 

Decluttering Myth #2: "They Need Everything They Have"Believing that seniors need to keep all their belongings can lead to cluttered and unmanageable spaces. While it’s true that some items are valuable, many can be sorted out.

Trying to keep everything often results in an overwhelming space and can make finding important items more difficult.

What to do instead:Focus on keeping items that are truly meaningful or useful. Donate or sell items that no longer serve a purpose or that can benefit others. If they cannot depart with an item, put it in a box for 6 months. 

Decluttering Myth #3: "Decluttering is Just About Throwing Things Away"Some caregivers think decluttering means discarding everything. This misconception can make the process seem wasteful.

The truth is, that decluttering is about organizing and making thoughtful decisions about what to keep, donate, or sell.

What to do instead:Implement a system that allows you to sort items into categories: keep, donate, sell, or discard. This helps maintain organization and ensures valuable items are handled appropriately. Focus on the sorting, not the giving away. 

Decluttering Myth #4: "The Senior Will Resist Change"Many caregivers fear that seniors will resist the decluttering process and find it stressful. While some resistance might occur, involving them can ease this concern.

Even though change can be challenging, approaching it with patience and understanding can make a significant difference.

What to do instead:Take a gradual approach to decluttering and involve the senior in the decision-making process. Do one room or closet at a time. This can help reduce resistance and make the process more collaborative.

Decluttering Myth #5: "It Has to Be Done All at Once"The belief that decluttering must be done in one big effort can be overwhelming and lead to procrastination. It will be if you wait until your loved one has to move in a week. 

What to do instead:Break the task into smaller, manageable chunks. Tackle one room or category at a time to make the process less daunting and more achievable. Start today and set a time and day every week to work on one space. 

Decluttering Myth #6: "It Will Take Too Much Time"Many caregivers think decluttering is a huge time commitment. However, dedicating small, regular intervals can lead to significant progress. 

What to do instead:Set aside short, regular periods for decluttering. Even 15-30 minutes a day can make a big difference over time. Go back to “Hard Start and Hard Stop.” This will make you work quickly. 

Decluttering Myth #7: "It’s a Job for Professionals Only"Some believe that decluttering is best left to professionals. While experts can offer valuable assistance, family members can effectively manage the process with the right approach.

What to do instead:Equip yourself with a plan and some basic decluttering schedules. With patience and organization, you can handle the task effectively on your own. Find the local places where you can drop off technology that will strip off all personal data and reuse it. Give to charity and keep receipts for tax purposes.

Wrapping it Up

There you have it: 7 decluttering myths. As you saw, decluttering is about the right approach, not the old misconceptions.

And one more big tip:  

If you are selling the home, hire only a Realtor who specializes in moving seniors. They will know all the local resources for giving away and decluttering. They are experts at moving seniors.