Decluttering Untangled with Heather Tingle : How to declutter when you're overwhelmed, ADHD or Autistic - 006 - The PAVES System® - Removing the stress of decluttering - have a plan!

006 - The PAVES System® - Removing the stress of decluttering - have a plan!

12/01/23 • 18 min

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Decluttering Untangled with Heather Tingle : How to declutter when you're overwhelmed, ADHD or Autistic

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In this episode of Decluttering Untangled, Heather Tingle introduces her trademarked PAVES System ® , a proven approach to decluttering that goes beyond the typical blitz. The PAVES System ® stands for Plan, Action, Vision, Exit Plans, and Systems. Heather emphasises the importance of planning, which is the first step in this transformative process.

Key Points:

PAVES System Overview:
- Plan: The crucial starting point in The PAVES System ® .
- Action: Follows planning, where the decluttering process happens.
- Vision: Visualising the end result keeps you motivated and focused.
- Exit Plans: Strategising how to dispose of discards efficiently.
- Systems: Implementing routines to maintain a clutter-free space.
Importance of Planning:
- Avoiding Sidetracks: Having a plan prevents getting distracted during decluttering.
- Motivation: Knowing when to start and finish enhances motivation.
- Decision Fatigue: Planning helps manage decision fatigue during the decluttering process.
- Control and Focus: Planning provides control over the process, keeping you focused on the end result.
Micro Categories and Timing:
- Identifying Stress Points: Start with areas that cause the most stress.
- Micro Categories: Break down decluttering into small, manageable tasks.
- Time Management: Consider short, focused decluttering sessions based on your schedule and energy levels.
Minimising Distractions:
- Phone Distractions: Use phone locks and "do not disturb" mode.
- Buddy System: Partner with someone for mutual focus.
- Utilise Breaks: Make use of short breaks for quick decluttering tasks.
Space Considerations and Rewards:
- Decluttering Space: Identify where you can declutter and store items temporarily.
- Rewards: Plan a reward system for completing decluttering tasks.
Discards and Selling Items:
- Exit Plans: Decide when and how discards will leave the house.
- Selling Items: Plan A and Plan B for selling items, setting deadlines.
Physical Tools:
- Bags and Boxes: Use sturdy, manageable containers for organising and discarding items.

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Key Points:

PAVES System Overview:
- Plan: The crucial starting point in The PAVES System ® .
- Action: Follows planning, where the decluttering process happens.
- Vision: Visualising the end result keeps you motivated and focused.
- Exit Plans: Strategising how to dispose of discards efficiently.
- Systems: Implementing routines to maintain a clutter-free space.
Importance of Planning:
- Avoiding Sidetracks: Having a plan prevents getting distracted during decluttering.
- Motivation: Knowing when to start and finish enhances motivation.
- Decision Fatigue: Planning helps manage decision fatigue during the decluttering process.
- Control and Focus: Planning provides control over the process, keeping you focused on the end result.
Micro Categories and Timing:
- Identifying Stress Points: Start with areas that cause the most stress.
- Micro Categories: Break down decluttering into small, manageable tasks.
- Time Management: Consider short, focused decluttering sessions based on your schedule and energy levels.
Minimising Distractions:
- Phone Distractions: Use phone locks and "do not disturb" mode.
- Buddy System: Partner with someone for mutual focus.
- Utilise Breaks: Make use of short breaks for quick decluttering tasks.
Space Considerations and Rewards:
- Decluttering Space: Identify where you can declutter and store items temporarily.
- Rewards: Plan a reward system for completing decluttering tasks.
Discards and Selling Items:
- Exit Plans: Decide when and how discards will leave the house.
- Selling Items: Plan A and Plan B for selling items, setting deadlines.
Physical Tools:
- Bags and Boxes: Use sturdy, manageable containers for organising and discarding items.

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Previous Episode

005 - How to declutter when you're stuck on pause

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Introduction:

Heather Tingle welcomes Untanglers to another episode of Decluttering Untangled.
Topic: "How to Declutter When You're Stuck on Pause."

Understanding the Pause:

Neurodivergent individuals may experience the 'freeze' response to stress.
Heather shares her personal experience of feeling stuck on pause, emphasising the impact of self-imposed pressure.

Overwhelm and Lack of Reward:

Overwhelm as a major hurdle to decluttering.
Neurodivergent individuals might struggle with the traditional reward system.
The challenge of not feeling the impact of small accomplishments due to clutter's persistent nature.

Imagining the After:

The difficulty of visualising outcomes, a common struggle for neurodivergent individuals.
Heather discusses her personal challenge of visualising her space after decluttering.

Worry Over Timing and Commitment:

Fears of getting engrossed, forgetting important tasks, or losing steam halfway through the process.
The fear of ending up in a bigger mess than when you started.

How to Get Off Pause:

Knowing the end result is crucial: What, when, and how will your space look after decluttering?
Breaking tasks into smaller, more manageable parts to reduce pressure.
Planning a reward for motivation and satisfaction.

Short and Sharp Sessions:

Recommending short, focused decluttering sessions to avoid burnout.
The importance of visual timers and Heather suggests a recommended product (Amazon affiliate link in show notes below).

Competition and Gamification:

Gamifying the process by making it a competition against time or against a friend.
Counting items to add a competitive element and excitement.

Accountability Without Pressure:

Tailoring accountability to individual needs, especially for those with PDA profiles.
Scheduling decluttering goals within a reasonable timeframe and self-rewarding.

Buddy Up for Support:

Heather suggests having a decluttering buddy for support.
A caution about choosing a non-judgmental buddy and using online communities for s

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Next Episode

007 - The PAVES System® - How to Declutter and take Action

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Introduction:

Brief recap of the Pave system and its importance.
Emphasis on the 'A' for Action.

Getting Started with Action:

Highlighting the necessity of moving from planning to action.
Encouragement to have selected a micro-category from Episode 6.

Tackling the Piles of Doom:

Practical steps for dealing with overwhelming clutter.
Zoning strategy: Placing items in appropriate rooms or areas.

Sorting Action Piles:

Exit Piles:
- Items needing action, such as fixing or checking.
- Organising methods, like using bags or boxes.
Giving to Someone You Know:
- Setting aside items for friends or acquaintances.
Charity and Recycling:
- Designating bags or boxes for charity and recycling.
- Highlighting the importance of separating items during disposal.
Rubbish Bag:
- Allocating a bag specifically for items to be discarded.
Selling Items:
- Caution on the stress of selling and the need for a clear plan.
- Advising a time limit and preparing Plan A and Plan B.
Items to Move to a Different Room:
- Ensuring items find their designated spaces in the home.
- Emphasising the value of small, consistent declutters.

Decision-Making Strategies:

Using emotion rather than logic initially.
The Konmari method modified for smaller, more manageable categories.
Comparing items against each other and making decisions based on adoration and space constraints.

The Ohio Method:

Encouraging the "Only Handle It Once" approach.
Closing eyes, reaching in, and making decisions on the spot to reduce decision fatigue.

Delayed Decisions and Sentimentality:

Discouraging delayed decision piles as a form of procrastination.
Advocating for sentimentality considerations and creating a designated space for sentimental items.

Finishing Strong:

Stressing the importance of completing the process.
Allocating time after decluttering sessions to move items to their final destinations.
Ensuring that listed items for sale are addressed promptly

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