It's not always easy to understand why it's beneficial to gather similar categories together when decluttering. I experienced this when I was in the process of moving. Gathering similar categories together helps the eye see how much you actually have and how much you should get rid of.
It's about setting a limit for how much of each category you should save. Take sweaters for example, the ones that fit in the designated place are what I give myself permission to keep. You can also set a number as a limit for yourself, for example that I allow myself to keep 6 sweaters for the winter. With these set limits, it's easier to make decisions. I decided that all my clothes, apart from the winter jacket, would fit in my two suitcases and I succeeded.
Back to the one category method. By collecting one category at a time, you avoid overwhelming yourself. It is very easy to get overwhelmed during the decluttering process and lose focus if you don't have a clear picture in front of you. If you sit with one category, it is easier for the brain to focus because you avoid divided concentration. It is also easier to set goals with the category if you focus on one category at a time and easier to make decisions if your eyes don't see a lot of other things that need your attention at the same time.
Start by deciding which category you are going to focus on. Then decide your limit for that category. If you haven't decided where they will live yet, it doesn't matter, just imagine how you would like it. Collect everything from that category and place them on a flat surface. Walk around your home and check that you have brought everything from that particular category. Get bags or boxes to place the things in that you choose to remove or that need some kind of preparation, for example a sweater that needs mending but think about what is actually reasonable. One bag/box for charity, one for throwing away, one for giving away, one for mending, one for selling (I only recommend selling more expensive things). Start the process of decluttering and making decisions right away. If there is something you need to try on in terms of clothing, do it right away if there are many garments and put it in a pile for later if it is a few garments. If you need a period of thinking about some things, put them in a box for later. However, make sure to decide when you are going to grab that box so that the things don't stay in your home forever. Then just take one thing at a time. Lift one thing at a time, take it in, feel it, do you need it. If you hesitate, they usually mean no. Save the things you love, use and find joy in. Things that actually give you positive energy and that make your everyday life easier.
Everything that drains energy, makes you sad, angry or any other negative feeling, you should declutter because just like others, you deserve to surround yourself with things that bring joy and benefit to your life. I know you can do it. I know you deserve to surround yourself with things you love, you just have to realize them yourself. I believe in you.
