Suffering from procrastination in your renovation plans

Thursday 10 October 2024

Do you know that feeling? You have big renovation plans, but every time you want to start, something happens that makes you postpone it again. Then there is another birthday, busy work or you are tired. And before you know it, weeks or even months have passed and you have not done anything concrete. Good news: you are definitely not the only one! Procrastination is something that many of us struggle with, especially with big projects like a renovation. But how do you make sure that you really get started? In this article we dive into it.

Why are you postponing your renovation?

There are a few common reasons why people keep postponing their home improvement plans. You may recognize yourself in these:

1. Overwhelmed by the amount of work: All you see is a huge pile of work in front of you. Where on earth do you even begin? It feels like you’ll never get it done, so you put it off and can’t see the forest for the trees.

2. Lack of overview: You simply don't know where to start. The kitchen? The bathroom? You don't have a clear plan and as a result you quickly lose the overview. And you know what they say: a good start is half the battle.

3. Fear of failure or uncertainty: What if it goes wrong? What if you make the wrong choices? These doubts make you postpone rather than start.

How to tackle procrastination and start your renovation

Fortunately, you can break your procrastination habit with a few simple steps. Here are a few tips to get you started:

1. Make a plan
   And stick to it! A clear plan gives you an overview and prevents you from becoming overwhelmed again and again. Write down step by step what needs to be done and what the priorities are. That gives you peace and clarity, and helps you get started. And another very useful tip: check assertief.nl for tips on how to make more assertive decisions in your renovation process. 

2. Start Small
   You don’t have to take on your entire home right away. Pick one room or one task that you want to tackle first. Painting that one wall or replacing a faucet can be enough to get you moving. One step at a time!

3. Set a deadline
   One of the reasons people procrastinate is because there is no hard deadline. Unfortunately, it is true! So set a date for yourself when you really have to start. Stick to that date as if it were an important appointment that you cannot miss.

4. Get Help
   You don’t have to do it alone. Sometimes it can be a huge help to get someone to take you by the hand. Whether it’s a friend who helps with the demolition work, or a professional who guides you through the planning, extra help makes it all seem less grand. And it can also be a lot more fun!