Decluttering for Clarity
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Do you look around your home and feel overwhelmed by the amount of stuff you have? Living in a cluttered environment can have significant negative impacts on your mental health. While the thought of decluttering can seem daunting, making the effort to begin the process will help you feel better mentally and emotionally. As a professional organizer, I’ve helped my clients let go of the excess stuff and know firsthand how it can positively impact all areas of life. Let’s take a look at the benefits you will see when you declutter your home.
Benefits of Decluttering
Productivity & Focus
A space overfilled with things can make it hard to concentrate and stay focused. Your mind is constantly processing the visual noise around you. When you declutter and reduce those distractions you are better able to stay focused and on task.
Reduced Stress
When you are surrounded by clutter, you are being constantly reminded of all of the unfinished tasks. This overwhelming to do list can create a sense of anxiety and lead to stress. As you begin to clear away the physical clutter, you’ll begin to gain a sense of calm and control.
Time & Money
When you have less things and everything has a designated place you will spend less time searching for what you need. You will know what you have and where it is. Working toward a “less is more” mindset will also save you money with more mindful purchasing habits.
Sense of Accomplishment
The feeling of achievement that comes with decluttering will be so uplifting. Once you begin and start to see the results you will gain momentum and be motivated to keep going. Letting go of unnecessary items will free you and remove the weight of excess stuff.
Top 5 Tips for Successful Decluttering
Make a Plan
Decide which areas of your home are in need of a good decluttering session. Set goals for each space, breaking up the big job into manageable pieces. Make sure your goals are attainable and carve out time for these projects that make sense with your schedule.
Start Small
Choose a small area to begin your decluttering journey. This can be the infamous junk drawer, a small closet or a shelf. Start and finish this area before moving on to anything else. This will help you stay focused and avoid frustration.
Sort As You Go
The Three Box Method really does work! Have your keep, donate and discard boxes or bags ready when you start. This will help you make quick decisions and avoid overthinking. You will also avoid simply moving clutter from one space to another.
One Year Rule
If you haven’t used or worn something in a year, it’s time to let it go. This rule can be particularly useful with clothes, shoes, kitchen gadgets and household items. Be honest with yourself when considering what to keep. If it hasn’t been useful in the past, it likely won’t be in the future.
Sentimental Items
These can be the hardest to declutter. It’s difficult to let something go that holds memories of a special moment or person. Give yourself permission to keep a few treasured items, but be careful not too keep to many. You can always snap a photo for a keepsake.
The very best part of de-cluttering and organizing your space is that when you do it, you’re moving around the energy in that space. Energy needs to flow freely and when there is so much stuff, it cannot flow! Open up some space in your closet, maybe move a lamp or a piece of furniture to move things around. Imagine a GENTLE cool breeze flowing throughout your rooms with plenty of space to flow. When you have energy like this flowing, magic happens! You will find that your life might just run a little easier for you. Your central nervous system can relax because you’ve created an uncluttered space. When you live with clutter day in and day out, and you really hate it, every time you look at it your central nervous system gets a little zap. Your negative self-talk can kick in, leaving you unhappy and disappointed in yourself. We can’t have that! Just try it…one small area at a time. I promise you it will change your life!
Does your home need a little decluttering magic and you don’t have the time, energy or desire to do it yourself? I can put my decluttering and organizing expertise to work for you! Schedule your free consultation today and let’s see how I can help you find the joy in your space again.
