how to declutter.
Tidying is the act of confronting yourself; cleaning is the act of confronting nature. - Marie Kondo
Learn how to declutter your Life - starting with your home.
Our homes are supposed to be places of relaxation and rejuvenation. Often though, they end up being expensive storage spaces for things we don't use or we even forgot we owned!
Decluttering releives stress.
By taking the time to 'confront ourselves' by removing clutter in our lives, we're forced to evaluate why we may be mindlessly consuming things we don't actually need or want - or that no longer serve us. Becoming aware of what we consume - and what we don't -- is good for our mental, physical and even our financial health. Learn more about clutter culture in America.
Clutter causes Decision Fatigue.
Micro-decisions weaken our willpower and our ability to make the best decision on important matters.
Clutter not only contributes to increased choices, but also creates a sort of ongoing static within our environment.
Research shows that having to make too many decisions can even put us in a bad mood, which isn’t good for us, our coworkers, or our families.
decluttering makes us happier.
Removing clutter from your life and cutting out unnecessary decisions throughout our day gives us more mental energy, helps us make better decisions on important matters, leaves happier, and more productive.
Simplifying our lives gives us more willpower to avoid instant gratification decisions like eating unhealthily or stress shopping and focus more on longterm goals.
Simplifying our lives and decluttering our homes gives us the mental space to be present with the people around us, and may even give us more time to spend doing the things we love, because there is less stuff to manage.
The Life-changing Magic of Tidying Up.
There are lots of different approaches to organizing, so be sure not to mistake organizing for decluttering. I am really fond of the KonMari Method, and highly recommend it and the accompanying books: The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying up and Spark Joy. There's also an app that is super helpful.
Tips for Decluttering.
Commit to decluttering.
Imagine your ideal lifestyle.
Hone your ability to discern what you love.
Let go of the things that don’t serve you.
Work by category, not location. (Work through sentimental items last!)
Give everything a proper home.
A Few Caveats.
* If you live with someone be sure to talk to them about what you're doing, and why it's important to you. Don't get discouraged if they don't join up right away. Lead by example. Start on your own stuff first, then move on to shared spaces. Don't force anyone to get rid of things they don't want to.
Activity:
1. Find an image that supports your ideal space and lifestyle. (Pinterest is great for this!) This helps to clarify, and strengthen your commitment to decluttering and what your “end goal is”.
2. Write down how decluttering will help you better live your ideal lifestyle.
3. Take a moment to go around your home and take pictures of all of the rooms and closets. Save these pictures for later, when you've completed the decluttering process.