How Decluttering Can Lead to More Clarity

Clutter. We all probably have that one corner that piles up with random stuff. I know when I don’t spend time on the little things it starts to pile up. And it weighs on me. If I don’t have a good routine to help make sure the little piles of mail are sorted, or the dishes are done, life starts to feel out of control. Decluttering our physical world can actually lead to more mental clarity in life.

The thing is, when we have clutter around our house, it makes things feel chaotic. At least for me, when I have clutter I feel like I don’t know where to start with organizing or cleaning. And if we don’t take care of clutter right away, it builds up, right? One paper here or there isn’t too bad, but if you don’t take care of the piles, guess what? It soon starts to stack up and then you’ve got an afternoon’s work ahead of you.

When our mind is busy worrying about all the clutter and small tasks that need to get done, it takes us away from the bigger, more important tasks.

That is why it is so important to regularly declutter and simply. It will not only give you a cleaner, more beautiful space, but it will also give you more clarity to think about things that are most important.

How do you establish a good decluttering routine in order to find that clarity?

Here are a few ideas to establish a great routine, with simplicity, so you can have more time and more clarity.

1. Take the time to do a “brain dump.” Listing out every single thing you can think of that you have to get done will get it out on paper and help you organize the decluttering process ahead of time. Write until you can’t think of anything else. What needs to be done? The dishes, sort the closet, organize your wrapping paper, get rid of the assorted cups and streamline? You won’t have a direction for decluttering until you start the brainstorming process.
2. Schedule out your list with times you will do each task. Even if it is a 10-15 minute time block, actually scheduling it out will hold you accountable to get it done with minimal distraction. You can spend 20 minutes of focused energy and get it done, while also clearing up your mental space.
3. Donate items you don’t need. Have a box or bag for items you no longer need. Put them in a the designated box and make a plan for when you will donate.
4. Have a trash bag ready for throwing away what you don’t need and can’t donate. Again having that trash bag ready will keep you accountable to throw it away right then and there. Cleaning out your purse? Throw the old receipts away right away.
5. Find a friend to help you. I find this particularly helpful if you are sorting something that may be emotional. Sorting clothes is particularly difficult for me, and having another friend there for the decluttering process helps me think about it from another perspective.

Questions to ask yourself if you are still having trouble:

Have I used this in the past year?

Will I use it in the next 6 months?

Does this item hold sentimental value that makes it worth keeping?

Am I keeping this just to please someone who gave it to me?

Do I still love it?

Does it still fit?

Is it time to make room for something new?

If I had to buy this right now, would I purchase it again?

I hope these questions help provide clarity as you start the decluttering process! Decluttering will not only free up space in your home, but also ultimately your mind. You will feel accomplished with a job well done, and ready to move on to your next important task, with all the clutter out of the way!

P.S. Decluttering your space and your mind can require ongoing support. If you’d like to learn how to work with me one on one, you can contact me here for a free consultation call.