clearing space

Clearing Clutter: Let’s Get Started

Spring is often associated with cleaning and clearing clutter. We have talked a bit about emotional clutter but let’s get physical. When was the last time you cleaned out that junk drawer or emptied the garage out?

There are sites and an abundance of Pinterest boards devoted to cleaning and the clearing of stuff. Sites like Becoming Minimalist and Fly Lady give us a good place to start. Author and clutter buster, Peter Walsh has made a career about getting rid of stuff. He has written books titled Does This Clutter Make My Butt Look Fat? and It’s All Too Much. His newest book Let It Go: Downsizing Your Way To A Richer, Happier Life addresses modern day dilemas such as downsizing your home and aging parents.

A recent trend to North America is Swedish death cleaning. I heard this term from a friend the other day and wanted to know more. She mentioned that her parents had invited the children over to take some of the stuff they wanted because they were “death cleaning”. Now these parents are young but they just wanted to let go of stuff now, whether if be to Goodwill or their own children.

Start Small

Pick the junk drawer in the hallway or your home office desk top. Make it a manageable task that you can complete in the time you have set aside. The satisfaction that you get from that achievement will help carry you through to tackle larger cleaning tasks.

Create a Plan

Create a plan that works for you. There are lots of templates you can find to get you started. Find something that appeals to you. Do you prefer a step by step guide or maybe you would rather use some printables that you can customize and check off as you go.

Becoming a Minimalist offers 10 Principles to Help Anyone Clear Clutter. This can help to get you started.

Set a Timer

Yes, set a timer just as you would when you are baking or making a meal. It is truly astounding the difference 15 minutes a day can make. Set the timer, walk into a room with a garbage bag in hand and just go through a pile or corner in that room. Put things in their place or throw out or re-purpose things that you no longer need.

Label Some Bins

Boxes, bins…it really doesn’t matter. Have a box for Donating, Selling and Keeping. You may even want to have a Maybe box to go through again if you are having trouble deciding. As you go through a room put things in their designated box. Eventually you will have accomplished what you need to and you can move to another room.

The process may seem hard at first but eventually letting go becomes easier and almost joyful. You will feel lighter and may even find yourself feeling happier and calmer so give it a try.

Clearing Space for a New Year

With 2018 almost upon us, it is time to take stock of 2017 and think about clearing space for the new year. We want to hold on to the things that worked but let go of some of the things that no longer serve us.

Explore the best of 2017

What was outstanding? What experiences do you want more of?

I look back at 2017 and I realize that for me it was finding me again. Of course that sounds pretty cliche but honestly amongst the many negative and challenging things that the year brought me, I was reminded that I am fierce, pragmatic and tenacious. Adversity sometimes brings with it some distinct advantages. I embraced some new opportunities that have made me feel recharged, hopeful and excited.

What did you love about 2017? Was it the people who came into your life? The new opportunities?

Look at the things that worked and hang on to those. If you have created a new meal planning habit or maybe you have been making a lunch date with a friend once a month, keep doing it! These are the things that help relieve stress and make our lives better.

Explore the worst of 2017

What was soul sucking? What caused you sorrow, disappointment? What will you be happy to leave in 2017?

Be honest about this one. This is for you to let go and clear some space. I know for me that emotional and physical clutter always seem to rear their ugly head at this time of the year.

This may mean letting go of friends that aren’t authentic. It may mean letting go of a habit that once helped you cope but now you are strong enough to let it go. Clear out the clutter and say goodbye to the negative things that no longer serve you.

Focus on What You Want to See More Of For 2018

As you move into a new year, focus on abundance. What do you want to see more of in your life? More down time? More time with friends?

The focus can be on feelings too. How do you want to feel in 2018? We are great at identifying what we don’t want to feel or have in our lives but let’s turn it around and think about the positive things we want.

Start each day with the thought of……”What will I do today that will help me feel the way I want to feel?”

So clear the clutter, embrace the good and go into 2018 ready to create your best life!