From time to time, various experts will share their wisdom in articles exclusively written for Connect the Dots Coaching. This month, professional organizer Connie Chan talks about de-cluttering. You can contact her at 604-841-5287.
Who in their right mind would get excited about the possibility of taking out the trash? I’ve long been an advocate of clearing the clutter from our homes, but I’m not talking about yesterday’s newspaper or empty soup cans. I’m talking about items that you think you need.
Picture this: magazines, albeit neatly organized, bulging out the sides of my bookshelves; paid but un-filed bills in a box; unused candles on display but collecting dust. Sound familiar? How often have you quietly said to yourself “but I’ll need it someday!” People are hesitant to throw something out that hasn’t been used, worn, even glanced at for years for fear that they will need it ‘someday’.
As the demands and stresses of life increase, what can you identify that is holding you back from discarding stress in your life, whether it has a shape or form, or not? Organizing happens from the inside out, and you can start by taking time out to access why you are holding onto your clutter.
The benefits of getting organized are unmistakable, yet the process can be overwhelming. It's hard to know where to start, and difficult to stay focused from beginning to end. Since organizing is a process, not a quick fix, a popular approach is to schedule a series of daily or weekly appointments with yourself. Find a system that is easy to maintain because it is based on your needs, unique goals, natural style and habits.
Whether you live alone or in a full house, you can start today with a few simple steps:
- Deal with things on a daily basis. Recycle papers and magazine. Ten minutes a day can really add up.
- Put everything in its place. If you leave your mail on the kitchen counter, move it to your office area. That way, you’re more likely to find it when it’s time to open them.
- Avoid zigzagging from room to room. Instead pick one room or a small area within a room that’s achievable to start with. Success often propels one to continue.
- Surround yourself only with things you love or that serve a regular, useful function. If you don’t need it, don’t buy it.
- Purge. Consider craigslist.com, consignment or donating to your favorite charity.
What I know now was that each day I let go of clutter, I was also letting go of a little bit of stress. Elena recently visited my home and mentioned that it felt different: more spacious, inviting and peaceful. I hope she also noticed that my state of mind reflected my space - clear and uncluttered.
Do the Try it Out exercises below to help you get rid of your clutter:
- What’s one thing that you can get rid of today that will clear the clutter in your home?
- Try that item of clothing on. Does it fit and flatter your figure? Do you feel a spring in your step when you try it on?
- Pick up items and ask yourself, “do I love it enough to keep it?’
“Out of clutter find simplicity. From discord find harmony. In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” - Albert Einstein
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