Now spring is here, it’s time to think about decluttering – especially if you’ve been watching Marie Kondo and her KonMari method on Netflix.
There’s a very good reason why we talk about ‘spring’ cleaning, and decluttering doesn’t need to be traumatic.
Spring cleaning is symbolic of breathing some fresh air into your home and moving energy. Our home reflects our relationship with our inner self so, if we have lots of clutter, it’s not going to make for a harmonious environment.
Your physical clutter is be associated with your mental clutter.
Sometimes big changes can come about just through a small amount of decluttering and cleaning.
Decluttering: what does it mean?
So what’s the definition of clutter? The Oxford Dictionary identifies it as ‘A collection of things lying about in an untidy state’ – think of your attic, where you likely can’t move for boxes of old tat.
But try thinking about it from another perspective, rather than thinking of bags of old clothes and toys with dread…
Is there anything you are struggling with at the moment?Are there any changes you would like to make, but you’re feeling ‘stuck’ and don’t know where to start?
Sometimes thinking and trying to work out the ‘why’ can be the least effective use of your time and energy – but your physical clutter will be associated with your mental clutter. Clearing your mind can be as simple as just getting stuck in and clearing out your house. If you work from home, a cluttered working environment could have a real impact on your achievements.
Your decluttering checklist
Think about any areas of your house that don’t make you feel good. Is it because they are cluttered, or that some odd jobs need doing?
Have you anything in your home that’s from a past relationship?
Have you anything from anyone who is no longer alive?
Is there anything that you don’t like (including any unwanted gifts)?
Is there anything that is broken or that you no longer use?
Is anything unfinished?
Are there too many things in too small a space?
Do you have clothes that need fixing?
Are there phone calls that you need to make?
Are there loose ends that need tying up?
Do you have other people’s clutter in your home?
Using the above as a starting point to write a list of everything in your home that needs doing… you may be surprised.
Most importantly, don’t worry about it. It doesn’t all need to be done at once. Your unconscious mind can suppress the need to get these things done but, actually, it takes far more energy to ignore or forget or put off these things than to just get on and do it. Your list is a great starting point – you are no longer putting it off!
Declutter in 10 minutes a day
Start by spending just 10 minutes a day over the next week clearing out. Set the timer on your phone, and put the clutter into different bags for rubbish, recycling or the charity shop. Keep things that you really love, you use or that you have used in the last 12 months.
The sooner you can see space where there was once clutter, the better you will feel.
The important thing is that, once you’ve sorted things, get them out of the house, or you’ll be tempted to keep hold of them. The sooner you can see space where there was once clutter, the better you will feel. Take pictures if you want to track your progress.
That’s how you spark joy!