“Growth demands a temporary surrender of security.” — Gail Sheehy
Our “stuff” can give us a false sense of security at times which can make it a significant challenge to move forward toward clearing out and simplifying our lives. Getting clutter cleared out is just the first step in a lifelong journey. Like most healthy choices, keeping our home clean and organized is a lifestyle change, not a short-term solution. However, are we ready to take the first step towards change?
My favorite definition of change is: ‘when it’s more uncomfortable not to do it–that’s when change will happen’. So if that’s where you are regarding decluttering some of your “stuff” the following tips from Rodale Wellness may be helpful.
1. Stop pushing it off
Stop using the word “later,” as in “I’ll do that later” or “I’ll put that away later.” Clutter is decisions delayed, so the moment you use the word “later,” you start letting clutter accumulate. Oh, and stop buying so much freaking stuff!
2. Start small
Aim to clear one box of clutter a day. Or set a timer for 10 minutes and only do that amount of time. You just need to get over the “holy heck, there’s so much freaking’ stuff” moment. You can do this!
3. It’s time to get real with your adult kids
If your kids live somewhere else but are using your home as a storage unit for old trophies, yearbooks, and other clutter, tell them it has to go–give them a month to come get it or you’ll donated it or ship it to him COD. You are not a storage facility.
4. Stop feeling like you’re throwing money down the drain by donating your stuff
It’s tough. But the question is, are you going to throw away good space as well when you’ve already thrown away money? Bite the bullet—choose the space. Let the stuff go. Donate it to a good cause.
5. Don’t let junk mail even enter your home
Set up a recycling bin outside of your home. Throw your junk mail in there before you even set foot into your home. (You can also use a service called “TrustedID Mail Preference” to reduce unwanted mail from ever landing in your mailbox.)
6. Don’t obsess over keeping “milestone” projects your child creates
Grab a folder and drop the key ones into plastic sleeves. Set a limit, and be reasonable in what you’re saving. (And ask yourself, “Why am I doing this?”)
7. Don’t hold on to clutter from parents or others who have passed away
Let go of guilt. Your parents (like any good parents) would hate to think that their stuff was causing you stress and guilt. You can’t keep everything, so find the five or six treasures in the stuff—display those items with honor and respect—and let the rest go. The “stuff” is not your parents.
8. 5 tips for decluttering your closet:
1. If you haven’t worn it in more than a year, let it go. 2. If you’ve put it on three different times and immediately changed, let it go. 3. If you saw it in the store today and wouldn’t buy it again, let it go. 4. If it doesn’t fit, let it go. 5. If you don’t feel good in it, let it go.
9. Don’t let baby and kid clutter control your space
Set limits for the amount of space you’re prepared to dedicate to items—clothes, toys, etc., and stick to them. Three bins for toys, four shelves for baby clothes, etc. Kids only need YOU—not all the stuff to which you feel attachment. You’re the parent. Set the tone.
10. Know your clutter could be the result of something challenging from your past
Clutter is often about “something else.” That something is often loss, grief, trauma, abuse, self-image, and/or feelings of inadequacy. Turn to mindfulness, counseling, and/or meditation to help ease your mind.
Next, let’s delve into some of those deeper issues holding us back from more inner peace..
Progress–not perfection, Warriors!