Declutter Your Space, Free Your Mind: A Simple Guide to Organizing Your Life

Do you feel weighed down by the endless to-dos, a mind that won't slow down, or nagging worries? Take a moment and observe your surroundings.

If what you see are piles of paperwork, surfaces buried under random items, or overflowing closets, you are in the right company.?

Now here is the thing. Though it may seem harmless, clutter does not just take up space in your home or office. It largely occupies your mental space, contributing to stress and mental exhaustion.?

Clutter makes you feel restless, and keeps you from starting tasks, causing you to feel anxious and frustrated.?

The solution? Decluttering.?

It is a simple yet powerful way to break free and regain control over your day. By intentionally clearing your space, you get to enjoy a greater sense of calm and create room for clarity and focus. So let's explore the power of decluttering and how it can transform your life from chaos to calm.?

Is Decluttering the Same as Cleaning?

No. while the two are equally important, they bring out different outcomes. Decluttering for instance is about sorting through your belongings so you can remove anything you no longer use or need.?

It enables you to create an environment that is pleasant, more streamlined, and functional. Decluttering is an easy way to reduce stress and boost efficiency.?

Cleaning on the other hand is about getting rid of dust, grime, and dirt from spaces. This practice allows you to maintain hygiene in your environment. It ensures your space is free from harmful bacteria and looks its best.?

If you clean but fail to declutter, your space will still feel chaotic.

Why is it so Hard to Declutter?

So now that you know the importance of decluttering, why then is it so hard to get rid of those extra items??

The truth is that there are people who don't find it hard to let go of items that no longer serve them. But that is just a small percentage. For most people, decluttering is such a struggle. So here are two reasons why you are still hanging onto clutter:

Scarcity Mindset

Do you keep things for the fear that you might need them in the future? Sometimes you want to keep them “just in case” even when they are not of service to you. This is a fear that could have stemmed from your past experiences.?

If you grew up in a household where resources were scarce. Perhaps at one time, you discarded something and you ended up regretting it later.?

What happens is that holding on to clutter creates a sense of false security. It makes you feel like you are prepared for any situation. But the truth is that clutter does more harm than good. It will only weigh you down, causing more decision fatigue and stress.?

So, what’s the way out??

The solution is simple. Flip the script. Rather than asking, “What happens if I need it later?” start asking, “Is this item making my life better right now?” If you have not used the item for the past 1 year, it's time to discard or donate it.?

What if you still feel so convinced that you will need the item someday??

Set a deadline. If you won't have used it by then, Let it go.?

Indecision

If you always find it hard to decide what to keep and what to let go, this is for you.?

Decluttering can be mentally exhausting for individuals who overanalyze every item. They are so emotionally attached to certain things which holds them back every time they want to declutter their spaces.?

It could be an old sweater that reminds you of an event, a person, or a past version of yourself.?

You know you may never wear the sweater again, but you are not sure whether to let it go or not. The fear of making the wrong choice can hinder you from making any decision at all - and that's how you find space with piles of clutter that never shrink.

What’s the way out?

Practice emotional detachment. You need to remind yourself that memories live in you but not in things. Holding on to an item will not bring the past version of yourself back. Neither will it bring back a past moment.?

Decide to only retain what adds value to your life. Also, remind yourself that decluttering is not losing. By giving out some items, you could change someone’s life out there. Also, the goal is to keep the memories and not the clutter. So as you declutter, don't forget to take nice pictures.

How Clutter Affects Your Mind and Well-Being

Did you know that living in a cluttered environment could increase your cortisol levels??

Well, apart from being an eyesore, clutter is a huge stressor. Cortisol is a primary stress hormone that can heighten your anxiety and make it difficult for you to focus. It could be the main reason why you always find it hard to relax and concentrate.?

You see, the chaos in your environment is a reflection of the chaos in your mind. As clutter piles up, the mental pressure increases, making it harder to find peace of mind and clarity.?

Decluttering according to experts in psychology can improve your physical and mental health.?

If your space is tidy and organized, it fosters a sense of control and accomplishment. That’s one way of boosting your mood, and self-esteem. The sense of accomplishment can also improve the quality of your sleep.?

Additionally, you can boost your creativity and become more efficient if you embrace decluttering.?

Being in a space where you are not visually and mentally distracted by unnecessary items can make it easier for you to think clearly and focus on tasks. It allows you to enjoy engaging in pursuits that require a higher level of creativity.

Step-by-Step Guide to Decluttering Your Space

Decluttering may seem like a daunting task especially if you are doing it for the first time. However, it doesn't have to be. You can break it down into smaller steps to make it manageable.?

Here is how:

Step 1: Choose One Area to Begin With

The secret is in starting small. Pick one area, for instance, a single kitchen drawer, your bedside table, or a section of your closet. It will allow you to see quick results and avoid feeling exhausted. Such small wins will keep you motivated to do more.

Step 2: Prepare Four Boxes

Once you have identified the space to begin with, gather four bins or boxes and label them: Keep, Donate, Store, and Trash. The four-box method is a system that will help you minimize indecision as you sort through your items.

Step 3: Sort Every Item

Here, you will go through the items, picking them one by one as you ask yourself the following questions:

• Have I used this in the last one year?
• Does this item serve a clear purpose in my life?
• If I didn’t own this already, would I still buy it again today?

Be honest with yourself as you answer those questions. Drop each item in its respective box as follows:

• Keep: Drop the items you truly use and love. Remember, it should strictly be what you use in your day to day life.?

• Donate/sell: Put the items that no longer serve you but could benefit other people. Ensure they are in good condition before you donate or sell them.?

• Store:? In this box, gather all the items that have sentimental value or are for seasonal use. What you don't need in your daily life. For instance winter jackets or Christmas décor items. Put them neatly in a designated storage area.

• Trash: Here, you put all the expired, broken or unusable items to get rid of unnecessary clutter.?

Step 4: Organize What’s Left

After sorting everything, it’s time to place the items in the “keep box” back but this time around, you will do it in an organized way. Use drawer dividers, storage bins, or labeled containers. Maintain order by assigning everything a designated home. It will be easier for you to find and return things later.

Step 5: Dispose the Rest Immediately

For the entire process to be successful, ensure that clutter doesn't sit around in boxes. Take action right away. Donate what can be donated, sell what you need to sell, store the seasonal items, and throw away what is expired or broken. Simply ensure your main living areas are free from the excess.?

Step 6: Come Up With a Maintenance Routine

This is where most people go wrong. They spend so much time decluttering and then fail to establish a system that will help them keep their spaces organized. As a result, clutter comes back within no time.?

Understand that decluttering is not just a one-time task. It's a habit worth embracing. Here are tips to help you prevent the build-up of clutter.?

• If you have bought something new, always let go of a similar old one.?

• Spend 5-10 minutes tidying up your spaces at the end of each day and be consistent. Here, you ensure everything is back to its designated home. Also, train everyone in your household to avoid dumping items in random spots.?

• Carry out a monthly check-in where you re-evaluate items and remove what you no longer need.

• Establish a drop zone, a designated area for incoming items eg, mail, keys, etc. to prevent clutter from spreading all over your home.

Get Started Today!

Now that you have a clear road map, there is no better time to take action than today!

You only need to embrace the mindset that less is actually more, so you can start small and then purpose to be consistent. Keep in mind that every item you remove will not just clear your space. It will free up your mental bandwidth and sharpen your focus.?

So, pick that first shelf, get the four boxes, and start your journey to a clutter-free and refreshing space. Remember, the peace you are about to experience is worth the effort. Embrace the change and enjoy the freedom!