Decluttering Space

The holidays are right around the corner, which means it's time for that annual tradition - frantic end-of-year cleaning! My favorite end-of-the-year ritual!

I know, I know, cleaning is probably the last thing you want to add to your already-packed holiday to-do list. But making time to tidy up and de-clutter your home before the ball drops has some great benefits that are worth the effort.?

For one, getting your home sparkling clean gives you a fresh slate and helps you get rid of any lingering old energy or dirt from the past year. Out with the old, in with the new! Clearing out physical clutter also has the effect of clearing your mind - allowing you to focus on the new year ahead without unfinished business from 2023 dragging you down.?

Just imagine how nice it feels to have a clean space, not clean in the regular clean but clean in the sense that you get rid of the lingering toxins or negative energy in your house. The clean, welcoming environment will also help make your holiday hosting less stressful and more enjoyable for everyone.?

So how do you do that? First I’ll help you identify what the toxins in your house are. These are the stuff in our homes that might be holding onto some negative energy or bad vibes – yes they’re toxins. So here’s a friendly list you can consider.?

Friendly List

• Things you don't use anymore.
• Clothes that you don't really like or haven't worn in ages (including those undies that have seen better days).
• Broken things that probably won't get fixed.
• Old cards and notes that are just collecting dust.
• Plants that are no longer thriving.
• A pile of receipts and magazines from who knows when, those POS receipts or supermarket receipts you throw into your bag at random.
• Stuff that looks like a blast from the past.
• If you've got kids, toys that have seen better days, or just don't get played with, take them out.

And what are the benefits of doing all these? The best part is when you give those toxins the boot, some pretty awesome things happen:

Awesome things that can happen

• Hello, Better Health: Cleaning out that clutter can do wonders for your well-being.
• Creative Juices Flowin': Ever noticed how a tidy space sparks creativity??
• Relationship Boost: Clearing out the old can make room for the new – including better connections with the people around you.
• Brainpower Upgrade: Less mess, more mental clarity.?
• Happy Dance Time: Say goodbye to the blues. A decluttered space helps improve your mood, leading to good vibes all around.

Some questions to help

Here are some questions to guide your cleansing mission:

• Why am I holding onto this? Seriously ask yourself what's the story behind it?
• Is it still about me today? Our tastes and needs change, so let's make sure our stuff reflects the present you.
• How will I feel if I let it go? Sometimes, imagining the freedom of decluttering can be a game-changer.

Now, let's tackle the sorting game: This will help you know what to do with the things you’ve decluttered.

• To donate: Share the love! If it can find a new home and make someone else happy, it's a win-win.
• To throw: Things under this category feel like a farewell to an old friend. If it's beyond repair or just not bringing joy, it's time to part ways.
• To sell: You can turn your clutter into cash. If it's got some value, give it a second chance with a new owner while getting money out.

Make your space reflect that inner cleaning

Our homes can deeply impact our inner lives. When within your own walls, nurture an environment that reflects and inspires your best self.?

• Less Noise, more calm: Avoid the chaos. Opt for the gentle hum of a calm environment.
• Soft Lighting, big impact: Dial down those harsh lights. Let a softer glow create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
• Muted hues, peaceful views: Go easy on the colors. Soft, pastel shades can bring a sense of tranquility.
• Natural scents and diffusers over chemicals: Swap out the artificial for the natural. Your nose will thank you.
• Replay your happy memories: Less of the sad stuff. Surround yourself with memories that bring a smile to your face.
• Go finish up those tasks on your to-do lists and have a project-finishing party. Time to tie up those loose ends. Finish what you started for a sense of accomplishment.
• Positive vibes: Cultivate good energy. Purposefully make yourself happy and allow positivity to be the mainstay in your home.

An uncluttered, peaceful home creates clarity for envisioning all that you wish to welcome into your life. Allow it to ground you while you open up to new joy and possibilities. Let it be your haven, as you discover more of who you want to become.

Conclusion

Clearing clutter can be liberating for the body, mind, and soul. As you tidy your home, approach the process with self-compassion. Work at your own pace, and let go of self-judgment.?

Start by sorting through drawers, wardrobes, and cabinets. As you handle each item, ask yourself - does this spark joy? Serve a purpose? If not, bless it and release it:

• Trash - Discard anything broken or unusable?
• Organize what’s staying– Designate a home for items you’re keeping.
• Go eco-friendly and recycle if you can – Let go of non-treasured items that could benefit others.
• Put the ‘maybes’ in a box – Set aside anything you’re uncertain about for now.?
• Gifts – Do you have unused items a friend would enjoy? Gift it out, sharing is caring!
• Spread the love by donating – Ask if the no longer-needed possessions could help those in need.??
• Sell – Are there quality items that may find a new home? If yes cash-in with a little selling.

As you cleanse your space, notice what shifts inside you. Releasing clutter frees up energy. New clarity and creativity may arise to fill the openings you've created. This process mirrors spring cleaning the mind. By releasing attachment to things that no longer serve us, we make space for our highest potential to unfold.?

May this bringing of mindful order to your home bless you with a renewed sense of purpose and joy.

Take care,

Winifred.?