4 easy steps to get rid of clutter

Here we are at the start of a new year. I just arrived home from a restful vacation with my family, and while unpacking I couldn’t help but notice an overflow of stuff everywhere I turned. How did this happen? Didn’t I clean house before the holidays?! The stuff I’m referring to is that old familiar stuff that no matter how many times you clear it out, it finds it’s way back into every crevice of your life. CLUTTER. Clutter in the closets, clutter in the drawers, clutter on the dining room table, in the bathroom, bedroom, clutter everywhere!

Many of us view clutter as an enemy to be battled, and we avoid it at all costs. We accept that we can’t find matching socks in the pile of clothes on the floor. We become accustomed to our desks in a constant state of disarray. When the idea of cleaning comes into our mind, we often make ourselves stressed and tired simply thinking about it and we put off until we pop.

By changing your perspective about clutter, you can keep stress at bay and maintain your mental sanity in the process.

De-cluttering puts you in the present

A simple task—such as cleaning—allows you to focus in the moment, which in turn, reduces stress and invites a sense of freedom. Decluttering will improve your concentration, mood and overall quality of life.

Should you decide to join me in tackling your clutter, I’ve created these three simple steps to help guide you:

1. Set an intention for the room you are about to clear.

Is it a room for relaxing? A space for spending time with family? Having a clear purpose will help you determine what stays and what goes. Look for items that do not fit your intention.

2. Be honest

Promise yourself you will do your best to be honest about the items that no longer serve you.

3. Label two bags or boxes: one “donate” and the other “relocate.”

There’s nothing wrong with saving things that are sentimental or valuable. The problem is that much of what we hang on to we suddenly put a value on it when in actuality it’s not valuable at all. Like the blouse you paid x amount of dollars for that you never wore that’s been hanging in your closet for the past three years that you kept “just in case.” Ask yourself: Do I need it? Does this make me feel joy? If it doesn’t, then get rid of it. Surround yourself with things you love, and what makes you happy.

4. De-clutter with compassion.

“Our souls are not contained within our stuff,” according to Lauren Rosenfeld, author of Breathing Room. “Nor is the meaning of our relationships or the importance of our shared history defined by our belongings.”

Start to look at de-cluttering as an exercise in letting go, of freeing yourself. It’s a wonderful opportunity to create space for something new and the New Year is a great time to do it.

Are you ready to de-clutter your life? Give it a try, and watch how it transforms your life.

Rose Caiola
Inspired. Rewired.