We’ve all heard of the popular minimalist lifestyle; intentional living with fewer possessions. All we have to do is get rid of half of what we own….if only it were that easy!
As much as we’d like to take the plunge and clear out our spaces, life gets in the way. Between work, kids, and a fast paced lifestyle, we’re lucky if we have time to bathe, eat and sleep.
Things accumulate over time without us realizing it. We tell ourselves we want to hold onto things with sentimental value, but are these things still serving us?
Would we know they were gone if we no longer had them? Would we ever think about them again?
Putting off decluttering can only add to the stress we already feel in a disorganized space, making us feel as though we have no control.
Detaching ourselves from some material things can free up space in our homes and minds. Remember clutter isn’t just what’s visible to us, there’s also mental clutter and even digital clutter.
However, in order to create mental space, we have to declutter our physical environment first.
If we knew decluttering our home could help declutter our minds, would we be more inclined to act?
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Why Declutter Your Home?
Fresh Start
Clutter has a way of making you feel stuck and can paralyze you. I remember a few attempts I made to clean out my closet. I opened the door, had no idea where to start, and closed it.
It was only when I started to think of decluttering as letting go and starting fresh that I became more motivated to tackle the mess!
Having the ability to let go is very powerful and makes room for growth in other areas in our lives.
Simplify Your Life
I don’t know about you guys, but I’m down for anything that will simplify my life these days!
Decluttering can make your life A LOT easier. Knowing where things are and having them readily available can save you a ton of time and frustration.
I find that I’m more productive now that I can see where things are. I’m no longer scrambling to find something I need, everything has a home and I have more peace of mind.
Mental Space
Decluttering gives us the mental space to focus more on ourselves and our needs.
Think about it, with a clear space and mind, you can focus on yourself and have more time for self care days (which play such an important role in productivity). You may even pick up a new hobby.
Cleaner Air
Clutter and the accumulation of things can lead to dust, dust mites and pet dander, which can be bad for your physical health.
Eliminating the amount of stuff you have can prevent poor air quality and bacteria from growing in certain areas in your home.
Create a New Area for Personal Productivity
Have you been wanting to exercise more? Having room for an exercise bike in a nice, spacious corner of your newly decluttered home, might motivate you to start working out.
Since I’ve been getting more and more into meditating, I thought I’d create a calm meditation area with my new extra space.
So is there something you’re passionate about? Writing? Youtubing? Having a new exercise routine or spiritual mindfulness area? This new extra space can be your start toward that journey.
Decluttering the home and mind can spark a creativity in you to do something great.
Benefits of Decluttering Your Home
Better Focus
When my mind isn’t scrolling the room for things I want to put away, organize or get rid of, I find it much easier to focus on other things.
Our minds shouldn’t have to compete between the clutter we see around us and the task we have at hand.
A clean space can make us feel more productive and motivate us to get things done.
Healthier Habits
A decluttered kitchen can make you want to cook and can help you develop healthy habits.
Try decluttering your fridge with clear storage bins for fruits and veggies. This has been a complete game changer for me!
Seeing your fruits and veggies in an organized fashion can prompt you to eat them, and you’ll avoid ending up with spoiled greens (as most of us I’m sure have done)!
I usually have veggies prepared and stored to make quick, healthy wraps for lunch or dinner.
As part of my morning routine, I make sure I always have berries in a glass container to add to oatmeal or just snack on.
Decluttering can also make for a better night’s sleep. In a clean, organized environment, your mind can relax and drift off to sleep much easier.
Less Stress
I remember dreading coming home after work to a cluttered environment. Your home is where you spend a great deal of your time and should be a sanctuary, and not the cause of any added stress.
Getting rid of clutter can put you in a much calmer and happier mood and make you excited to come home and relax!
Saves Time, Money and Space
There were a few times when I couldn’t find a top I was looking for in my closet and would end up buying a new one.
Had I been able to see it, I wouldn’t have ended up with 2 of the same items. Decluttering can save you money and space in your closet.
I now save time as well, picking out an outfit is much easier when you can see everything you have.
Where to Begin?
Act
Don’t wait for Spring cleaning, make the decision to clear out your space as soon as possible, you deserve to feel the benefits it will bring to your life right now!
Mindset
To take this on, your mind has to be in the right place, if you go in with a negative mindset, you may not see it through.
Here’s an idea, close your eyes…picture your space without the clutter. (This kind of works like a mental vision board). What does it look like? Neat, clean, spacious?
How does it make you feel? Calmer? Lighter? This is the motivation you need to begin, so stay positive my friend!
Check List
Put together a decluttering checklist to guide you and keep you on track. Set a goal date for each room.
Seeing it written down on paper will make it feel more organized and less daunting. Check things off as you go for motivation to move forward!
Get Help from Friends and Family
More hands means you can cover more ground in a shorter amount of time. It also makes it more fun and less overwhelming.
You may even inspire them to do the same, so order a pie of pizza for the gang and get to decluttering!
Don’t Give Up!
Remember that the beginning is always the toughest and you’ll try to talk yourself out of it, if it feels like too much.
Go back to that mental picture of your newly decluttered home. Think of all the ways you can make it beautiful once you lose the clutter!
How To Declutter your Home and Mind
Have a System in Place
Have trash bags, tupperware and storage bins labeled and ready to go. This will help you move through the clutter quicker and in a more organized way.
Having a “use it or lose it” pile can also keep you accountable and make sure some things get tossed!
It may be tough to part with some items, but keep in mind that holding on to them will keep you in clutter.
Turn Some Music On
We all know music can affect our mood. Putting on some upbeat tunes while you declutter your home can make this project more enjoyable.
So go ahead and play your favorite songs as you work through the mess!
Start Small
Start with a small area in one room. For example, your kitchen cabinets. You can see this as a way to get rid of unwanted, not so healthy foods or snacks.
Once you’re done, check it off your list and move on to the fridge! You are much more likely to succeed when you start small.
Digital Decluttering
Clear out space in your technical devices and turn them off every now and then.
I used to have hundreds of unread emails building up, which was making me crazy. I now make sure to go through them and keep only what I need in my inbox.
Don’t forget that taking breaks from screens in general, is extremely necessary for mental decluttering.
Make Decluttering a Daily Routine
Once you’ve achieved a new decluttered home, make it a habit to put things where they belong and tidy up after yourself daily.
Investing in minimal-style storage can also make it easier to maintain a clutter-free environment.
The Bottom Line
Upkeeping our physical space can create a calmer, more peaceful mind. We all deserve to feel a sense of tranquility when we come home.
So why not give yourself the opportunity to feel the freedom that comes with decluttering your home?
Start with one room this week and see how it makes you feel. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
