Clutter in the home can be not only unsightly, but also, unbeknown to many, can actually have a direct impact on how you feel. When we’re in an environment filled with clutter it can create feelings of stress and chaos, making it less than easy to relax in the home.
It’s easy for clutter to build up over time and outgrow your limited storage space. Don’t be so hard on yourself, it’s a really common problem and thankfully one that has some very simple solutions too. Before long you’ll have a luxurious clutter free space which will make you feel relaxed and contented.
Shameless
Let go of shame and instead focus on taking determined action! Often when we feel shame about a situation we end up spending energy focusing on the problem and as a result, you can miss potential solutions. Not to mention all that thinking is quite exhausting, leaving limited energy remaining to address the problem…and so it continues to stay a problem.
Creative Storage
Before you begin, it can be useful to invest or even create some creative storage solutions. Even if you clear out 50% or more of your clutter coming up with a strategic approach to storage and organisation will help keep you remaining clutter easily hidden and accessible.
If you’d like to make your own bespoke storage, you can do so fairly cheaply using materials such as MDF boards and enlist the help of a MDF CNC Cutting Service for a professional finish.
Break it Down
Regardless of how much clutter you have, the best way to approach this task is to break down what has to be done into manageable steps. This way you avoid putting unnecessary pressure on yourself and reduce the risk of becoming instantly overwhelmed and giving up at the first hurdle.
Whether you have an entire house to de-clutter or just one room, break down the task into smaller tasks. So, if one of the tasks on your to-do list is to clear out the bedroom, break this task down into smaller more specific tasks e.g. sort through chest of draws, wardrobe etc. This way you’ll see your progress more easily.
Scene Setting
If you’re still struggling to find the motivation, think of some strategies you’ve used in other situations where you’ve felt motivated. Would music help make it more fun? What if someone else helped? Do you need a reward to focus on?
Be sure to set aside regular time to tackle a little bit or if you’d prefer to put time aside in a block then do that. Just do whatever works best for you and your motivation.
Clear Out
Now you’ve set the scene and you’re raring to go, your first step will be to access the current situation. Going through a specific cupboard or area of the home and deciding if you really need all the contents. This can be more challenging than it appears!
A useful approach can be to ask yourself what value the item holds for you and if you’re likely to use it regularly. If you’re keeping it for a rainy day, it’s likely you’ll never use it and perhaps its time to clear it out!
Create a pile of items you want to give away, sell or dispose of.
Prevention
Now be warned, if you don’t change your general approach to collecting clutter then you’ll likely to find yourself in the same position before long. That’s ok of course but if you’d like to avoid it building up in the first place, perhaps avoid impulse buying and purchasing items on mass! Ask yourself, ‘do I have a genuine use for this?’.
Alternatively, you could take a more ruthless approach by committing to getting rid of one item to every purchase you make?!
