It’s that time of year again, when we start panic about all the clutter we have accumulated over the Winter months. I am someone that is a constant purger so my build up isn’t too bad, but I do have some attachments that I’m working on facing. Studies have been published that show that people that are surrounded by clutter are actually less happy than others. Your home and surrounds are actual physical manifestations of how you feel. It’s not a wonder that when you are sick the house falls apart. When I wake up in the morning and the sink is empty and the table clean, I feel so much more relaxed and ready to start my day. When I wake up and there are pots and pans on my counter, crumbs on my table and the garbage is full, I feel exhausted before my day even began. I cannot focus when there is chaos around me. Here are some tips to help you conquer clutter:
Stop Bringing Stuff Home:
- Remind yourself of all the reasons you don’t need it. Financially, can you afford this purchase? How often are you going to use this item? Call someone and ask them their opinion, maybe you’ll get distracted and move on.
- Just because it fits doesn’t mean you have to buy it. Try it on and enjoy it, then think about all the things in your closet that never see the light of day. If you must have it, make a plan to donate something you already own.
- Walk away if it’s free. Yes, I said free. A big trap of mine is hitting the free box at the Thrift Store or a friend offering me their pass along goods. It’s free, so I end up taking stuff I might not really need. If you don’t touch it or pick it up you’ll be less likely to bring it home.
Stop Telling Yourself These Stories:
- But so and so gave this to me, That means that you are not using this item only keeping it because it was a gift or belonged to a family member. Get rid of it! I held on to a towel that my aunt gave me for years. Yes, a towel. It never matched anything, but I held on to it. I finally got rid of it when I realized that she gave it to me just to give me something, not because she wanted me to hold on to it forever.
- Kids Artwork! Oh yes, what to do with the first chicken scratchings. I save them and then a few times a year I go through and pick out my favorites. I have taken digital photos of them and have made books to preserve them. (think Snapfish, Shutterfly) I have used them as wrapping paper for gifts. The kids actually enjoyed it. I also have saved a few in scrapbooks.
- Event stubs, programs, your prom dress. I gave up my prom dress when I had 2 boys realized that I wouldn’t need it, not to mention if I had a daughter she’d probably laugh her ass off at me. I am an event stub, brochure junkie! I do use them for my scrapbooking. What I don’t use-yes, I throw away.
- My favorite excuse: I might need that! I finally got over this one and here’s how. Baby steps. I put everything in a box from one room that “I might need” and stored it in the closet with the promise that after 2 months of “not needing it” I would donate it. Done!
- It was so expensive. Another of my traps. It doesn’t fit me but 5 years ago I paid $60 for that. Well, that money is just rotting in my drawer or china cabinet. Donate it and help someone else out.
Now it’s up to you: Grab your bags and Toss, donate or sell! Any items you are not sure of- use my box in the closet method.
Nancy Lischinsky says
You have to see my porch, bags and bags!!!!! I am spring cleaning to the max this week!!!!!
dor says
Great and helpful tips.
It's almost that time.
I enjoy spring cleaning. Wierd eh?
dorcontest at gmail dot com
Nancy says
Great thoughts!
Moving cross-country really helped us eliminate clutter!
Nancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com