Live Simply And Create A Clutter-Free Zone

Live Simply And Create A Clutter-Free Zone

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If you invited a psychologist into your home, they could make some educated assumptions about your mind. Our homes not only reflect our state of mind, but they also contribute to it. Clutter, in particular, can have a negative impact on your brain’s ability to focus and process information. So it makes sense to free your home and your mind from unnecessary items.

Why Clutter Happens

The accumulation of clutter happens for any number of reasons. Over the years we make spontaneous purchases, sure that the items will have their uses. Even if we never use them, we keep hold of them just in case. We receive gifts from family and friends, some of which are useful and others that are not. But even if we don’t particularly like them, it’s hard to part with gifts because of the sentimental attachments. On top of that, we accumulate paper, bills, furniture, decorations, etc. The list is endless.

The Cull

There comes a day when all of this ‘stuff’ accumulates to such an extent that it has a negative impact on you and your home. You may be running out of space. Or you may be about to move to a smaller home. The clutter may be causing anxiety. At the very least, it makes it impossible to function properly and make full use of your home.

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If you recognize this, it’s time to act. Start with a big clear out to get your home back on track. Once you have achieved this, you can make changes to your everyday life to live more simply and avoid the clutter trap.

Sorting Out

If you have accumulated a significant amount of clutter, there are reasons for this. These reasons are the same ones that will make this process difficult for you. This is because these unwanted items are tied up with complex emotions. You may feel sentimentally attached to items. If you purchased the items yourself and never used them, it may still be difficult to part with them. The brain sometimes finds it difficult to accept that we have made a mistake and looks for ways to justify it. So, you’re going to need to be ruthless. For more information on the psychological reasons behind clutter, check out articles like http://www.wsj.com.

Start with something small and manageable. Maybe a small guest room or even the bathroom. Don’t move to the next room until this is completely cleared. Space permitting, empty the room, and only put back the items you are using. You may have some difficult choices to make. Some items will not be functional, but you may still wish to keep them. Obvious examples are photos and photo albums. Set yourself strict parameters of what you should and shouldn’t keep. Photos, yes but that ticket stub from the sixth grade, maybe not.

Sort items into three piles labeled keep, toss, recycle and charity. Go through all of your possessions until you have gone through every item. This will highlight just how much junk you have accumulated. Hire a rubbish removal company such as samedayrubbishremoval.com.au to remove unwanted items. This can often be completed on the same day.

What Next?

Once you have gone through this process and reduced your waste and clutter, you’ll find it easier to do this on an ongoing basis. Each room, closet, and drawer will be neat and tidy. Everything will have a place, and it will be easy to locate. You now need to apply the decluttering process to your day-to-day life. Think before you buy items. Are you going to use them? Think about when and how. Don’t make impulsive purchases. Sleep on it before ordering. Considering removing an item from your home before introducing something new.

When items come into the home, deal with them immediately. Find a place for them and begin using them. Sort through your possessions every few months. Think about books, DVDs, old cell phones, etc. If you have finished with them, do you really need to keep them? If not, pass them on to someone who will appreciate them. Or, recycle.

Once you get into this habit, you shouldn’t have to go through that major culling process again. And you can live a simpler, more organized life.

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram.