Do you feel that your world can use some decluttering? I think that is something we all can honestly admit to. Our home, our work space, and even our calendars. I use the word “we” because I am right there with you! You can simplify your life; physically, emotionally, and mentally, by lightening your load, organizing, and prioritizing.
When there is a lot of clutter, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and frustrated when needing to find something and you have to sort through piles, or rummage through drawers to find it. “I know it’s here… but where?” What a waste of time and effort, not to mention what it does to your emotional state of being.
Do you have so much “stuff” and nowhere to put it all? Do you have piles of “stuff” and have difficulty when needing to find something? Do you have too many commitments on your calendar and not enough free time? Well if the answer is “yes” to any of these questions, then it’s time to unclutter your world!
Starting with your home, here are a few things you can do to start the process:
Start systematically with small tasks. Look around each room and see if there are things that really don’t have significant importance to you. Ask yourself.. ” Do I really need this?” That’s when you start to create space. Begin with one shelf or countertop in each room at a time. Perhaps there are things that you are now ready to part with. Maybe pass them on to a family member so they can enjoy them as you did over the years. Maybe donate to charity, those things that you are not using anymore. Make sure that whatever you decide to keep; has its own place so you can see it and enjoy it. Remember that this is a process, and it’s going to take some time. Don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to do too much at once. Try to set aside 30 minutes a day to declutter, and then return the next day…. The same goes for any piles you may have to go through; or closets and drawers that need to be cleaned out; until you have gone through each room. Just keep chipping away, a little each day. Before you know it, you will look around and enjoy the organized space you have created for yourself.
What about your workspace? How do you feel when you get to work? Are you overwhelmed or stressed when you look at your desk? Do you have piles that need to be filed? You may say “I know where everything is” but the fact is when you need something quickly, you still have to sort through those piles. You might start by setting an appointment for each pile, based on priorities. Create folders and label them so you know where everything is at a glance. Don’t create additional piles and don’t put anything back into those existing piles. Learn to file quickly. You will be much more productive and work more efficiently when working in an organized workspace.
How’s your personal calendar? You can reduce your commitments by learning to say no to non-essential things. Create your to-do list and organize your priorities, then declutter the rest. There is no need to overload yourself. Find your balance. Your time is valuable, and you deserve to enjoy your “free time”.
We all have clutter that can be eliminated or at the least; reduced. When you begin to lighten your load, simplify and organize; you create mental space for yourself. You also establish a more peaceful environment for your home life and your work place.
Life feels peaceful with less clutter
~ Jill Lee ~