Get Ready to Banish Clutter
Clutter is often overlooked as a cause for distraction or a hindrance in your personal life or professional life. Clutter could literally be blocking your path to a calmer life, with less distractions and more time for productivity and rest.
Some of us might have more clutter than others, and sometimes we even convince ourselves that the clutter is there to keep us being creative, or it could be used to keep ourselves distracted from free time.
When we have no clear understanding of what we would do if we had free time, we procrastinate, so clear your space, clear your mind for a greater understanding of you and what you truly want.
If you happen to work from home, you can use these steps to clear your office space too. If you do struggle with clutter, following a systematic approach can make it easier to tackle.
If you find it challenging to know what to keep and what to let go of, below this article you can download a free handy “Letting Go of Clutter – Decision making Checklist – ” to walk you through the process.
By using the following 10 steps as a guide, you can positively organise your space starting today, creating the perfect environment to emotionally thrive: –
- Get your sorting containers – Use large tubs or cardboard boxes if you have. Grab a pen and paper and do a walk-through of your home or home office space.
- Tackle One room at a time – Focusing on the whole house, could be overwhelming, just start with the room you are in right now. If that also feels too daunting, focus on one corner, one drawer or cupboard, don’t concern yourself with any other space at this moment.
- Take notes – As you look around the room, observe, see the areas which need better organisation and make a note. This is going to be your task list. For example, maybe you have clothing piled on a chair and want the chair to be clear of all items. Record this.
- Set your starting time – Determine when you can begin the de-cluttering and re-organising process. Ideally, start as soon as you complete your list. If that doesn’t fit with your schedule, find a block of time each day to tackle listed tasks. If you have an extra thirty minutes before leaving for work, make that time count by completing one or two tasks on your task list. If you get it done in the morning, you are more likely to follow through with the task.
- Plan your process – Once you’ve scheduled the time to act, you can decide how to go about organising the room. The first method is to follow your list from top to bottom. Begin with the first item you noted and work on that task. Using the piled chair example, remove items and put them away until the chair is clear. Hang up clothes or place them in the laundry basket or in drawers. Put books on shelves or your desk. Then, go to the next item on the list. The second method is to prioritise the areas and tasks you listed by numbering them in the order of importance. Start your work with the task you prioritised as NUMBER 1 and continue on down the list. Don’t think about it too much, just go with the moment.Regardless of the method selected, take a large bin or bag into the room before you start. You’ll no doubt find items you no longer need and wish to remove.Complete your listed tasks one by one. Don’t start on the next task until you’ve finished the one, you’re on.
- Keep going – If you think you’ll become distracted, set a timer (on your watch or phone) and continue organising the room until the timer sounds. Commit to the moment.
- Everything has a place – You might notice some items that don’t have a specific storage spot. Assigned storage places are important to being organised. Knowing the location of something is far more efficient than having to look all over the house or in every drawer. For example, the habit of putting your keys in a particular spot or hanging them up, or your mobile phone in a bowl, could save you time having to search for it. Keeping important documents in a safe accessible space for emergencies, saves time and can reduce stress in the event of needing quick access to them. Everything that does not have a particular home, place them in a box labelled “Need a habit home.” You’ll get to these items later.
- Label boxes and start sorting – Label one box “Donate” for items you want to give away. Assign another box “Undecided” for items you aren’t sure you want to keep. Use these sorting strategies to organise and dispose of belongings you no longer want.
- Once your task list is complete, the room is organised – It’s time to find storage solutions and space for the items in your “Need a habit home” box.
Store similar items together, so that you can remember where they are. Grouping items makes it easier to remember them.Place items no longer wanted into your “Donate” box.Throw away belongings you no longer need if they can’t be donated. - Next area or room – Now that you’ve organised the first room or space in the house, apply these steps for each area or room one at a time. Your goal is to find a place for all belongings and donate or throw away items you don’t want to keep. When your “Donate” box is full, give it away or take it to a local charity. On the path toward organising your home might lead to many emotions or challenges, stick with it. Something as simple as making sure the dishes are cleared from the draining rack or cleared out of the dishwasher or making your bed can have a positive effect in clearing clutter. The more you see your space evolving into a sanctuary, for thought, relaxation and great productivity, and the easier it becomes to find things, you will automatically get rid of unwanted items and keep what you need.
Following these steps will help you achieve your goal of having an organised home and work space.