Listen, we all know it right? The clutter has GOT TO GO. However, we keep procrastinating and we keep saying that we will get to it later. Later turns into days, which turns into weeks and then it just ultimately becomes a fixture in our space—a “decor”element of sorts
After doing much research on this topic and implementing systems and rhythms into my own life with clutter, I have learned “CLUTTER ISSUES” stem from what is called a a scarcity mindset. YES! SCARCITY (ironic eh?!?). This is the subconscious belief that we somehow feel the need to hold onto things “just incase” something “bad” happens or we “need” it. We convince ourselves that we need them and we subsequently “cling” onto them mentally and physically. Opening our eyes to these pervasive subconscious negative beliefs will allow us to face the piles of clutter head on. The truth is, working on creating an abundance mindset alleviates much of this. Just like with money, believing that there are abundant resources for all and knowing we will be ok and provided for is the key.
So what to do with the clutter? We can begin by carving out a manageable amount of time on a daily basis (5, 10, 15, 30, 60 minutes) and begin to tackle clutter head on with an abundance mindset. The more you get in the routine of clearing your clutter regularly, the more you will notice it and learn to handle it. Even in High Traffic Zones (HTZs). HTZs are the areas in your home that always develop clutter – the tables, stairs, countertops, entryway, etc. They are different for us all. You know what it’s like, you come home and everything from keys to glasses to homework and rocks end up in a wonderful pile in your HTZ.
Much of this can be resolved by giving everything a place when you get home and making quick and swift decision ABSENT of a scarcity mindset. Also, never leave a room empty-handed and implement routines that model for others in your home how to clear clutter, avoid piles and clear up space is when they start getting untidy—AND REMEMBER—lead by example—IT STARTS WITH YOU. Consistently clearing clutter in your HTZs, will literally become “routine” to you and no longer a “chore”, but rather, a way of life.
The “trending” term for living with less right now is called minimalism. I am not a fan of terms but because this is the internet and terms are inevitable, we must give this way of living a name. I do prefer to call this behavior “intentionalism”. Intentionalism implies a focus on the internal, mental aspect. Minimalism, albeit an amazing movement, seems, put the focus on the only the external. The goal of this way of living should be INNER PEACE, regardless of what you call it, not just relocating possessions. If we cannot find find calm and clarity from it, the act of “letting go” and “getting rid” of things is still just focusing on your relationship with objects. I have met people with very little who are just as materialistic as those with a massive materialistic collection of possessions. Remember as you let go and declutter, to check your mindset.
Here are my top tips for living a more intentional life that will save you time, money, space and sanity!
10 TIPS FOR LIVING A MORE INTENTIONAL CLUTTER-FREE LIFE
- Find your tribe
- Surround yourself with inspirational people (physically or virtually)
- Get inspired by people who share the same values
- Follow these types of influencers
- Start slow
- Don’t go and declutter your whole life; you will be surrounded by all of your stuff and be overwhelmed. It helps most people to start small. Start with a junk drawer or a bathroom or a closet a purse or a backpack.
- Sort it out
- Keep –put them away where they belong; give everything a space
- Trash –things that do not have any value; recycle anything you can recycle.
- Donate—give away items that are in great condition but no longer serve you.
- Unsure – could possibly fix, paper, etc.
- Paper is its own beast; you can put them in piles but when you decide to keep you should consider digitizing the paper so that you can get rid of real life paper clutter
- Get rid of duplicates
- If you have a lot of parties, go ahead and have a bunch of plates
- Only keep what you need and suit your lifestyle.
- Stop buying duplicates.
- If you bring something in or buy something, check what you have first.
- Eliminate temptations
- Online shopper—stay off websites
- Store front shopper—do other things
- Mailers-coupons, catalogues, mailing lists.
- Social media—influencers and keeping up with the Joneses
- Change Habits
- This is a lifestyle, you can go declutter and keep doing it unless you change your behavior.
- Understand what makes you buy more things or new things. Combat that and confront those issues first. Change your Buying habits
- Change thoughts (abundance vs. scarcity mindset)
- What makes you want more or buy more
- Give everything a place
- Don’t bring new things in unless you have space for it.
- Live within your means.
- Contentment
- Practice contentment….daily!
- Try to change your view of the world and your position in it. Think of all the things you already have and reflect on them.
- Doesn’t mean you can’t buy or can’t have any more “wants” but being grateful helps you to stop wanting to “keep up”. It instills confidence.
- Practice gratitude—be grateful for what you have and love what you own.
- Don’t worry about trying to get more and obtain more.
- Have a journal and write down 5 things you are grateful for today and each day☺
- White noise
- Keep your schedules light.
- Simplify your phone-delete unused apps, sort remaining into 1-5 folders, remove all notifications and badges☺
- Lessen your social media exposure
- Spend less time with toxic people or people who don’t support you
- Speak less, listen more.
- Be introspective
- Think
- Think of alternatives
- Experience over things—do the things you want to do in life. Live your bucket list! Think of finding things that you enjoy that don’t cost a lot of money or are easy and simple to do.
- Think of products you use or things you have that you love. Try to think of ways to create it yourself or look for DIY tutorials on it. Doing things yourself will save you money and simplify your life a lot!
- Minimize “Chores” (I prefer to call it housework)
- Make your bed every morning when you rise IMMEDIATELY! It will make your room feel so much more put together right away.
- Meal plan—think of meals you love; plan them for one week and cook all of them. Bring leftovers or meals to work and do not buy lunch out.
- Pick a day or times for doing your laundry (depending on how much laundry you do) wash it, dry it and put it away.
- Pick a day or times of the day for cleaning up your space (depending on your space). Wipe down surfaces, vacuum carpet and mop floors. Make sure everything is in its place first.
- Celebrate your home…ALL of it. It is a place of comfort and security for you and your family.
- Honor and embrace it on a daily basis.
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