by Andrea Gould-Marks and BB Peters
“When we can slow down, start fresh weekly, and make decisions in a timely manner, we reduce the tendency for clutter to clog our lives.”
We are defining clutter, as the quirky collection of“stuff” that gradually accumulates over time. The importance of understanding the psychology of cluttering can be helpful immediately.
Have you ever walked into someone’s home or office and noticed instantly how clutter-free their space is? How does that make you feel? Does it bring a sense of calm, serenity or comfort to you? The space we occupy and its architectural and aesthetic design has a lot to do with our personal ease. A clutter-free space calms our spirit, leaves us more space within which to fuel our peace of mind and encourage our inner creativity.
So how does clutter begin in the first place?
Our overscheduled lifestyles make it easier for us to postpone the micro-decisions about what to “do” with the objects that come into our space. Thus we place and store ‘things” wherever and however we can in the moment, depending on our personality or understanding.
For instance, clutter can accumulate outwardly when we decide that we need to “see” our things in order to remember that we have them. Thisbecomesagreaterproblemaswe get older. While the upside of keeping things visible is obvious lest we forget where they are, the downside is that it’s messy looking and in the long run becomes confusing. What we believe about each of our possessions, the power with which we imbue these possessions, determines our ability to let them go.
Confusion drains energy
How many times might we wonder “where are my keys?” ( or cell phone, or folder with important information, or favorite shirt or magazine article.)
How much time does looking for misplaced items take energy from our momentum or our concentration? How much unwelcome anxiety do we experience in fruitless searches? Doing away with clutter makes it easy for us to remember where things are.
Desks are another great example. Paper/ information clutter grows because most mail, e-mail, or snail-mail is asking us to take care of business in a way that we’re not ready to do. And so we place it visibly so we won’t forget to take care of it. It winds up growing a pile, often interspersed with less important issues such as “someday I would like to,” or “this would be fun,” or “this could be relevant.” Let someday be today!
Clutter insinuates attachment
A major underlying reason for the multiplication of “things” in our closets, drawers and surfaces is attachment. And attachment comes in many guises. The internal talk goes something like this. In the first place is the all-important “what if?” What if I need this someday for--- (fill in the blank.)
“What will I do then? Maybe they won’t make this anymore, or I won’t be able to find this when I need another one like it.”
Secondary attachment is that connection to “the thing” spells connection to a memory, or a person, or a time in life. The underlying feeling here is that if we toss that possession, we are tossing out a memory or a fondness for a person who gave us that gift.
A few good ideas to help reduce your clutter.
Slow down.
Making decisions immediately instead of postponing keeps clutter from building upon itself.
Simplify
Commit to simplicity when you can.
Surrender
Practice letting go of attachments or seek the help of a therapist in learning alternatives to “holding on to” the symbolic meaning of “things.”
Share
Think about how useful it would be to give away your excess “stuff” to people in need or people who would be pleased to have.
Select
An accountability partner helps you update your progress. Buddying-up is a good way to keep yourself on track. We learn so much from dialoguing about the places we are stuck.
Sense and Savor
Pay attention to the feeling of clarity and peace when you eliminate your clutter. Start with a small space like an overloaded drawer or shelf and pay attention to the relief there. Once you attain that feeling of relief you will want to seek it elsewhere. Nothing succeeds like success.
Clutter Hacks
Create a “future date” box. If you are unsure about what to do with anything, put it in a box with a date and a label that says, “if not opened until January 2020 or 2021, then discard.” If you don’t open the box till then, do not open it at all. Toss it. If well-labeled like “office supplies” or “clothing,” direct it to where it can best be utilized.
Start small with one shelf or drawer. Graduate to a closet and then a room. Don’t attempt to tackle a whole home unless you need to because you are moving.
DO the three pile thing
KEEP IT. Do I love it? Does it make me feel good or bring me joy?
FIX IT. Does it need repair?
DONATE IT. A warm wave of satisfaction washes over us when we help others. TOSS IT. Get it ready for trash day.
Ponder, play and practice a few of these ideas and let us hear from you at boomtalkmedia.com/contact. Happy journey!
