As well as spending some time thinking about the normal activities behind a traditional spring-clean, why not challenge yourself to clearing out some cluttered thinking or old emotional baggage. Perhaps an over used cliché, but how much of what you are feeling or thinking is weighing you down or holding you back? Or perhaps modern living material clutter is a symptom of a need for something else that is lacking - look at areas of your life where you may not be feeling fulfilled - and consider redressing the balance.
It is the expectation of the Spring season that we clear out the old, tidy, organise and make all things shiny for the coming months. But for many, just like New Years resolutions - this is easier said than done.
There is often a very clear link between physical and emotional when it comes to ‘stuff’ so if you are a reluctant clutter controller, have a good think about what emotional ‘junk’ you may be unwilling to let go of.
Home, Office and… Mind?
On the Aspiring Change website you will find the quote by William Morris: ‘Have nothing in your houses which you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful’. Is ‘houses’ a misprint or could Mr Morris be referring to our mind and body by using the plural?
The benefits of a good clean out are not just in your immediate working or living space but it has knock-on effects on your thinking- freeing up space in your mind for new thoughts, energy and enthusiasm.
When you embark on controlling your clutter this spring and you’re wondering about keeping an old jigsaw piece or Aunt’s bequeathed china tea set, ask yourself for what purpose and benefit, physically or emotionally, is there in keeping these things in your life?
Tips and Hints for De-cluttering Home and Work
As always when elements of change are required, start small and achievable, have a plan and make it work for you and of course, have a reward to make it all worthwhile: a new set of storage boxes or a nice piece of furniture to go in the newly created space.
- Identify the cause
Are you cluttered because you hoard or because you are disorganised? The latter will just require a bit of throwing out, some time spent tidying and some strategies for keeping things in order. Being cluttered from keeping things for emotional reasons will take some more time to work through.
- Sort it out
Getting rid of stuff isn’t just about filling up the wheelie bin. Money can be made by selling valuable but unwanted items; internet ‘swap sites’ allow you to exchange items; donating useable items to charity can add in a feel good factor; recycling as much as you can reduces your environmental impact as well.
- Stay motivated
De-cluttering can take time; do it in small, achievable chunks but don’t start a new room or area until you’ve finished the previous space. Clear some time so that you’re not constantly interrupted or distracted and can finish a decent amount.
- Be ruthless
Remind yourself what the end result needs to be and how good it is going to look and feel when you begin to waver over out-grown baby clothes and the umpteenth mobile phone charger.
- Get creative
Keep individual portfolios for your children with their chosen ‘best’ work each year; take photos of objects of sentimental value to frame rather than keeping the actual item; use vacant space in the house in interesting ways for storage and display.
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