Clutter is something that we all have to deal with from time to time. Whether it’s in your space, on your To-Do List, or in your mind and heart, clearing out that clutter is one of the surest ways I know of to decrease stress and increase your efficiency and effectiveness.
Clutter comes in many forms. There’s the physical, concrete clutter that can make our spaces feel chaotic and out of control. There’s the task-related clutter that can make us feel overwhelmed and unable to start. And then there’s the clutter that can take over our minds and hearts, when we have too much to remember, or maybe unprocessed feelings that haunt and distract us.
All of these things drain energy, deplete creativity, and make it very difficult to focus and get things done.
So, would you like to change that for yourself?
Clutter and Weeds
Imagine your space (or To-Do List or heart) as a garden. Are your flowers or vegetables thriving? If not, take a look at the soil around them. Do they have room to grow or are they being choked by weeds?
You’ll quickly realize that weeding helps. And just like your garden plot, your time and your space are finite. If tasks or objects or feelings that don’t really serve you are taking up space, there is always going to be less room for the things you value and want to see grow.
Clutter and Weeding
But how do you make room? Especially if your clutter is really taking over!
I know that it can be a daunting challenge, but go back to the garden image. You probably don’t have time to dive in and weed your whole garden at once. But you can definitely do what most of us would, and divide it into sections so you can clear out a piece at a time.
When you take on your clutter that way, I promise you’ll see visible results and feel the rewards right from the start. The key is to begin with a manageable piece – say a countertop or small bookshelf.
If it’s your To-Do List that is overwhelming you, try letting go of one or two unnecessary tasks.
Once you’ve de-cluttered one thing, that gives you a feeling of satisfaction which can help fuel your next de-cluttering effort.
Chipping away at the clutter creates more time and space for what you truly value and for YOU! I think you will be amazed to see what emerges – because clutter doesn’t only clog your space and your time … it also clogs your creativity, your energy, and your confidence.
As you let go of your clutter, whether it’s in your bedroom or on your To Do List, you will find that your energy is freed up in all sorts of new and exciting ways!
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True that! When I get rid of clutter, if even just a corner of the room, something else opens up. Thanks for the inspiration! #UBC
… and thanks for your comment, Hobby!
I hate clutter! I am ruthless with not allowing any to build up in the house and if I’m not going to use it, it either gets recycled, taken to the charity shop or thrown away as a last resort. I don’t have a garden that needs weeding anymore but when I did I weeded a little bit every day. I think that’s the key, as you say in your article, if you’re not as zealous as me(!) and things need weeding out in your life, a little bit each day is the way to go forward. I wasn’t always like this; my former partner was a hoarder and the house was a tip. Once he left I was able to streamline the house and it felt so much better. I felt cleaner and clearer, more focused. So I’m a big fan of getting rid of clutter in all areas of life. Great post!
Thanks for stopping by, Andrea – loved reading about your journey with clutter. I could just feel your relief as you described streamlining your house and regaining your clarity. It’s a wonderful feeling – and has such a palpable impact on the quality of our moments. Great to hear from you!
I struggle with clutter in nearly every area of my life! This weeding the garden analogy is so apt, and I’ll think about it today as I’m doing my 15-minute decluttering. Well done!
Thanks for your comment, Amy – I’d love to hear how it went for you today. For me, even weeding out a few pieces of paper for recycling is progress and a small triumph. And those triumphs build on one another. Love it! 😉