What exactly is Clutter?

Clutter takes on many forms: physical, emotional, relationship, body, habits, schedules and routines to name some. To begin, we are focusing on the physical form of clutter in our homes and lives.

Clutter is different for everyone. You may look at a chipped, worn vase and think it is clutter, but to me, it may be a prized possession, a heirloom passed on from a beloved grandmother.

Ask yourself as you examine an object: DO I LOVE THIS? DOES IT MAKE ME HAPPY? DOES IT MAKE ME SMILE? DO I USE/DISPLAY THIS? IT IS BEAUTIFUL TO ME? If you can not answer yes to at least one of these questions, preferably more, IT IS CLUTTER. DO NOT KEEP IT. Now, this does not mean it is junk or trash, although a lot of it may be. It is clutter to you because it is not serving you. You are serving it by giving it space in your home

If it has monetary value, sell it, donate it for a tax deduction or release it with love to someone who will treasure and appreciate it. Let it go to a home where it will be honored and valued and loved. We are not all meant to have the same taste and opinions and that is what makes us special. Allow yourself to make choices about what you surround yourself with, rather than just accepting castoffs and inherited items.

Have you found your 10?

A FORMAL INVITATION:

Day 2 of 100

We do not allow just anyone entry into our homes. We have doors and locks and even security systems to ensure our control over this. Even the best of friends and family will typically knock when they arrive or call to see if it is a good time to come over. However, with stuff, it seems we have a open door policy, allowing things into our home uninvited that stay on and on. Like my grandmother use to say, “fish and company start to smell after a few days”. Don't allow your home to stink with uninvited clutter. Make a choice to exercise your ability to close the door, to say no to what you don't love and to ask unwanted items to leave. Make room for what is important to you!

GO FIND 10!

The Clutter will come

I know it may sound crazy or even impossible to declutter 1000 items in 100 days. For some (the minority) this may be true. Example: If you are a young, struggling student or newly wed, with minimal disposable income, just starting off, who hasn't “inherited” stuff from allover, maybe you do not have that much stuff to declutter. If so, congratulations! You can keep your home in this condition by following the advice in this blog. However, for most of us, we have ample excess!

Don't feel overwhelmed. Remember, I am talking about anything, no matter how big or small, that you do not love/use and does not make you happy. That means cleaning out the chewing gum wrappers in your purse, the loose trash in the car, the lids in your storage cupboard that have no container, the torn t-shirt you never wear, the jar of food in the fridge that is covered with mold. Start small. If you do, the clutter will come!