The Overwhelm of Clutter
Clean, wrinkled clothes bundled in the laundry basket waiting to be folded; dirty clothes and towels piled high in the hamper; a closet full of outdated hand-me-downs that I haven’t worn in years but keep “just in case…” Dozens of books, many still unread; decorative boxes filled with sentimental papers, cards, and miscellaneous items collecting dust on shelves; composition notebooks and papers filled with agendas, thoughts, and random musings in no particular order; bins weighing a hundred pounds packed with old notebooks and papers from school. Ah! The overwhelm of clutter!
I refer to this as Classic Packrat Behavior (CPB)— a habit passed down from childhood.
The Connection Between Physical and Internal Clutter
If you’re anything like me, clutter in your physical space creates clutter in your internal space. I find it hard to think straight, feel tension in my body, and experience a sense of internal restriction. This often leads to procrastination, creating a cluttered mess of priorities. Tasks and errands get jumbled, with low-priority items taking precedence over high-priority tasks.
When our physical space is cluttered, our mental and emotional space becomes cluttered, too. This makes it difficult to think and act clearly, leading to a sense of being overwhelmed by the disarray.
Personal Insights on Decluttering
As a child, I was obsessively focused on cleaning, organizing, and decluttering. Once everything was neatly organized, I always breathed a little better. I felt an invisible weight lift off my shoulders. There was more space in the room and physically and internally felt more space inside my mind and body. I could think straight and would go to sleep feeling refreshed, replenished, and clear-headed.
Discovering Marie Kondo’s Approach
A friend recommended I read Marie Kondo’s book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. It offered clarity on why physical clutter impacts our internal state and how to address it for a positive change in every aspect of life—career, health, relationships, etc.
7 Key Takeaways from Decluttering
1. Honing Decision-Making Skills
We often struggle with trusting our intuition and fear making the “wrong” decision. Repetition is crucial to improving this skill. By asking repeatedly, “Does this spark joy?” in determining what to keep and what to discard, I honed my decision-making abilities, sharpened my intuition, and gained confidence in my choices. This process can be applied to other areas of life, enhancing overall decision-making.
2. Letting Go of the Past
I discovered that holding onto excess clutter from the past was more distracting than I realized. Letting go of items that no longer serve me made me feel lighter and allowed me to focus on more important things.
3. Changing the Declutter Mindset
It’s common to feel guilty about discarding items, but letting go of possessions that no longer bring joy has led to a newfound appreciation for their past value. Recognizing that their time has passed allows me to thank and release them without regret.
4. Embracing Gratitude and Peace
The egoic mind often falls into the “Lack Trap,” desiring new things for happiness and then quickly falling back into discontent. Practicing gratitude for both current and past joyous possessions invites peace and reduces anxiety, allowing us to appreciate what we have. It’s helpful to have this reminder when we declutter.
5. Keeping Only the Good Stuff
The process of decluttering left me with only items that inspire and energize me—clothes that make me feel good, books on topics I’m passionate about, and objects that bring positive energy. Purging old items helped me reflect on personal growth and clarify my goals.
6. Building a Complete and Reliable Wardrobe
With only the clothes I truly love, I could identify gaps in my wardrobe and address them, such as replacing old sweatshirts with new, cozy sweaters. This principle applies to all clothing and accessories, resulting in a complete and reliable wardrobe. Plus, with a decluttered wardrobe, I can see everything I have and no longer waste time sifting through items I don’t wear. This reduces morning stress and helps me start the day feeling good and energized.
7. Creating a Personal Sanctuary
Having a designated, clean, decluttered space to call my own is essential for relaxation and mental-emotional stability. A well-maintained personal space supports overall health, productivity, and well-being.
Experiencing the Benefits of a Clutter-Free Space
The organization of physical space directly influences our internal state. When our space is orderly, our life feels more organized. Experience this shift for yourself and see the positive changes it can bring.
I’d love hear from you. What did you takeaway from this?
Would you like individualized support with getting more organized and reaching your goals? Click here to schedule your Discovery Coaching Call to learn how coaching can help you!