Clutter Busting Coach

…clearing clutter from your mind, body and space

Clutter Busting

Clutter Busting: Souvenirs and Collectibles

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Do you have collections of baseball caps or spoons from all your vacations? Did you inherit your aunt’s figurines? Or do you have so many seashells that you don’t know what to do with them?

Many times we keep souvenirs or collections because of the feeling associated with them, not because they are useful. Are you really enjoying them if they are boxed in the basement or collecting dust in the attic?

Give yourself permission to keep only those things you love and/or use and get rid of the rest by selling, donating or regifting them (if appropriate). If you don’t love something and haven’t gotten rid of it, it has become clutter.

If you still are having trouble getting rid of your collectibles here are some suggestions to help you hold on to memories without taking up a lot of physical space: [Read more…] about Clutter Busting: Souvenirs and Collectibles

Clutter Busting: Home Décor

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Fall is a great time of year to get a handle on your clutter. In my childhood home, there was such a thing as fall cleaning where everything was moved, dusted, washed and re-organized.

If you don’t have the time or the energy to do a thorough house cleaning, just getting rid of the overflow can help you feel more energized and in control.

Here’s how:

  • Pick one room and then fill a box with any clutter …extra pillows, decorative boxes, vases, candles, etc.
  • Put the box away for a week and enjoy the room without stuff.
  • After a week, pull out the box and look at each object and ask yourself if it gives you joy or is it just “stuff”.
  • Only put back what you truly love and enjoy.

A room without clutter can give you a sense of control and help you move forward. Decide on your goals for the next couple of years and clear your space accordingly by removing anything that does not relate to your immediate plans.

Don’t let your stuff keep you in the past. If you allow your living space to get out of control, you take the chance that your life will follow suit.

Do You Have an All-or-Nothing Attitude?

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If everything isn’t perfectly organized, why bother? Does that sound familiar?

That type of thinking can get you stuck and cause clutter to get the best of you. This type of internal message is an outgrowth of perfectionism and guilt. It stops you from getting started and gives you an excuse because it fosters the belief that if it isn’t perfect then it isn’t worth doing.

The solution is to get real. No house can look perfect all the time (especially if you have others living with you or unless you live with the Cleavers or Nelsons). Here are some suggestions to help you get real and deal with the all-or-nothing attitude:

  • Start being realistic and ask yourself “when is good good enough? Evaluate your beliefs and the vision you have for your home.
  • Do the worst first. Tackle your messiest area first or what I call your “hot spot”. By clearing the clutter away and organizing one area you can get a sense of accomplishment which can help motivate you to move on.
  • Simplify your expectation. Instead of expecting that you will spend all day de-cluttering, organizing and cleaning. Set a timer for 15 minutes. Pick a room or just go through the house with a garbage bag and see what you can clear away or toss in that timeframe. This sweep can create enough flow or movement to keep you going the next day.

So which spot are you going to tackle today?

“Don’t let what you can’t do interfere with what you can do.” ~ Anonymous

Clear Clutter…Clear Mind

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I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Karen Giles-smith, a colleague, fellow registered dietitian and freelance writer. Through her website Karen provides insights and advice about food, nutrition, health and wellness.

Check out her recent post on clutter at: http://www.thewellnesswriter.com/5306.html?entryId=d2639d3de8f21e4e3dc3d36cbdc2f75f

Let me know your thoughts.