Clutter Busting Coach

…clearing clutter from your mind, body and space

De-clutter

Clear a Surface

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In a recent blog on the Psychology Today website the author, Gretchen Rubin, discusses how the simple act of clearing a surface can contribute to control and less clutter.

I agree that clutter begets clutter and that decluttering can create a sense of calm.

Think about an area of your home that stays clutter-free. What is different about that area? Is it habit for that area to remain clear? Why does it stay clear? What hot spot in your home is really bugging you? Try applying the principles employed in your clutter-free area to this area. Sometimes just thinking it is possible, looking at the spot and its use differently or setting a goal to make only one area clutter-free can be the tipping point.

So pick one surface (they are most visible) to clear this week…what did you pick. I picked the bench in my entry hall.

Support for Organizing

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So did you clear away the one file pile as suggested in my last post? How did it make you feel? If you didn’t, set a goal to do so this week.

The more clutter you have the more overwhelming a task de-cluttering can be and the longer it can take. And yet the rewards of de-cluttering and organizing are significant- feeling energized, in control, light and free.

Can’t get yourself to tackle the file pile…ask a friend or relative to work with you. Having a buddy to support you, especially if you are overwhelmed, can be a tremendous help to get you started on being clutter-free.

So who are you going call to support you in your endeavor to become clutter-free and organized?

Benefits of Getting Organized

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In the article “Out with the clutter, in with…the calm, the money-saving and more. Surprising benefits of getting organized” (Woman’s Day- September 1, 2009) author Denise Schipani indicates that she was surprised at how some purging and neatening made her feel.

I agree that there are benefits to organizing including those listed in the article: saving money, improving efficiency and boosting mood. That is why I was so inspired to focus my life coaching business around clutter busting.

When we accumulate clutter it causes distractions and lethargy as well as costs you money. Constantly looking for things right on your desk, being overwhelmed by piles and repurchasing things you already own really can cost you big.

While organizing is different than de-cluttering one organizing step you can take right now is to start filing. Take ONE pile and just do it! You can also read more about creating a filing system in a previous post: http://clutterbustingcoach.com/2009/04/14/creating-your-filing-system/

Are List Makers Healthier?

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In the July 2009 issue of Prevention magazine in the article “Health Lesson Froms Your To-Do List” author Nancy Kalish indicates that research shows that list makers are healthier and happier.

I have always been a proponent of lists. I have suggested list making as a tool for assessment and success. It is also my opinion that keeping a master list is a way to de-clutter your mind. Read more about to-do lists in my blog: http://clutterbustingcoach.com/2008/05/24/conquering-chaos-your-to-do-list/

The author of this article lists seven ways that lists help you and I couldn‘t agree more. Lists help you:
1. Gain control
2. Maximize brainpower
3. Make tough decisions
4. Beat a slump
5. Find motivation
6. Achieve balance
7. Feel joy

A list can be a valuable tool for all areas of your life…what’s on your list?

Free Yourself from Clutter

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Clutter weighs you down, distracts you and causes chaos. Free yourself from clutter with some of these techniques:

  • Stop paper from coming into your home. To learn how read my earlier post: http://clutterbustingcoach.com/2009/03/28/clutter-control-conquering-the-paper-pile-up/.
  • Use a landing and launching pad for things that enter and leave the house. A book case, shelf or basket set in the entryway can be used as a drop spot for everyday items plus anything else you need to take when you leave the house.
  •  Use a laundry routine to prevent a pileup. Set a schedule and stick to it and enlist your family’s help.
  • Create a lost and found drawer, bin or basket. This is where you put things other family member lose or leave out. They will have a place to look when they ask for an item and you don’t have to nag everyone to put their stuff away.

Creating these types of habits or routines will help you become clutter-free. Which one are you starting with today?