Clutter Busting Coach

…clearing clutter from your mind, body and space

clutter

Clutter Busting: Memory Clutter

by Leave a Comment

“Memory clutter” is an item that reminds you of an important person, event or occasion from the past. Sometimes they are good memories and sometimes not. Either way most people have way too much. Instead of your item giving them joy and fond memories, it robs you not only of your space and energy, but of your spirit as well.

Many people fear that if they let go of an object, they will also let go of the memory associated with it. Hold on to only those items that make you most happy and best remind you of a person or event. Ask yourself, “Does this item give me joy?” “Does it remind me of wonderful, happy emotions and memories?” If the answer is yes then keep it. If the memory or item creates sorrow, pain or reopens an old wound, let it go. And don’t justify your answer.

Here are tips for ways to hold on to your memories while letting go of the clutter: [Read more…] about Clutter Busting: Memory Clutter

Clutter Busting: Do You Have the Desire to Acquire?

by Leave a Comment

Do you acquire things on a whim?

Our desire to buy or have more is often the result of deeper unmet needs that we have not taken care of. By increasing your awareness, it is easier to recognize your tendency to indulge yourself in things that aren’t necessary and then find more productive ways to satisfy your needs. Reflecting on why you feel you need to acquire more can give you insight into yourself and might even point you into a different direction and help you fill your needs in a more positive way. In fact, you may want to make a list of needs/feelings along with alternate ways to fulfill them such as responding to loneliness by calling a friend.

And when the desire to acquire something new strikes you, take a deep breath, look at the item you are considering and ask yourself if it is something you truly need. Then ask yourself what need are you trying to fill and do something from the alternative list you created.

You should treat yourself to something nice once in a while, yet limiting your purchases or acquisitions will bring you a greater sense of satisfaction and control in your life. Being mindful of the things you wish to acquire could help you realize that so much of what you long for is a substitute for fulfilling much deeper needs or responding to feelings.

What are your needs and how can you respond without adding more stuff to your life?

Clutter Busting: Letting Go

by Leave a Comment

The Clutter Busting Coach’s definition of clutter comes down to this…  “clutter is anything that you want to let go but haven’t yet. This can be mental and physical clutter”.

With physical clutter the challenge is in the letting go and also on not acquiring both of which is connected to our emotions.

To start letting go of the physical stuff here are some tips from the Clutter Busting Coach:

  • Don’t obsess about having a “system” first

Finding the right storage system — whether it’s plastic bins or closet organizers is not the answer. Containers can become clutter. Make the hard decisions about getting rid of things yourself; then figure out where to store what’s left. No one object has the power to bring clarity to your home. [Read more…] about Clutter Busting: Letting Go

The Journey Into Clutter Busting: The New Year Isn’t a Do-over

by 1 Comment

Did you ever feel like the New Year is a chance for a do-over? An opportunity to get it right this time? A possibility to finally break a bad habit? A reason to change for good this last time?

This New Year as you consider your resolutions and whether or not to make some or make the same ones. I would like you to consider the New Year as an opportunity to take your next big step.

Personally, I have spent the previous nine months on a clutter busting journey in my basement that I have shared with you along the way. I have had to keep reminding myself that this is a journey and that sometimes just taking one step no matter how big or how small can create momentum.

During December my momentum got stalled and I haven’t reached my current goal for the basement yet. And still I feel that the New Year is an opportunity not for a do-over but for my next big step. Wonder what that will be?

Spring Cleaning and Clearing Clutter

by Leave a Comment

Spring is a great time of year. It is a time of year that we think about renewal, birth and freshness. Or at least I think of these thing. Many of us may think about spring as a time to do a deep cleaning like when were children. My mom cleaned the house from top to bottom in the spring. Nothing in our home was left untouched. It was the time to clear surfaces, clean underneath things, remove the old and bring in the new. There was always a sense of calm and frehness after the house was spring cleaned. [Read more…] about Spring Cleaning and Clearing Clutter