Declutter Your Space For Better Mental Health. Have you ever walked into a cluttered room and immediately felt overwhelmed? Clutter isn’t just visual ……it has an effect on our stress levels, focus, and mental health.
Excess clutter can lead to decision fatigue, procrastination and overall tiredness. When our environment is chaotic, our brains have to work harder to filter out the distractions so no wonder it’s so hard to know where to start or what to do!
This can lead to:
increased anxiety, stress and overwhelm
difficulty concentrating and making decisions
feeling frustrated, always putting out fires and feeling stuck
procrastination and staying away from home
And the cycle continues……….
Physical and Emotional Clutter are closely related and both affect our Mental Health.
Emotional clutter often represents unfinished business – holding onto items out of guilt, fear or to keep memories. The emotions that come up as you do this work can be heavy. Feelings of why bother, nothing seems to change or I can’t do this.
When you see the items that are in your way or unwanted and you think “I really should deal with this but……..not today” it is likely weighing heavy on your mind. This is emotional clutter and this can keep you stuck in that cycle.
A simple step to try:
Pick one small area to declutter (a drawer or nightstand)
Set a timer for 10 minutes and work on a specific area and then notice how your mind feels afterward
Some of the benefits of decluttering include less stress, anxiety, improved sleep, mental wellness, and increased productivity.
In honour of Mental Health Awareness Month here is an older post I wrote on this topic
Sometimes we need a little help to get going and even to keep going. Would you like some support? I am offering a few one hour Power Hours just for you.
Only $60.00 for the hour. You will feel a mental shift, less stress and more hopeful after this call. Developing a plan of action and adding some effective tools will help you to get started and to feel more confident. I am cheering you on!
It has become so hard to sell my stuff – sometimes you can’t even give stuff away for FREE. Is it really worth my time and energy?
I have been checking the Buy and Sell groups in my area and there are many items for sale and no reactions or comments. The same ads seem to be there forever. There are likely newer things that are selling like Air Fryers or Keurigs or maybe other absolutely needed items like dressers, etc. – older traditional items not so much! It has become so hard to sell my stuff!
Vintage and old (sturdy) furniture is just not popular anymore. People want lighter, smaller, easier to move around furniture. I am sure it’s very discouraging for people who just want to make a few bucks.
We tend to think our stuff is more valuable than it actually is especially if we paid a lot of $ for it or we feel some sentimental attachment to it. We think that we “should” be able to get some money for it. Right? However, it seems that no one wants to buy our things. Why?
Antique Shops and other small businesses are struggling and many have closed down. Garage Sales are a lot of work, take a lot of time to organize and really bring in little money. Unless its a fun pastime or hobby for you its really not worth it.
If garage sales are your thing here is an article by Redfin with tips on how to be successful with your garage sale. (My tip is included in there as well). 15 Yard Sale Tips: How to Host a Successful Sale that Attracts Buyers
Why has this changed? Some thoughts from peers……..
“I could buy this item new for fairly close to that price from a discount store. That way I know its new and it might even come with a warranty”
“The current economy has changed. Any money I have is going to rent and food and other basic needs items”
“I can get stuff I need or want from FreeCycle sites on Facebook or Charity Shops”
“Everyone is decluttering, the charity shops are full and some even shut down their donations during busy times”
“It’s an inconvenience to drive around the city when I can just get things online” (sometimes cheaper too)
“I already have too much stuff and I have been working on letting go and not acquiring”
Why have most people decided not to sell their stuff?
“The money I could make is not worth the hassle of bartering, no shows, scammers, my time, my energy, etc.”
“If I am working on downsizing, decluttering and organizing, trying to sell some of my things just slows down the process and takes my attention away from my goals”
“I know I am not going to get the $ back that I paid for the item. It’s not worth my time to try and sell the item. I have already spent the $ (maybe years ago) so I just want it gone.”
“It is so much easier to give things away for free. It feels so good to give things away knowing that they will go to someone who is in need.”
“Most people are not interested in collectibles that I have inherited from my parents. It’s just better to donate them.”
****************
I believe that more and more people are wanting a simpler life. There is a trend for people to be more conscious about what they purchase and what they bring into their homes. There is the awareness that if you buy something and then you decide you don’t want it or need it, how do you dispose of it.
Have you tried to sell your stuff without success? Or maybe the opposite has been true…….What has been your experience?
I know right! It doesn’t sound like much fun. Digital Decluttering Ugh!
It can take hours of time and then the emails just keep coming.
If you have many unopened emails, lots of spam and junk mail, ads for things you have no use for, emails that you are not sure you want to keep, this post is for you.
So, what I have learned is that it really is an ongoing practice.
Digital decluttering is really similar to decluttering physical clutter in your home. It can be difficult to make decisions about your stuff. And it can be the same with our emails. When there is just too many. If it bothers you or you are feeling frustrated because you can’t find what you need then I would consider that to be emotional clutter.
Our thinking process might go something like this……
“I might want to read that………someday”.
“What if I need that information?”
“What if I delete something by mistake?”
Here are some tips on how to organize, sort and declutter your emails:
Junk/Spam Emails – Ugh!!
Block by going to the more tab and click block sender – Delete email – you could also send it to your junk email and then block and delete.
If you want to report it – google it and then forward the email (I have never heard back from anyone but I think its a good practice). I know it takes some time but it is worth it.
If you are not sure if the email is spam just put your curser over the email address and if its weird, its likely spam. If you are really not sure google it and most likely you will see that it is spam. Block and delete!
There are also anti virus protection plans you can purchase if you have tried everything else. There might be some protection available through your email provider.
Easy to Unsubscribe From and Delete
These could be ads for things you don’t want or need, out of date emails, emails you have attempted to read but have lost interest, etc. Use the OHIO Method (Only Handle It Once)
If you want to delete a whole group of emails search using their email address and they will all pop up – delete all
Make folders for the emails you want to keep
On the left side in your email click on Folders and then click on the + sign to make a new folder – Folders could be recipes, bills to be paid, paid bills, receipts, friend groups, to watch later, To Read Later, Resources – you get what I am saying – whatever makes the most sense for you. Delete the emails that don’t fit or make new folders.
Phone Updated to Categories?
I just received an iPhone update which put all of my emails into four categories. I personally didn’t like it. If this happened to you and you are not liking the change just tap the three dots on the right hand side and click list view. Back to the original system. Whew!
Taking the time to go through your emails can be pretty mindless and it can be relaxing. I tend to do this when my partner is watching something I am really not interested in on tv. I have even went through them on a night when I couldn’t sleep (which thankfully isn’t often)
I will wait while you go to check it out…….but please come back!
From the article: “Older generations spent their lives accumulating furnishings, china and tiny sombreros they bought on vacation in Mexico. Now, a lot of that stuff is being handed down to the next gen, whether they want it or not.”
Sometimes this comes with the expectation that we want to inherit all of these things that were loved by our parent or grandparent. They believe that their children will want them too.
But do we really?
I believe that younger folks mostly want to start anew. They have their own ideas of what they want for their new space. Often, their spaces are small too and the furnishings collected by our loved ones can be quite big and bulky.
So what to do? Having the conversation with your parent is the first step. I know its not easy! Our parent might be counting on us to carry on some tradition or to even pass on the belongings to the next generation. We usually want to please our parents and honour their wishes which makes this challenging as well.
I used to take my mom shopping on Saturday’s. This was always such a fun day, shopping and then out for lunch. My mom would often want to give me things when I took her back to her home. I have to admit I tried to tell her I didn’t need anything but she was persistent. I did keep a few things but often dropped things off at the donation centre. So, yes, I am guilty of not wanting to hurt my moms feelings and avoiding any confrontation.
I also inherited my grandma’s china cabinet and a tea set many years ago. It never really fit in well with my decor or my small house. I still have the china cabinet and am considering letting it go this year. Some of you might remember the story of the tea set that belonged to my grandma. I used it one last time with my mom and after that I took a deep breath and was able to donate it.
What some of my peeps had to say……
Some people who feel attached and obligated to take as much as possible from their deceased parents home. Giving away or donating possessions that were once owned and loved by our family members can be very difficult. It feels like keeping the items means that our loved ones are close by. Letting go of their possessions can feel like losing a part of them and realizing that they are really gone.
If you and your loved ones are tasked with cleaning out a house that has been lived in for 50 years more or less, it can be a huge job. You could be the one who is left having to make difficult decisions in the moment which can be really tough. Not knowing what your loved ones wishes were can make it challenging.
As a Professional Organizer our role can be to help people to figure out what to do with all of this stuff whether its the parent/elder or the adult child of the parent. If this is you, it might be a good time to have that conversation with your child or family member. Find out what their wishes are. Maybe together you could sell a few things and make a little money. Also, consider doing a little Swedish Death Cleaning.
I have worked with clients who had unopened boxes of their parents treasured items taking up space in their homes. It can be challenging to even start to open up those boxes because of the grief, sadness and other difficult emotions that will come up. People know when they are ready and there is never a specific time line.
Another challenging scenario is when an adult child takes over their parents home, moves in their own possessions and then has the task of making decisions about everything in the home.
I am actually not into New Years Resolutions. Shocking, I know. I do love working on new intentions and habits though and usually have personal and business goals that I am working on. This year in particular I am thinking more about intentions and small habits.
We make resolutions to lose weight, to eat better, get healthy, start exercising, quit smoking or drinking alcohol, or to get organized, etc. Those are all great areas to work on, however, they are big and often we just want the end result which cannot come soon enough. We haven’t considered the small steps needed to get there. The rate of failure around these goals is huge.
So, let’s consider this. What if you think about intentions and how you want to feel instead of big goals that you know might not work? Think about working on small habits that you can do daily. After awhile they just become a part of who you are. These can be small steps to get you to where you want to go.
As you can see, they don’t have to be big. And working on these as ongoing habits can really make a huge difference in the long run.
Have you read Atomic Habits by James Clear? It is such a game changer!
“The process of behaviour change always starts with awareness. You need to be aware of your habits before you can change them.”
Here are some ideas about habits from his book:
“Habits are the compound interest of self-improvement. Getting one percent better every day counts for a lot in the long run.”
“The most effective way to change your habits is to focus not on what you want to achieve, but on who you wish to become.”
“Your identity emerges out of your habits. Every action is a vote for the type of person you wish to become.”
Some Easy Habits to Work On:
Making your bed every day – it feels so good to walk into your bedroom and see that the bed is made. It only takes a couple of minutes (if that) and It means you can lay down and have a nap or maybe meditate for awhile. (Get Organized)
Folding your laundry when it comes out of the dryer – this saves you time later and avoids those wrinkles that can occur. It also helps you to stay on top of the laundry which helps you to have clean and unwrinkled clothes when you are looking for what to wear. (Get Organized)
Doing the dishes once or twice a day and keeping up with them – means you have room to cook a meal and to find the dishes and utensils you need when you need them. (Get Organized, Get Healthy)
Tidying up on a daily basis – when you leave a room take something with you to put away or tidy up a bit before bed. This little hack will pay off in the long run and keep your place looking tidy and less cluttered. (Get Organized)
Sleeping better – going to bed at a regular time, limiting devices, doing some reading with an actual book before falling asleep, listening to a meditation, etc. Sleep is so important and helps us to be on our game the next day. (Get Healthy)
Exercising and moving more – 10 minutes a day, stretches before bedtime, going to the gym a couple of times a week, joining a program with others , a 10 minute walk, dancing to a few songs – keeps it doable so that it starts to become a habit. (Get Healthy and Fit)
Eating Better – add something healthy to your menu plan each week. Substitute unhealthy snacks for healthier ones. Limit yourself to one small bowl of chips instead of two. Whatever you can do that makes sense to you if this is your goal. (Get Healthy and Fit).
It’s really amazing how these habits can really work together.
How did I do on my new habits last year……
I started to read more fiction and from an actual book before bed. I have been thoroughly enjoying this and find that in general it helps me to sleep better.
Writing on a regular basis whether it’s in a journal, for a blog post or a possible book.
We have had to change our diets and I have been focused on learning as much as we can about dairy and gluten free foods. You can check out my Pinterest page where I save all my favourite recipes.
Ongoing habits of healthier living – alcohol free, yoga, walking (even if its 10 minutes at a time), stretching and meditation.
I have felt so much more confident with promoting my business.
How is the New Year shaping up for you? Do you set New Years Resolutions, Intentions or Habits?
Need more support and guidance? I am just a phone call or an email away. Would you like me to send you some information on how I can help you to Make Space For You? Drop me a line and I will get that sent right over to you.
It’s beginning to look a lot like holiday shopping! What can you do to Simplify for the Season? Of course shopping can be fun but it can also be quite stressful. Feeling like you have to buy something for that special someone on your list who has everything. Ugh!
If you can do your shopping early this can be a huge stress reliever. This gives you time before Christmas to relax and truly enjoy the season.
Before you head out to go shopping check out your decorations, wrapping paper, gift bags, etc. Knowing what you have means you will not be tempted to add more or create duplicates.
Avoid the big box stores and plan to shop local and buy handmade at holiday markets or craft shows whenever you can.
Now, is the best time to downsize your decorations, before the season, so that others can enjoy them. Gift them by listing them on the Buy Nothing sites. You will make someones day!
It’s okay for you to set boundaries about what you want to give and receive. I personally love little surprises and, if you have loved ones who want to gift you, you are blessed indeed. I love to give and receive consumable gifts that generally don’t end up as clutter.
Need some ideas? Here are some Clutter Free Gifts to give and receive that was compiled by the Declutter Your Life and Mind Facebook Group and a Peer Support Group.
It’s okay to let people know that you want to opt out of receiving or giving gifts this year too. Let them know (early in the season) your reason why. Maybe it’s that you are working on decluttering and really don’t need anything. Is it that you want to focus on spending quality time with them instead of worrying about gifts. They might be relieved too! And if they really still want to gift you, suggest a charity that you support.
Sort, organize and declutter as you close out the year. A good motivation is that family or friends are planning to visit. Your place does not have to be perfect. Let go of perfectionism and focus on being together with some food and spending quality time together.
As always, I would love to hear from you. How are you simplifying for the season? What will you do to have more fun and less stress? Please comment below……..
I love this fun and inspirational list of clutter free gifts that was compiled by members of the Clutter Clearers’ Peer Support Group and the Declutter Your Life and Mind Facebook Group.
General Items
Photos or a photo collage
Digital – birthday calendar
Digital – family recipes
Ear Ring Holder – to organize earrings and/or jewelery
Beautiful box and/or bag to store something specific
A portrait or painting that you did yourself
Homemade gifts are always welcome and appreciated – I love homemade, natural bath products
Photos of an event or someone special
Plants – Amaryllis, Paper White, Hyacinth or Succulents – I think they are bulbs
Orange pomander – orange studded with whole cloves, rolled in cinnamon – (I made one of these for my mom once)
Herbs from your garden (fresh or dried)
Homegrown or store bought bouquets
Treats in a jar – cookie ingredients and recipe
A tray of homemade cookies or other holiday delicacies
Edibles (not sure what they meant by that) – I think anything you can eat lol
Experiences
Event tickets – plays, movies, concerts, etc. (with a plan to go with the recipient)
Theme Park Pass – Zoo Membership
Fitness Membership
Coffee gift cards with a planned Coffee Date
Gift Cards for restaurants (A great family gift)
Subscription to a Meal Delivery Program like Hello Fresh or Chef’s Plate
Spa Days
Acts of service
Coupons for doing chores around the house ie: dishes, laundry, babysitting, dog-walking…
Coupons for foot rubs, back rubs, etc.
Charitable gifts in the person’s name
Car Detailing (could be a gift card)
Car Wash Card (my partner would love this)
Green wrapping ideas (for all you crafty ones)
Newspaper, magazines, potato print or rubber stamped plain paper, brown paper packages tied up with (coloured) string; or ornamented with pine cones, other natural items or paper snowflakes (I love making paper snowflakes)
Homemade holiday ornaments – salt or cinnamon dough cut outs, paper garlands
Homemade cloth bags if you enjoy sewing
Wrapping paper for gifts made from kids artwork
And the #1 popular non clutter gift that everyone loves – when in doubt give……. Money $$$
What are your ideas for Clutter Free Gifts?
This is a great time to work on some problem areas in your home before the end of the year. Do you need some guidance and accountability to get started? Let’s work together. You can always book a free Coffee Chat with me.
It’s pronounced Hyoo-gah and it is a Danish word meaning Cozy.
Did you know that in Denmark it rains about 170 days a year and the sun is a rare visitor? Apparently, the happiest of all people live there and one of the contributing factors is the practice of Hygge.
Hygge is all about creating coziness in your home, your surroundings and in your life. This is a great time of year to practice the art of hygge although you can have this feeling any time of the year.
There is a different feeling in the air once the November snow falls and lays a beautiful blanket of white over Mother Earth. It’s cold outside (in Ontario), and we want to be all warm and cozy in our homes. On these days, I am in my happy place especially if I don’t have to go out anywhere. That is the feeling of hygge.
We are now in the darkest time of the year with the most hours of darkness up until Winter Solstice. This is a great time to make our homes feel as warm, comfortable and cozy as possible.
How to Get More Cozy with Hygge
I think about making a big mug of hot chocolate, getting cozy under my furry blanket and settling in with a good book. Nice soft mood lighting, maybe adding some pretty lights (I love white ones), and lighting a few candles (keeping safety in mind, of course) help to add to the ambiance.
I really crave comfort food at this time of year especially after coming in from the cold. I am thinking about hearty soups with crusty bread, anything with gravy, chilli and creamy pasta dishes. Also, hygge is about treating ourselves and our families to all the good things like enjoying delicious pastries or other desserts. Yummy!
Clearing clutter is an important aspect of Hygge. Change around your room for the season. Create a space where you hang out the most. Hang up some lights to brighten up your space indoors. Clear out the clutter to make space for the new! The more you work on the excess clutter in your home the more hygge you will feel.
What can you do this week to add more hygge to your home?
Have you assessed your clothing for this new season? Once I have decided that it is time for the seasonal clothing refresh I make a plan for about 20 minutes a day. It might not even be every day considering what else is going on with my day or week. I start with the sock and underwear drawers and then move on from there. I always discard any that need to go and make a plan to update them.
The 20 minute time limit can really help because sometimes I am on a roll and I just want to keep going.
When I get to the clothing drawers and closet, I assess what I didn’t wear over the last season. There are usually items I forgot I even had. I decide if they are worth keeping or not. I spend some time trying things on and making decisions about what to keep and what to let go of.
I make sure to wash any clothes from the past season before putting them away. I then make space for them in a drawer or at the back of my closet.
I used to do the seasonal swap but now all of the clothes I own are in my drawers and closet. It is quite a small closet too but I find it works for me. With less clothing it makes it so much easier to make decisions about what to wear.
As I go through all of my clothing I might notice some items that go together that I didn’t think about. Clothing that I think I will wear comes to the front of my closet so that its top of mind. I also make a note of what I need to purchase or look for when I am out shopping.
Clothing that does not need ironing and I can roll up in a ball if needed (like in a suitcase) and they don’t get wrinkled are the best. The simpler the better.
An ongoing exit strategy works well for me. As I try things on, if I no longer love it, or it doesn’t fit or feel good, it goes right into the donation bag. As soon as it’s full out it goes.
Tip: Have a certain number of hangers and when you notice you are running out…..it’s time to downsize some clothing.
I am not suggesting you do it this way. We are all very unique and have our own way of doing things. There are many factors to consider, space, time, energy, money, organization style, lifestyle, etc.
Ultimately, you get to decide what you keep and what you let go of. Generally, I want to encourage you to think about how stressful you feel on a daily basis when it comes to your clothing, getting dressed and having clothes you feel great in. Only you know how this is for you!
HEY, Are you on my email list? I send out an inspirational email every Monday morning.
Still struggling with organizing your closet or working on your own Clothing Refresh?
The full version goes so much deeper and is free. You can grab it here Wardrobe Refresh? There are more tips and info on downsizing your closet and updating your wardrobe in this free guide.
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