Ten Steps to De-Clutter Your Life

Are you ready for more time, energy and space in your life?

Thinking about clutter and living in disorganized space robs you of your energy, wastes your time, decreases your productivity, and increases your stress.

Every time you need to find something, every time you look at the mess, your energy is zapped. It’s no wonder you’re exhausted at the end of the day and you have trouble getting things done.

There are two parts to organization: getting there and staying there. While you’re getting organized, create systems to keep things clutter-free. Many people find that having a coach helps them get focused and keeps them motivated to get it done! Other people find that they need to hire an organizational expert to teach them about creating systems. Do what works well for you but don’t keep putting up with stuff. Tackle it. Deal with it. And be free from the stress of it.

As people are scurrying to manage these uncertain times and deal with financial worries, now is a  great time to downsize your “stuff” and shift your relationship with material things letting go of what no longer adds value to you and your life.

Here are 10 steps you can take to eliminate the clutter, simplify your life, give yourself more energy and experience greater peace.

1. Touch-it-Only-Once. This eliminates the paper shuffling. When you come in with your mail, for example, stand by the trashcan and go through it. Separate the bills and things to keep, discard what you can, then file everything away. Create a system so that it becomes habit.

 2. Deal with things in the moment using the 3D model – Do it, Delegate it, or Dump it. Clutter is really delayed decision-making, which holds you back from living peacefully. What is it about making decisions that you have trouble with? Whatever it is, face it and decide how you want to live from this point forward. By using the 3D model, you learn to make decisions on the spot.

 3. Stop hoarding stuff. Learn to throw out or give things away. Most of the things you save and papers you file will never be looked at again. As you go through your things, ask yourself whether the item brings you joy, whether you need it, want it, or will ever use it. Don’t be afraid of discarding things you don’t use or need. If you’re concerned about discarding something, put a date on it and if you haven’t used it by that date, discard it. Eliminate your attachment to your stuff and start making better decisions about what you allow in your space.

 4. If it’s broken or no longer fulfills your needs, get it fixed, get rid of it, or get it replaced.

 5. Same thing goes for clothes. There are people for whom those shoes would be perfect while they give you blisters. Get rid of them! If you haven’t worn a piece of clothing in over a year or two, toss it. If you don’t like the way it fits, get rid of it. If it is worn or torn, fix it or toss it. If it doesn’t look absolutely fabulous on you and it’s not comfortable, why keep it?

6. If you move something, put it back. Teach your children and other family members to do the same. Then you will be able to find what you need when you need it.

7. Make a list of all areas needing organization: your car, closets, garage, etc. Make a commitment each week to focus on one area and carve out some time to clean it up. Some areas may take longer than a week. Enlist family members and friends to help you. As you complete each one, check it off your list and celebrate! Create systems such as storage containers or shelves to keep it clutter-free.

8. Put aside 15 minutes of uninterrupted time each day to clear off your desk. If it’s a complete mess to start with, come in on a day off and clean out the entire desk. You’ll experience much peace and freedom: no more wasting time looking for things, everything you need right at your fingertips and lots of space to move around and do your work. Leaving your workspace clutter-free and organized is a great way to wrap up your day and you’ll feel great when you return the next day to a clutter-free workspace!

 9. Stop buying more stuff! Raise your standards and respect your money; don’t purchase things that aren’t absolutely fabulous.

 10. If you experience lots of clutter in your environment, chances are it exists in other areas of your life as well including your mind, your finances, and your relationships. What other messes are you putting up with?

Go easy on yourself. Over time, life without clutter will become second nature; life will become effortless. And as you clear away the old stuff, you create the space for new, more enjoyable things – and people – to be introduced.  Little did I know that when I emptied my closet after losing 40 pounds that a wonderful man would need that space. When we clear away the old, we open ourselves up for all sorts of new and amazing things.

Your partner for success,

Coach Julie, Nurturing Your Success