Benefits of Clearing your Clutter

Clearing clutter can help you find mental space as well as physical space. Do you find it difficult to let go of things, do you find yourself keeping things for years because they may come in, are your cupboards fit to bursting? 

How to start?

As with any goal, work out what you want to achieve in measurable terms. Start small. Maybe clear that cupboard in the kitchen that is full of items you rarely use.
 
Ask yourself if you really need an item, do you love it and would you notice if that item was no longer in your life? Alternatively ask yourself if you were starting afresh, would you rebuy the item you are looking at. Sentimental items can be difficult, but use the same criteria and don’t keep things because you think you should.
 
Sometimes it is useful to keep a ‘half-way’ pile, which is items that you may be unsure if you need or not. Put these away some where separate, but set a time limit; if you have not used them within, say, 3 months, or a year, it’s time to let go.
 
What are the benefits?
 
More energy
Ridding your life of what is superfluous allows room for new things to come in. This does not have to be more physical clutter though, but living more simply and with more awareness of what you require can be invigorating and will give you a new lease of life and energy.
 
Clearer focus
Clearing clutter can help you feel less anxious and make it easier to focus. Clutter can often be a reminder of unfinished jobs or tasks you have been avoiding. Dealing with them will mean you are no longer confronted with them at every turn and allow you to use your energy more positively.
 
Helping others
Clearing clutter also means that what you no longer require can help others either by being donated to charity, given to a friend or recycled to have a new lease of life.
 
Surrounded by things you love
By sorting through everything you own you will be surrounded by items you love and that you use, which will make your home feel a wonderful place to be.
 
Initially it can seem overwhelming, but start small and have a realistic idea of how long things will take. Remember to allow time, not just for sorting, but also for recycling, selling, taking things to a charity shop so that everything you have sorted has actually gone!