DECLUTTERING 101: From clutter to clarity (p2/3 of series)

As illustrated in above picture, organising can be quite personal endeavour and there is no right or wrong as to how one may organise and declutter. In this case, the books are organised according to colours on spine of the books.

 #cleanlikeapro #springclean #space #capacity #organised

There appears to be so many benefits to spring cleaning, decluttering and essentially, keeping one's spaces organised. However, it can be daunting to get started on this seemingly massive project. In support of your attempt in partaking this project spring-clean, here are some possible considerations.

Let's break it (cleaning) down.

In order to address the sense of overwhelm associated to spring cleaning, it is essential to break down a given task into manageable parts. For instance, cleaning can be broken down from entire house to a singular room space to maybe, one drawer at a time. This increases the probability of one starting on this project in the first place. It also helps keep you focused on your efforts and see progress.

Start with the desired outcome and "why" in mind.

Starting with an end in mind can help us stay focused on the project. Ideally this goal is a realistic one depending on the duration one has set aside for spring cleaning. For instance, the goal one has may differ depending on whether one has 1 week versus 1 month duration. In the similar vein, it may be necessary to consider why you are doing so too. This is because you are more likely to feel motivated to do so if the "why" aligns with your value/direction.

Enlist some help from trusted people.  

Spring cleaning of a given space can bring about a sense of overwhelm and stress to all involved. Hence, roping in support from trusted family and/or friends can be helpful in sharing the work-load (or stress). They can also provide feedback on how things can be better categorized or organized.

Celebrate the small wins.

It is especially important to sustain one’s motivation in the process of spring cleaning which can be time consuming and effortful but yet, rather, thank-less. For instance, one can express appreciation for his/her own or family’s efforts in the completion of a given space/task. These credits given where they are due can serve as motivation to keep going till the completion of project.

Creating photo memory for item(s).

Some items are kept for sentimental reasons (e.g., sense of identity, memory of trip/loved one) despite them not serving a practical purpose for the individual anymore. Should individuals be keen to get rid of these items but unable to, one can consider taking a photo of and/or with them. This is so that they can access the photo to stay in touch with the item whenever they feel like it. That way, they may be able to let go of the physical item with less resistance.

It is noteworthy to reiterate that in clearing up our physical spaces, we are in essence clearing up our mental spaces too. This process can potentially reduce distractions in the environment, free up our capacity to be more present in current moments and experiences and in turn create added mindfulness and meaning to our lives.

Despite our BEST efforts and in consideration of the above, de-cluttering may still prove to be a struggle for some. This is especially understandable for individuals who struggle with difficulties related to hoarding, obsessions and compulsions related to themes of cleanliness and contamination and/or those with perfectionistic tendencies or motivational difficulties. 

If you identify with or suspect you may be having the above concerns that serves to interfere in cleaning (and life), please take comfort in knowing that you are not alone and that there is help and hope when you are ready for some change.

Lastly, as you choose to address the above concerns, you may well be on a journey of self awareness, exploration, clarification and organisation of one's feelings, thoughts and patterns of behaviours. All these acts of de-cluttering or spring cleaning of one's minds can result in restoration of one's functioning and purpose in life.

Remember that this is a journey and wherever you are in this journey, I am rooting for you as you de-clutter away!

Cheers,

Jeanice