Weekly Quick Tips

What’s Clutter Costing You?

If we were to ask you why you want to get organized, what would you say? Chances are your answer would probably have something to do with how you will feel when the clutter is gone…..Figuring out your motivation to simplify makes it easier to keep going, even when the going gets tough. Whatever your motivation, take note of it, step back for a moment, and imagine what it would be like to have the clutter gone. Would you be able to climb into bed at night without moving the laundry? Would your bills be paid on time? Would you feel more in control and entertain more? Knowing what clutter costs you and picturing the end result of decluttering is one of the best ways to get inspired to do something about it, and sticking to your resolve.

Have you thought about what clutter is costing you?

• Having lots of stuff can create daily frustrations. Would you like more free time in your day or do you choose to surround yourself with stuff which sucks up valuable time as you sort it, care for it, clean around it, look for it, and worry about it? This moment is all you have. Simplify and get back all that you’ve lost.
• Missed opportunities can cost you close connections with friends and family. Coming across an invitation after the date of the event might mean you’ve missed an important family or friend’s party.
• If you have little ones in your home, you know they learn from example. If they see you leaving a mess in your wake, they will be apt to do the same
• Disharmony in a relationship is another consequence of clutter. If you and your partner have differing clutter styles than you may find clutter a common source for disagreements
• Feeling overwhelmed, stressed, frazzled, and out of control can cause you to be short-tempered, impatient, and aggravated. Stress can even take a toll on your health. No belonging is worth paying that price.
• Clutter has a way of making you feel stuck. You surround yourself with mementos of the past and things you plan to do in the future, which keeps you focused on what was or what might have been and prevents you from living in the present.
• Your ability to be creative is lost when you are surrounded by too muchstuff. Being organized does not squash creativity; in fact the reverse is true. Your creativity is fuelled in an environment where ideas can be captured and acted upon.

Into every life some stuff must fall. But does that mean we have to hold onto it? The answer is a resounding no. So why do we? Let us count the ways: it’s still good; it was free; it cost a lot; it reminds me of something; it may come in handy some day; it was a gift, I’ll be that size again….the list goes on and on, and we have heard them all. So, why not challenge the validity of your excuses? It may make you uncomfortable, but that’s all right. We simply want to get you thinking. Keep in mind that when your relationship with stuff changes, your life changes. Remember, decluttering is not just about getting rid of things; it’s about identifying what’s important to you and giving you easy access to it.Copyright © 2013 Organizing Lives ® All rights are reserved and no part of this article may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means unless expressly stated otherwise, or except with the written permission of Organizing Lives®. Enquires should be directed to: info@orgliv.mybusinesshub.ca