Resolve to Reduce

How much do we really need? Have you ever noticed how much stuff we collect? How many times have you bought something, only to discover later, that you don’t really use it? Hoarding (or some call it collecting) what is not essential, is actually just an outward manifestation of a fear of poverty”The old “I might use it someday, you never know”… or what I’ve often referred to as “bag lady syndrome”.

We have way more stuff than we need. Everything we accumulate that is not used becomes a restriction on our freedom. Stuff needs to be maintained, stored, cleaned, insured and takes up space. And then someone comes up with a newer and improved model and we collect more stuff. Usually, we keep the old stuff and we end up with more and more stuff.

New Year’s is the perfect time to declutter. The effects are so immediate, they’ll give you a sense of accomplishment — the perfect mindset for tackling more challenging goals. Nothing gets your intrepid innkeeper more cranky (well hardly), then clutter… I find it absolutely cathartic to “pitch and ditch”… especially prior to tax season.
I think lots of us struggle with clutter because we’re over-programmed. Our culture demands that every moment of our day be scheduled or we are going to miss out on something,. Just by being in your space, you will tidy it up.I find I almost do this compulsively.

But there are other issues. We also think that if something is printed there is value to it and therefore we should keep it — all of it,”That means flyers, magazines, handouts and bills all get the same level of importance, so no streamlining happens.

How do I get started? I thought you might ask that.
Begin with whatever irritates you most. Is it piles of paper on the kitchen counter or, perhaps, a bulging bedroom closet? Organizing the most annoying clutter zone will be motivating.

Start small

Resist the temptation to go all-out in fevered, short-term sorties against clutter. Like the fable of the tortoise and the hare, slow and steady wins the declutter race. If the kitchen bugs you, tackle one section at a time, starting with what’s most visible. The improvement will encourage you to continue till the room is clutter-free.

Stay motivated
Incorporating decluttering into your lifestyle is actually about forming a new habit, and you know how challenging that can be! The first three weeks will be difficult, but after the first month or so, you’ll be over the hump. Keep decluttering in perspective: it shouldn’t take over your life. It’s a small, short activity that you do so your home works well and looks good, and so you have time to do what you like.

Do one job at a time
It’s easy to get pulled into another clutter zone and desert the job you started. Don’t. Then you’ll have two partially decluttered areas, and it will look like you’ve accomplished nil. Stick to one part of one room till it’s complete.

Set a time limit
Don’t say, Today I’ll organize the garage. Instead, say, I’ll spend an hour on the gardening tools; next week I’ll work on sports equipment. If you haven’t finished in an hour, keep going, or return to the job another day.

A successful attack on clutter requires time, energy and motivation. There is no such thing as a declutter fairy, who works while you sleep! First things first: schedule time to declutter. Even 15 minutes a day will make a good start. Better, schedule larger blocks of time, from two to four hours once or twice a week, for maximum declutter efficiency.

Time to get cooking! Resolve to keep it real simple with more great tips.

Ah, I feel better already.. dont you? Time to go out and ride the horse.