Declutter Your World

Clutter, clutter everywhere! Whilst we are well and truly into summer, it’s never too late (or early) to do some spring cleaning.

Clearing a space isn’t only good for your environment, but it can also help you to feel good, lighten your energy and help you be productive.

Over the last few weeks both at work and home I have been in declutter mode. I’ve actually surprised myself as to how long I’ve kept this up for and also and how much I have been able to sort through.

At work I am terrible for letting paperwork pile up in my drawers, I often have to print things off to read and sign and instead of shredding, I end up chucking them in my drawer, then it piles up until they are full and I struggle to get them closed.

This week I was trying to find something and couldn’t, I ended up having to take so much out to find what I was looking for. Rather than just chuck it all back in, I took a few minutes to sort through, creating a few piles, keeping, recycling and shredding.

I wouldn’t have this issue, if I shredded or recycled the paperwork as I go. But the thing with shredding is, it’s noisy and slow. So throughout this week, I took a small pile and shredded it at the end of each day. Oooo that felt good, slowly watching the pile go to nothing by the end of the week. Now it has been completed, I am shredding as I go – how long that will last is beyond me.

Interestingly, I am feeling more productive at work as a result. I am less distracted by the clutter. Working through my list and getting things done is great. I notice a difference in my work and other people have too. I mean, would you really think clearing your workspace would help to clear your mind? Well it does.

At home, my wardrobe, drawers, cupboards, bookshelves have been subject to decluttering these last few weekends. It feels bliss to get rid of things, whether to charity, the bin/recycling or to sell if in good condition. It feels freeing and like a weight is lifted. I highly recommend it.

By getting rid of all the unnecessary items, the space it has created at home and in my head feels good. The rooms, the space and myself feel lighter. It’s amazing what a good clearing out session can do for your mind and your space.

Do you want to have this feeling but have no idea where to start?

Then start small and begin by taking only 10 minutes, this way you are not feeling like it is going to take all day. You need only pick a very small space to start with, it will feel less cumbersome.

Pick a drawer and set a timer for 10 minutes., Then take everything out of it and begin sorting through what you have. Think about when you last used it, wore it or the purpose it serves. If it is something you use regularly then keep it, however if you haven’t used it for over 12 months then really question if you will use it or wear it again. If no, then either give it to charity, sell it or if it is not in good condition bin/recycle it.

Your aim is to keep the things you want, will use, love and makes you happy, is sentimental or a necessity. Once you have gone through everything, put your items back in the drawer. When you are ready – whether you are in the zone now or in a few weeks, move onto the next drawer. Work your way through all the spaces and areas you are looking to clear out and work your magic until you have finished.

At work, it can be slightly trickier to do when you want as it will depend on timing, what you can do and where and what ‘clutter’ you have. What to do is, think before you print, does it really need to be printed out? Everything is usually available to read online or on your works network. This will help to save the trees and your desk drawer clutter. Work your way through things taking it a section at a time starting with 10 minutes. This gives you just enough time to make a start, you’ll be surprised by how much you can get done.

Once complete, notice how you feel and how you feel about your workspace/area. Doesn’t it feel good.

I challenge you this week to pick a drawer, an area or a small section of your wardrobe to go through. See what you can do in 10 minutes and build up from there. You will be surprised about what you can do and what you find when you carve out a short amount of time.

Thank you for reading, have a great week and look after you.

Love Emma xx