The list of decluttering challenges and techniques is growing, everything from the Marie Kondo method, to Swedish death cleaning and of course the 30 day challenges of decluttering for five minutes a day. Each of these methods address why you have clutter to begin with. However, they don’t get to the root of the problem. You may find things change for a while, but soon the clutter creeps back in and things are messy again. Don’t get me wrong, any change is good, even just a glimpse of how things could be.That said, more often than not, our brains, bodies and subconscious minds go back to our default if we don’t address the underlying reasons for the clutter and make deeper changes.
Pros
When dealing with clutter the brain and body are already in overwhelm mode. The nervous system signals to the brain that there is danger, especially with messy surfaces and items on the floor. Doing this 5 minute a day challenge can make it less daunting and helps create space for the nervous system to calm down a bit. It also helps you get into a habit of connecting with your items each day and seeing what needs to go. Taking some time each day to let go also helps you to slowly see the underlying why behind your clutter, if you choose to reflect while doing it.
Cons
Randomly grabbing five things in five minutes without pulling out the items from the storage space they are in, doesn’t allow you to do an accurate assessment of how you acquired these items, how much you have, why you still have it, and what’s stopping you from letting go. For example, if you are opening up a drawer of clothing and grab five random items to let go of, you’re not able to see how many you really have. Maybe you have 40 t-shirts and only wear 5 of them. Maybe you have clothing that you forgot you had because it’s buried. The list goes on.
There is usually an avoidance to let go and deal with physical belongings as well as the beliefs, behaviours and our past that we attach to them. Doing a random declutter doesn’t allow you to truly address these underlying emotions and habits. For example, letting go of five tops but not changing your retail therapy shopping habits or keeping up with your laundry will only get you so far.
You still end up having cramped spaces, mismatched items (ie. linens), and items of similar use in different locations. In order to truly organize a space and clear old energy you need to empty it out, clean it and group similar items together when putting them back. This zoning and reorganizing the space allows you to be more intentional with what you want in your life, how your space can support you,and helps you see the bigger picture of your internal states.
Consider a new to decluttering
When there is an emergency in your life, like a flood in your home, you make the time to address it. Other things get put aside temporarily until the issue is resolved. When you take a course, you make time to do the course, study and complete assignments. Decluttering your life is a decision that needs to be made and prioritized; a reasonable amount of time needs to be dedicated to doing it properly instead of just touching the surface.
My 5 Steps
Step 1 – Connect
Get clear on what your values are and what’s most important to you right now. Map out your anchors that keep you connected to yourself and help you stay in alignment.
Step 2 – Create
What do you want to change and create in your life? What’s your overall vision? Learn how to map it out one step at a time.
Step 3 – Release
Get clear on what you have, what needs to stay and what needs to go. Everything from clothing, time wasters, to beliefs and trapped emotions.
Step 4 – Recalibrate + Reorganize
Reassess and evaluate what you want now that the clutter is gone. Get organized and see what makes sense now. Set boundaries to help maintain the changes you’ve made.
Step 5 – Rhythm
What is your daily rhythm to stay focused, grounded and at your best? What routines will you integrate into your life now?
Addressing your life clutter from both an external and internal level is what will truly allow you to be free from overwhelm and live a more calm and balanced life.
To learn more about this process you can check out this video or sign up for my newsletter, get a free mini guide or book a clarity call here.
