Clear Away Clutter To Clear away Stress!

by: LJ Ober

​Have you ever come the point when you decide that you have way too much Stuff? Your home is filled with things like home decor that no longer fits well with your taste and those unappreciated collectibles or hobby items that end up stored away. . . just to name a few! 

Most people change throughout their lives and as they change, so do their likes and dislikes. 

Why do we hold onto old things that no longer hold a value to us? "Things" that were once loved for many years and are now boxed up in the attic or closet. . . taking up room and collecting dust! I think that these unnecessary things can potentially weigh us down and stop the flow of happiness that we are deserving of! 

CLEAR AWAY CLUTTER AND CLEAR YOUR MIND!
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I remember before I was married I didn't have much but I was happy. I remember waking up every morning with a smile on my face eager to start my day. My space around me was always clean, clear and so was my mind. Now that I think of it, I was also anxiety free back then!

My house always looks like it’s in perfect order, but trust me after a lifetime of filling a household of stuff, I feel more of a weight surrounding me. Even after giving away, donating and throwing away much of what I no longer use, there are still things stored away and it makes me wonder why I've held on to them this long. 

HOLDING ONTO UNNECESSARY THINGS THAT YOU NO LONGER NEED OR USE MAY BE CLOUDING YOUR HAPPINESS!

​Clearing away clutter can clear your mind and make room for new opportunities to come your way. When you make the purge, you can perfect your organization skills, gain a sense of motivation to start new projects or to redecorate some rooms. The extra space around you can give you clarity and space plus along with all of that. . . HAPPINESS!

It is time to get rid of the unnecessary belongings that you no longer have a need for. Letting go of unwanted things can lead you to feel quite liberated! I know this because many times in the last 30 plus years I have purged my closets, drawers and attic. I love the exhilarating feeling of eliminating "stuff" through a garage sale or such. It helps me to gain control of my surroundings once again, freeing up time and therefor. . . reducing stress.

IF ANY OF THIS IS SOUNDS A BIT FAMILIAR TO YOU, HERE IS A SIMPLE GO TO ACTION PLAN:

• ​Go through one drawer, one closet and one room at a time to purge through what you no longer want or need.
• Look at everything and make the decision will I ever use this item? Is there someone else that can use it? Can I re-purpose it for something else?
• Purge all the things that you thought you would someday use but haven't touched in over a year.
• ​Take a picture of those items that have been handed down to you that you don't really absolutely love. Say goodbye to it and wish it well as you give it away or donate it for someone to actually use it.

Make Five Piles:

1. DONATE- Give away in general to those you know or give to the needy, all of those items that you no longer use.   Don't forget antique shops when considering a donation. Keep those oldies but goodies housed in a place where people can enjoy them.
2. RE-PURPOSE -  What can you re-use certain items for. 
3. SELL IT - Either online (Facebook Marketplace is awesome), or have a garage sale! Earn some extra money to buy more tangible staple items that are needed to make your surroundings cozier.
4. ​TRASH - If it is un-usable, broken or extremely outdated, and you are sure that no one else would want it, then throw it away.
5. RECYCLE - Plastic, Metal, or Paper

"Hold your memories deep in your heart not in your closet and attic!"

I think that as we reduce the clutter around us and eliminate what we no longer need or want, it can clear the mind and open the heart. We begin to appreciate the important things in life and the people around us. Plus purging of unnecessary belongings will re-spark the creativity flow once again for a new hobby, new home decor or projects that you have had on your list of things to do but never get to. By conquering this ever so simple task of reducing clutter it will not only give you a sense of balance and free your mind, but it will also help to make room for more blessings to come through your way in life. ttyl