Clutter is like nipples. Yes, I just said that... know why? Because we all have it! Clutter, however is not something that brings any sense of function of satisfaction to our lives... so, how do we stop it from coming in, in the first place? With a commitment to self-awareness and me by your side, you're about to learn about all the different types of clutter and how to get rid of them from your life for good.
Ready? Let's go...
1. Physical clutter
This pertains to the physical clutter in your home. From too much cutlery, an abundance of clothes that one never wears, too many toys, to too many extra sets of towels and bedlinen. Without a strategy in place, this type of clutter can get out of hand very quickly.
Solution...
..The Magic Number Rule: decide on a number for each product within your home. Say, you're deciding how many glasses to have in your home. Calculate, how many of you live in your home, plus, leave a couple extra for when some are being washed, plus the maximum number of guests that you have over on a regular basis... and voila- this is your magic number for glasses. Use this rule all around your home and watch how quickly your donate/recycle bags fill up!
2. Time clutter
This type of clutter is clutter in your schedule. perhaps you're over-loading yourself with things to do. Putting too many tasks on your to do list, too many activities in your diary, saying yes to too many events. Perhaps you don't get enough time to yourself. Enough time with your family, enough time to look after your body.
Solution...
..Time Blocking: Did you know that there 168 hours in one week? That's right... 168! But Time Blocking is not just about counting the hours, it's making sure every minute of your day counts. And just a little pro tip- in order to be successful with sticking to your plans, it is absolutely imperative that you schedule in time to rest, play and attend to your private life. Sure, one may be able to do without it for a short while... but it's not sustainable to put yourself last. Say no to more, so you can do more.
3. Digital clutter
This type of clutter is clutter on your computer, phone, smartwatch... from all the technology coming at ya in every way, shape, or form. It could be too many emails in your inbox- when was the last time you subscribed before deleting that email from that company that you just wished would go away?
How much time do you spend on Social Media? If you're complaining that you don't have time for the things you want in your life, but you use social media more than once a day and check your emails incessantly, it's time to take a step back and assess your digital clutter... more so: the way you are managing your digital clutter.
Solution...
..Digital Detoxing: sure, it's hard at first, but once you get used to it, the endless benefits will literally transform your life for the better. Read my Expert guide here on how to get started. I'm so excited for you to experience this!
4. Mental clutter
This is clutter that is taking up valuable space in your mind. It could be negative thoughts, anxiety, doubt and limiting beliefs. Maybe you are just so overloaded that you can't pinpoint exactly what it is, you just know that you feel overloaded, overwhelmed and confused. First of all, I want to assure you that you're not alone and that many people feel this way from time, to time; and that with the right support and strategies, things can improve significantly.
Solution...
..Life Coaching: Life Coaches specialise in providing their clients insights to find solutions to their problems, plus valuable reframing with which to be able to view these in a more manageable way. We offer tools, techniques and cheer you on... we facilitate your own bad-ass ability to self-heal.
5. Paper clutter
This type of clutter is clutter that arrives through your letterbox as junk-mail , letters from school, or bills. Maybe, it's magazines and leaflets. It could be bank statements, certificates and artwork that your child bring home from school. It could be the piles sitting on your kitchen countertop waiting to be sorted. Or, the pile on your dining table. Paper clutter that needs to be dealt with.
Solution
Some tips for dealing with paper clutter include:
Setting up a filing system
Setting up a storage system
Creating digital folders to keep copies in
Creating a strategy that means you ALWAYS deal with your paperwork (and no- it doesn't have to be done straight away!)
6. Sentimental Clutter
Sentimental clutter is clutter that brings back memories and evokes emotional responses from us. Maybe it's baby clothes from when your children were little, or old family photos. Perhaps it's things that you have kept from a loved one who has passed away. Or perhaps it's your wedding dress, or jewellery that’s been passed down through the generations in your family. It could be artwork your child created, souvenirs from holidays, or letters, or cards from someone you love. This type of clutter is particularly difficult to part with and many of us will struggle with it at some point in our lives.
Solution
There is no one-size-fits all solution when it comes to sentimental clutter, because there are so many categories of it.
One thing I always advise my clients to do when dealing with sentimental clutter from a love one who has passed is not to rush the process, but instead to keep the item somewhere safe and mark a date in your diary to revisit it. Because one day, you will be ready to part with some of those items, but if you're not ready immediately- that's okay.
When my mum and dad passed away, I kept items that reminded me of them. I kept my mums cardigan that she wore around the house, my dads favourite shirt, his aftershave and her perfume. I took them to wear on days that I missed them so I could feel they were still close to me. But I didn't keep these items forever. I felt able to let go of them at a later stage. But still, there are items that I have kept, such as photos, an ornament and some jewellery, I go through these items with my daughter from time to time to talk to her about what her nanny was like... she often asks and the items are helpful to keep her memory alive.
For your very own, person centred solutions to your sentimental clutter, as-well-as Pro tips for the best storage solutions, reach out for your free consultation today. I can't wait to teach you everything I know on this vast subject!
7. Gift clutter
This type of clutter involves gifts from people that you didn’t choose or don’t particularly want. I come across people feeling really guilty about this type of clutter and there is the perfect solution for that. Just because you received the gift doesn’t mean you have to keep it... and just because you don't keep it doesn't mean it will be wasted. On the contrary....
Solution
Create wish lists ahead of special occasions to give to family and friends
For the ones who don't stick to the list- thank them for their gifts & in privacy...
Create a space in your home for unwanted gifts where you can use these to regift to somebody else on a special occasion (just make sure you don't gift it back to the same person!)
Or, donate this item straight away. There is somebody out there right now, just wishing they had the same item that you wish you didn't have!
8. Stuff you need that doesn’t have a home
We've all experienced it: clutter piling up on the kitchen tops the dining table and the clutter that just keeps making it's way back to the hallway table because, well, you just don't know where else to put it...
Solution
Give everything you own a home. Home Organisation is my secret weapon in being able to tidy my home within minutes. When everything has a home, it's easy. There is no confusion, no tension... just simply put it back where it belongs.
When we don't gift our belongings a home within our home, they're likely to be left out, taking up space in your home and your head and causing you unnecessary stress. Did you know that clutter creates stress within your body? Science has proven this fact.
Don't forget: to let all your family know where each belonging lives is so they can put it away after they use it too.
That's it for today, but which type of clutter do you struggle with the most? What tip are you going to try?
For more pro tips on home organisation, click here. Or to explore the host of benefits decluttering has for you, it's here.
Stay tuned for Part 2 coming your way very soon!
Can't wait for Part 2 and want to know more right now?- Reach out for your free Consultation today. I can't wait to show you all my tools and tricks with which to bring you more clarity, claim back valuable time and embrace more calm.
Oooh, and want a freebie? Of course you do! Click here for my free downloadable to get started on your Decluttering journey right now
I'm rooting for you my friend!
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Sending you so much love!
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