Okay, so if you missed Part one to this epic series, then you can catch up on the life-changing amazingness of it's unique offerings here.
You know how I respect your time honey, so let's dive right into part two!
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 3, 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.
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Sending you so much love!
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