DE-CLUTTER Clean Up Your Act
Today I want to talk about something that can distract you from reaching your own health goals. It’s not food, it’s not drink, it’s not even about exercise, but it is something that will distract you and keep you from reaching your best potential. It’s something I am working on currently in my own house.
I’m cleaning up my act.
What I mean is I am letting go…of things! These things have been holding me back. You see, Ive held on to things from childhood. Things that I had forgotten about. That is, till I decided I needed to get rid of clutter everywhere, to clear my minds. For our sanity!!!
I’ve collected a lot of things I thought would be cool to have for decoration, things we bought for amusement because they were a buck or two, and things…just not willing to part with.
There are mementos and objects from my grandmothers, trinkets from childhood, remember those? I am now in my 60’s, trying to clean out, and live a little simpler.
I know I am not the only one with this dilemma. I think to some extent, we are all guilty of putting things out-of-sight to deal with at another time. We tell ourselves we will get to it, but then we don’t. We keep pushing it off. So why is this an issue?
Things are just things. Yet I find I can’t move forward without being able to let go of the past. Yup. Some things are healthy, but too much of anything can turn into mental and sometimes physical clutter. So you may be wondering, “what can I do to let go?” Well, I’ll tell you. Here are my tips.
7 Tips to Let Go of Clutter
- Take it a little bit at a time:
Don’t try and unload or go through all your stuff in one sitting. Try a couple of boxes a night, or space it out so it doesn’t become overwhelming. It can be hard to go through things if there are memories or sentimental feelings attached to them. Heck, sometimes you may want to weed through a box, and then do a second pass to get rid of more from that container. I do that. It helps me let go gradually.
- Try the “If I haven’t used it in a year, it goes” rule:
Honestly, if you aren’t using it and you don’t see yourself using it within a year, then it’s time to consider getting rid of it.
- * Ask yourself “Does this bring me joy?” (my favorite)
If the answer is “no,” it’s time for it to go.
- Know that things are just things.
That’s right. Things are just things. Things cannot replace people. They may remind us of them, but that’s what’s great about the digital age. We can keep endless photos of people, events, and things even.
Have a hard time giving it up? Maybe take a photo. Then donate or gift the item if it has value to someone who will appreciate it. I know some kids in our family that are going to love some of our collectibles. You have to realize there is no reason to feel guilty of getting rid of things you no longer need, even if it was a gift. This is hard for some. Knowing you are not throwing away the thoughtfulness of the gesture helps.
- Organize a neighborhood event.
My neighbor did this a number of years ago with the intent of getting rid of/trading clothes. It was a potluck, too! It became a great idea for a social gathering. Everyone brought what they were willing to get rid of. What was left over you could take back, or donate locally.
- Try consignment shops.
Do you have some really nifty goods? Wanna make a buck or two? Try consignment stores. I like this better than having a garage sale because you won’t be tempted to bring it back into your home.
- Donate.
You do the world a favor when you donate. Depending on what organization you prefer – Goodwill, Savers, Salvation Army, a local thrift store that takes donations, churches, or US Again. There is somewhere that is willing to take your stuff.
I hope this helps you! I think we all feel better when our home is free of clutter. It can be cathartic to let things go. Who knows? You might make space and restructure things for a little zen area for yourself.
To Your Health!