Now that you know you are not alone- what do you do? What is the first step learning how to declutter?
How to Declutter- Change Habits One at a Time
One example of making an internal change that affects the external environment is changing a habit. Let’s start with something very simple here. If you’ve recently moved to a new home, you will need a new place to put your keys and hang your coat every time you come home. And here’s the skinny on habit changing. You can change a habit in a couple of days using the power of visualization. Athletes have used this technique for centuries and are masters at developing habits for success. Simply close your eyes take a few deep breaths and visualize yourself coming in the front door, hanging up your coat, setting your keys and/or glasses in the same place. Repeat this visualization another 2 times for a total of three times in less than 5 minutes. The next day, you might return to your old habit, but stop yourself, remember your visualization and go hang your coat up and set your keys in the new place. Repeat this the next day and within a few days, you’ll have developed a new habit for finding your keys, every time! Stop the clutter first and knowing how to declutter will be easier!
How does this all relate to transitions and organizing? Well, just about every client I’ve worked with over the years has been through some sort of transition. Transitions have ranged from learning new technology, making room for twins in a growing family, expanding a business, home or office renovations, divorce, to moving someone into assisted-living. Professional Organizers help people get organized so they can get on with their life. Those who do this, get to the other side of their piles faster and easier than if they did it on their own.
Recognize You’re In a Transition
When you are going through a transition, recognize that this too shall pass and that it’s temporary. Acknowledging this piece is critical as it gives you peace of mind that you are doing the best you can during the transition. Learn how to declutter because the faster you get your environment organized, the better. Embrace the new skills or what you learned through the transition. Helping others who may be going through a similar experience will make their life easier and assure them that they too are not alone.
Create Healthy Spaces
On a regular basis, at least 2 – 3 times a week, make sure that your environment is clean, put things away and that it’s pleasing and inspiring to you. This is not about perfection and comparing your home to picture-perfect rooms in a magazine. This is about regular maintenance and keeping your environment orderly to support your vision for your life. This is an important step in knowing how to declutter. The everyday work! Keeping your physical space clutter free also frees up your time and has a ripple affect into other areas of your life and those around you. Clearing out the clutter is part of the transition from one time in your life and into another.
What have you learned about how to declutter before, during, and after life transitions? Tell us about it in the comments.
There are unique experience that stand out in your career, this HGTV Home Makeover Wish was one of them for me! What a great experience. I want to share this clip with you so you can see for yourself that: