Clearing Clutter, The Easy Way

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November 13, 2009

Clearing clutter can be an anxiety provoking endeavor, AND it can be one of the most liberating action steps you can decide to take. Everything is energy — and if you’re reading this article you’ve probably realized that you don’t want a bunch of stuck energy taking up your precious space! Read on, and have fun!

Set A Date – Set a time of when you’d like your home to be clutter free. Involve your entire family. It’s a great tool for kids to learn for the future and everyone gets the rush from letting go.
Ask For Support – Letting go can bring about confusion and doubt. It helps to have a sounding board (supportive friends, children, neighbor) or if no one is available ask yourself, “does this (______) totally support and nurture me, my family and my home? Is it in alignment with my Vision?” To learn more about “Vision” and how to “The Three Simple Steps to Creating Sacred Space” locate our post labeled, “Creating Sacred Space”.
Prepare – Have garbage bags and marked boxes ready. For example, “Donations”, “7-Day Decision” “Gifts” and “Good Will”. Have a set for every member of your family. Giving everyone their own box empowers your children to make their own decisions, learn to organize and facilitates taking responsibility. Remember, you don’t need to make every decision right away. If confusion or doubt sets in and your sounding board or your litmus-test questions aren’t working, put it in the “7-Day Decision” box and move on.
Leverage – Also, if you are clear about an organizing project that may be long and time consuming – hire someone to box up and alphabetize those files or organize your basement. Delegate and free up your energy for the next decision.
Remember The Process – It may take several runs through before you get to the end of the box. Whether you do it all weekend or for a few ours each Sunday is entirely up to you. Just do it. You will not regret it.
Be Fearless & Honest – Don’t be afraid if everything goes. I had an experience a couple of years ago, where I went through my closet – asking myself, “do I absolutely love this?”. I ended up donating ¾ of my clothes, shoes, belts, bags, you name it. I had things I didn’t even remember, things that were worn out or didn’t quite fit (even after alterations). The purge felt great. I felt free, light and more energized. The cosmic lesson came when I realized the Universe wouldn’t give me more, unless I was engaged with what I had. We’ve all heard, “use it or lose it”. The same applies with “stuff”!