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Hi, and Happy Monday!
It’s spring cleaning season, which means it’s a great time to say “goodbye” to some of the things that might be taking up too much room in your physical and mental space.
For the next weeks of April, I’ll give you tips on decluttering and show you how to unpack what decluttering means for you.
When taking care of your mental health, focusing on your physical space might seem minimal, but it’s actually more impactful than you might realize. Clutter in the home has been proven to lead to tension and a lack of focus. And while living in a pandemic, we’ve learned just how vital concentration at home can be for day-to-day productivity.
Understand that decluttering doesn’t mean you’re not allowed to have an unmade bed or dust on the blinds. That’s normal, especially when children are present. Decluttering is all about intentionally making structure work for you instead of suffocate you.
A couple of immediate ways this can help:
- It gives you control when things feel out of control. This can reduce anxiety and provide a sense of autonomy when you might feel like you don’t have any.
- It improves your overall mood. For example, organization creates confidence, knowing that everything is where it should be, and that stuff you don’t need isn’t taking up valuable space.
Everyone’s definition of “neatness” may be different (hello, creatives), but the benefits of decluttering lie in the sense of control and confidence it brings.
Now, for many, the idea of decluttering might feel intimidating because of the condition of your home, or you feel like it takes energy that you don’t have. Don’t worry, here are two tips for getting started:
- Start small. What’s one area in your home that you can organize in an afternoon without needing help? If it’s your closet, start there and don’t move on to another area until it’s complete. Don’t forget to celebrate your progress!
- Put it back. Make a habit of putting things back where they belong when you’re finished with them — whether they’re pens, books, dishes, or clothes. Get the kiddos to do this as well. Instead of letting them leave the discarded toy in the hallway, soon to be joined by others, remind them to put it back before moving on to something new.
I’m excited to join you all in this decluttering process. Next week, we’ll take a look at decluttering and relationships. Stay tuned!
With love,
Minaa B.
