Living a Life Less Cluttered

De-cluttering can be a daunting yet rewarding process, not unlike losing weight. In both cases, seeking professional assistance can be a smart way to accomplish your goals. Like a personal trainer for the organizationally challenged, I offer advice, resources and a healthy dose of motivation to my clients. However, in the end, the results are up to them.

When we first meet, most clients are embarassed by their clutter. But to me it's just stuff; I try not to judge. During an initial consultation, we discuss a vision for the space and co-create a plan to reach that goal. Depending on the size and scope of the project, it can take a lot of time and energy.

As is often said about weight loss, "It took a while to gain the weight and it will take a while to lose it." Ditto clutter. And while we'd all love a clutter-free home and a body like Barbie or Ken, there really is no such thing. So aim for consistency instead of perfection. 

Perhaps you've started to sort through your stuff, but you're not even close to finished. Then life interrupts and before you know it, your space looks worse than it did when you started. Don't give up; it always gets worse before it gets better. Forgive yourself and get back on track. 

Or one day, you may be dutifully sorting through piles of household items, deciding what to keep, dump or donate, when you think to yourself, "I never want to do this again." If so, here's my best advice for you: Learn to live a life less cluttered. 

Similar to an exercise plan, spend about 20 minutes each day de-cluttering. You'll be amazed by what you'll accomplish! Try these 10 easy tips to establish and maintain your less cluttered life: 

1. Imagine what you'll do with all that new-found space
2. Get inspired by images of rooms you love 
3. Sketch an ideal floor plan
4. Ponder paint samples
5. Eliminate incoming clutter
6. Go paperless when possible 
7. Avoid non-essential shopping
8. Designate storage spaces
9. Find a charity, friend or family member in need of your extras
10. Remove 2 things for every new thing you bring into your home 

If you share your space with others, enlist their help with initial de-cluttering as well as daily maintenance by developing a chore list together. Make sure everyone is responsible for their own private zones as well as communal areas. Delegating responsibilities will impart a valuable life skill and become part of a daily routine, like eating right. Small but consistent steps in the right direction will be the key to success and will result in a happier, healthier you.