Declutter your home, declutter your life!
Declutter!
We're all guilty of it — filling our homes with useless junk we don't need or use. But a cluttered home can lead to a cluttered mind, so get ready for a New Year's clear-out.
From the piles of mail on your kitchen table, all those Christmas cards still sitting around, to the boxes stacked on top of your wardrobe, toys that are no longer played with, clutter is a part of daily life. It might not bother you. You could be so used to those mounds of clothes and piles of shoes that you simply don't notice them any more. But clear them out and you'll gain space in more ways than one.
Our homes are a reflection of ourselves. People often have a cluttered space because there's something else going on. It's not always just about the stuff. But it works both ways — a cluttered space equals a cluttered mind. It's very difficult to relax and feel in control when you can't find anything. It takes longer to do everything, which becomes frustrating and depressing. Being organised and clutter-free brings clarity and peace of mind.
Statistics suggest one-in-four Australians feel anxious and overwhelmed about their clutter. But the New Year is the perfect time to get on top of things. All that extra "stuff" your family got for Christmas has added to all that clutter!
So, conquer your clutter and take control of your life? It might sound far-fetched, but it's a good place to start. And there are other benefits too, like saving money.
One of the biggest problems with clutter is that it means you often overlook important things, like bills. So you end up paying a late fee or a reconnection fee. Ouch!
You might even shop less once you've had a clear out — are you likely to buy another black top when you realise you already have five? And you can stop yourself doubling up on things. Clutterbugs often duplicate items because they can't find the first one they bought. Gift vouchers can go missing then be wasted because they are past their expiry date. Painful!
You could even turn your clear out into a money-making scheme — hold a garage sale to get rid of all your junk and you might make a tidy profit. But don't use it to buy more junk. Treat yourself to something special, like a facial or put it towards paying the bills. Giving your old clothes to charity, as you grow out of them, not only declutters but you are also saying you will never need them again.
So after the madness that is Christmas and New Year has passed, take some time to clear out your clutter. It's a positive, empowering action that will create more time and space for that fresh new you!