Free Your Mind: increase focus and clarity with organized spaces

One major factor that affects our ability to focus is our surroundings. Take a look around and think about what you see. Are there things lying around that you just haven’t gotten around to putting away yet? Is your room in a state of chaos? If you said yes to either one of those, keep reading! This one is for you. There are so many benefits to keeping your space clean, organized, and free from clutter. BUT! In order to enjoy those benefits, you have to start! Be sure to read through to the end for my best tips on decluttering…and a few things you need to avoid.

don’t overthink the process

The thought of decluttering your entire space can be overwhelming. Trust me, I get it; I’ve been there. Don’t worry, though; I’ve got you covered! Remember - start small and tackle one area at a time.

Here are ten easy-to-implement tips to help you get started:

1. Set a timer for 15 minutes and tackle one area at a time.

2. Use the “four-box method” – keep, donate, trash, and relocate.

3. Start with the easiest items first to build momentum.

4. Keep sentimental items to a minimum by taking photos or creating a memory box.

5. Declutter regularly to prevent clutter from accumulating.

6. Find permanent “homes” for frequently used items to keep them accessible.

7. Use vertical storage solutions in small spaces.

8. Implement a “one-in, one-out” rule to prevent clutter from building up again.

9. Digitize paperwork and documents.

10. Invest in multi-functional furniture to maximize storage space in your home.

Common decluttering mistakes

1. Tackling too much at once—Seriously, you need to self-edit. This mistake is the quickest way to become overwhelmed, and it often leads to getting nothing done. Prioritize and pace yourself.

2. Holding onto gifts out of guilt or obligation—It’s easy to skip these when you start trying to declutter. I’m guilty of it myself! But stop and think for a minute: Doesn’t that set you up for failure? Let’s dig a little. Keeping items out of guilt or obligation means that you don’t really want the thing, but you are keeping it anyway, right? So, even if you successfully declutter your entire house, you will still be left with more stuff in your space than you want. The good news is that once you’re gifted something, it becomes yours. That means you can do whatever you want with it, including putting it in the “donate” bin.

3. Moving clutter from one area to another - Doing this creates what I like to call a “tomorrow problem”. Tomorrow you will be thankful if you take a few extra minutes and clear that pile TODAY.

4. Neglecting to establish a system for maintaining organization - You’ll likely still get a little bit done without an established system, but “winging it” isn’t a good long-term tactic if you want to see sustainable results. The most basic form of a system is a calendar. Take yours out and write down which tasks you want to tackle and how often they need to be done. You don’t need to schedule things super granule here either. I like to focus on one room per month, so I have a list of everything that needs to be done in that room or area and the month that I want to do those tasks. This way, there is no thought involved throughout the year other than plugging those tasks into my planner on a weekly basis. Some weeks, I don’t get any tasks completed; other weeks, I get 5 or 6. The key here is that my system is flexible enough to accommodate a busy schedule, yet things still get done.

5. Ignoring the emotional aspect of decluttering and organizing - I’m here to tell you…it’s OK to throw it away!
Most people have things that hold sentimental value or emotional significance, making it challenging to part with them. Ignoring the emotional aspect of decluttering can result in holding onto items out of fear, guilt, or nostalgia, even if they no longer contribute to your well-being.

How Maintain an Organized Space

Now that you’ve decluttered your space, it’s time to focus on keeping it that way! You didn’t do all of that work for nothing. Here are some tips, in no particular order, to help you create and sustain your organized spaces:

1. Every time you leave a room, take something with you and put it back where it belongs.

2. Implement a daily 15-minute pickup routine

3. Use storage solutions like baskets and bins to keep items organized and accessible.

4. Label everything to make it easy to find what you need.

5. Everything needs a home. If you have items that just float around, take a minute and decide if you actually need it. If yes, find it a home.

6. Eliminate clutter zones! Add storage or minimal decorations to any surface that collects clutter.

7. Although it can be difficult, avoid impulse purchases! Find another way to get that hit of dopamine.

8. Create zones in each room to help with organizing.

9. Rotate seasonal items

10. Always celebrate your wins!

Conclusion

So there you have it. Organization and decluttering are powerful tools for enhancing your overall well-being. They are so important because they impact every aspect of your life, from your physical surroundings to your mental and emotional well-being. By making decluttering a regular practice, you can create a space that supports your goals, values, and aspirations, allowing you to live a more intentional, purposeful, and fulfilling life.