Let Go of Clutter
There is just something so liberating about purging and decluttering.
I used to be a pack rat. Just the thought of parting with something, I would get sweaty palms and my breathing would become shallow. Didn’t matter if it was something that had not been used or worn in years. Just the thought of parting with it and knowing it would forever be gone was enough to send me into panic-mode.
Thank goodness I have learned to release what no longer serves me and make room for welcoming the new into my life. I practice this with material objects as well as on an emotional level.
I usually try to purge around my house at least a few times a year. So over the last week or so, I have been organizing and cleaning out closets, the kitchen and garage. I make two piles; the “keep” pile and the “donate” pile.
The “keep” pile, I organize and neatly put everything back in some sort of organizational manner. The “donate” pile is just what it sounds like. I load everything in bags or boxes and head out to Goodwill or the Salvation Army.
I always feel so accomplished after a day of purging.
I also like to purge and organize my digital files and emails. It’s amazing how quickly everything on my laptop can get out of control.
Easy little tip for cleaning out my email: for important emails that I need to keep, I create a folder, label the folder with the subject and any important emails pertaining to that particular subject go into that folder.
For example: I have a folder labeled with the name of my daughter’s school and any important emails that I receive and need to keep regarding her school information goes into that folder.
Every few days, I set a timer for 10 minutes and I go through my emails. I either delete or move an email to a folder.
Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy…
It is just so much easier to find things when I am not bogged down with items I don’t need.
It can be hard for some people to let go. I used to be one of those people. It’s hard. Especially when you are sentimental with your possessions.
Is it difficult for you to let go of things that no longer serve you?
I have a couple of checklists that I would love to share with you. They are my gift to you (and no email required; just download) 🙂
This is a checklist that will help you determine what to keep and what you can let go. Click Here
If you are thinking of planning a “Declutter” day, use this checklist so you have everything you need for a successful purge. Click Here
My life just chugs along much more smoothly when I am organized and have what I need in one designated place.
I am obsessed with all things that get my life organized.
If you need some organization in your life, I invite you to check out this Dog Journal. Click Here
You can use it for journaling but it is so much more; it also helps you organize all of the important information regarding your pup. Everything from medical information and vet visits to walking schedules and grooming and pet sitter information. It’s all there; convenient, organized and in one designated place.
Grab it here and start getting organized today.
Tackle just one project at a time and before long, you will be living a clutter-free and organized life!
I promise, it will feel so GOOD!
’til next time,
De
I never liked parting with stuff either. I also wouldn’t consider myself a pack rat, but there were things that I just didn’t want to get rid of. I eventually came to a point that I didn’t like the clutter visible, especially when surprise company just happened to stop by. So like you I take time to declutter a few times a year. Now if only I could get my email under control! I’ve got folders setup like you suggest, and delete daily, but I just can’t seem to get it caught up.
I agree, Tiffany. The email is the hardest thing for me to declutter. I am an information junkie and always worried I will need the information at a later date. Thanks for reading. 🙂
i love to declutter. Thanks for the checklists! Fellow dog lover here too.
You’re welcome, Beth. Thanks for reading! 🙂
Oh my! This blog post just cut me sooooo deep! I even once bought a little book that had a bunch of checklists about decluttering and I just kept staring at the book because I didn’t want to do the first assignment (which was to start getting rid of stuff). Regarding the email? I created folders but the things inthe folders are so old and I currently have about 46,185 emails OUTSIDE of the folder. I’m going to do a thing today; I’m going to download the checklist and start with the email again. Thanks! (And you’re right, whenever you get rid of something and get it all squared away, you feel soooo much better!) Thanks for the push!…….(Fellow dog lover here!)
I have been trying to use the quarantine to declutter my house. It is amazing how much stuff we accumulate. And my email was out of control. I’m still working on it, but it is already so much better. I can’t wait to be clutter free. Thanks for sharing.