Having a cluttered life is not just about having too much stuff around, the cost of clutter can often bring us down in many different ways. Once you commit to clearing the clutter out of your home you will begin to see how your finances, health, and mental well-being can improve.
- Is your house too messy and full of stuff that you feel you can't entertain? Constantly having to meet friends "out" for dinner instead of inviting folks over, or always having to hire out a venue for your kids' birthday parties gets expensive. If you clear out the clutter and make your living space more manageable you can save a lot of money by using your home for social events, rather than always paying to entertain elsewhere.
- Do you actually not even like being at home because there is so much mess and clutter? If you clear out the mess, you can begin to enjoy being home. Not to mention you'll be protecting and enjoying your biggest asset.
- Do you have things in your home that you don't love but that you keep out of a sense of guilt? You spent so much money on that stand mixer but you really don't like to bake. You really hate that painting that belonged to Grandma, but it was the last thing she ever gave to you so you feel like you have to display it. Guilt is not healthy. Get rid of whatever is bringing you down. I guarantee somebody else would love to put that stand mixer to good use or to display that painting. Take the guilt in turn it into something positive by letting go.
- Do you have a storage unit that you rent monthly? Is it really necessary? What happens when you think about not having to deal with all the stuff inside (or the monthly fee) anymore. If the thought of being free of the storage unit makes you happy, get rid of it and all the stuff inside.
- Do other people give you things that you don't want but you feel like you have to take them? Hand-me-down clothes, housewares, toys. I usually always say "yes" if someone offers me something, because I feel badly saying no. I mean, it was nice of them to think of me. And also, if they are trying to clear out some of their own clutter, I'm happy to assist. But just because I take it doesn't mean I have to keep it. If once I accept it I decide it is not useful, it goes right to the donation center.
- Being so busy that there is never enough time to relax or focus on things you really enjoy is another form of clutter. Is your life too full of commitments? Do you have so many things you "have to do" that there is not much time left for what you "want to do"? Are you overcommitted at work? School? Church? Are you the go-to babysitter for friends who don't reciprocate? Are you the family member who always gets called for a ride to the doctor even though others can and should share in the responsibility? It's nice to be nice, but when that comes at the cost of your own well-being you've got to cut back. Learn how to say no. It's perfectly fine to say you cannot the meeting because of a "previous commitment." So what if that previous commitment is the one weeknight you have decided to set aside for yourself. Nobody needs to know that but you. If you are a helpful type of person, it is difficult at first to say no. But once you practice it gets easier and easier. I promise.
- A great way to commit to having less things in your life is to cut back on shopping. Before you purchase any item -- step back and consider if you are buying it because you really need it and it will be useful to you, or because it is a great sale and you might need it someday. Or you could find a use for it. The less things you buy, the more space you will have in your home and life. Once you start clearing out, you will want to protect the new white space in your home and the urge to buy "just because or just in case" will be gone. And this will save you a lot of money. And having more money makes you feel better.
If you feel overwhelmed by trying to clear out some items (like the project is just too big) start with a small goal like filling a shopping bag with 10 things each weekend and bringing it right to the donation center. Or, start with saying no to just one type of commitment at a time -- the friends who need babysitters or the church committees or the PTO. Don't try to cut back on all of these engagements at once. Start with baby steps and once you see how your life is improving you'll feel encouraged to keep going. Little changes add up to big changes. Good Luck!
My home is looking like something out of Hoarders! I have no storage space and all my work is spread every where in the house. :(
Posted by: Sandra Watts | 01/14/2016 at 03:32 PM