How to Remove Emotional Clutter as You Organize Your Space
Picture this: a pile of boxes with all of your kids’ artwork taking up precious space in the guest room closet. Every time you look at it, your pulse races and you have feelings of guilt. That’s emotional clutter. We all have it and we can all do something to alleviate it. Today I am sharing 5 ways to remove the emotion from decluttering, leaving a more mindful space that feels joyful and junk-free.
Leave the Past in the Past, but Preserve the Memories
It is common to hold on to items because they evoke memories of people, places, and experiences. However, to avoid clutter, it’s important to only keep items that truly mean the most to you. As you declutter, take the time to really assess each item and its importance to you. Save one invitation from your wedding, keep your child’s first pair of shoes. Your shotglass collection from college? It’s okay to keep a favorite and let the rest go. :)
Children’s schoolwork and artwork is a big source of clutter for families. As you go through your children’s work, select a few special pieces to frame or save in a box. Use a service such as Artkive (no affiliation) to create a book of artwork at the end of each school year or take photos and save them by year (or grade) on your computer. Looking for a great baby shower gift? Give a file box with hanging folders on the inside labeled from baby to 12th grade. This gives the parents a one-box limit to save only the most cherished items. (See samples here.)
Unload the Collection of Unique Gifts without Guilt
Family members love to pass down their collections and heirlooms. And we cherish them. Some of them. Just because your great aunt gave you a chair, doesn’t mean you need to keep it. Grandpa’s coin collection was his prize but if it is going to live in a box in your garage for 30 years, sell it or donate it. Letting go of something from someone you love does not desecrate their memory or make you a bad person. It’s okay to let it go. Remember, keep only the favorites. Donate or re-gift the rest to others who will appreciate them.
Just Say No to the Idea of a Junk Drawer
The problem with a junk drawer is in the name - it winds up just being junk and you still can’t find your scissor or extra car key. It’s time to rebrand the junk drawer as the utility drawer. Clear out your current utility drawer (formerly known as junk), keep only what is essential (keys, scissors, pens, rubberbands, toothpicks, etc.), and organize the items accordingly for future ease of use without clutter. (Tip: use small box tops for like items if you don’t want to spend money on drawer organizers.)
Designate Well-Defined Spaces for Otherwise Confusing Clutter
Does your mudroom or entry confound you? What about the mail and school paperwork on the kitchen counter? If yes, it’s time to take charge, determine the missing systems, and create solutions. If shoes are the issue, perhaps you need a shoe rack or a large basket by the door. Are backpacks and jackets all over the place? Add some hooks. If the paperwork piles up, add a simple file box on the counter with a few sections such as bills to be paid, school forms to complete, and things to be filed.
Make a Family-Wide Plan and Pact to Maintain
Once the systems are in place, have a plan for the family. A Sunday reset works for the whole family and helps you start the week with a clean slate. Be sure the kitchen counters are clear, backpacks are hung up, laundry is put away, etc. Even the youngest kids can help empty the dishwasher or put toys away. If nightly works better, make sure everyone in the family knows what they need to do to get ready for the next day.
Whether you are one person or a large family, you can let go of the guilt and eliminate emotional and physical clutter. Clear spaces = clear minds.
If you need a professional to help cull the emotional and physical clutter in your space, be sure to reach out to me — I can't wait to meet you!
Until next time,
Leslie