One of the most simple and easy ways to find clarity and calmness in the mind is to declutter your physical space.
One of my new favorite things to do is get rid of all my stuff! It feels so good to let go of attachment to things and spend time in my beautiful, clutter free space. I'm no minimalist (yet), but I do have some great tips that will help you declutter and feel less weighed down by all that unnecessary stuff.
Let's get a few things straight
1. You are not your stuff. Don't be afraid to let go.
2. Your taste in stuff is an expression of who you are. Choose wisely and always pick quality over quantity.
3. There is a never ending abundance of stuff. Don't be afraid to get rid of things; there will always be more where that came from.
4. LESS STUFF = LESS STRESS = MORE CREATIVITY. When you open up space in your home you will open up space in your mind.
8 Questions to Help You Declutter
Have I used or worn this in the last six months? If you haven't, you're never going to. Just trust me on this one.
Does it fit me anymore/yet? Do not hold on to clothes that used to fit you or are "going to" fit you. Just go shopping later!
Could somebody else benefit more from this than me? If the answer is yes or even maybe, give it away! Don't be selfish.
Would I buy this in the store today? This is my favorite question to ask myself. Would I really spend my money on this right now? The answer is often times no.
Do I have multiples of the same thing? You really only need one, maybe two.
Why am I really holding onto this? If it was a gift you would feel guilty getting rid of, don't (feel guilty that is). Just give it away, someone else might actually use it! If it is something sentimental, take a picture and store it on your computer.
A. It will last longer. B. It wont take up any physical space.
How does this item make me feel? Do you love to wear it? Does it spark joy? If it makes you feel anything less than happy, get rid of it. You want your space and things to be beautiful and have positive energy. You should love every single item in your presence. Your creating your life experience and your space is a major part of that. How do you want your space to make you feel?
What do you think? Have someone who has no emotional attachment to your stuff help you go through it all. This is SO helpful, I cannot emphasis this enough. Especially because we tend to value things that we own more than things we don't. In psychology this is called the "endowment effect" and it is especially prevalent in us westerners.
We get so attached to items we own we actually place more value in them than they really have. Having someone other than yourself help you sort through the clutter is one of the best things you can do for yourself. They will keep it real and convince you to let go of more things than you would on your own.
And don't forget (whenever possible) to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Give that shit away! No need to fill up your home or a landfill with all that crap. Better yet, sell your old stuff and make a little cash! Have fun with the decluttering process. Turn up the jams... have a fashion show... get the whole family involved. Take before and after pictures of the space so you can admire your work.
I sincerely hope these questions/tips help you as much as they have helped me have peace of mind. You will be surprised how little stuff you need to thrive.
