Clutter Clutter Everywhere…

Does your physical environment energize you or drain you?

The holidays are over. The decorations have come down. The gifts you have received need to find a home. It’s time to purge.

Time to clean out the things that no longer are used or clothes outgrown. I try to do this before the holidays to make space for new things. There is always more to do after the holidays.

Time to purge

I go through the kitchen cabinets and remove any items that are expired. Then I head to the bathroom and toss things that are old or expired. I’m not a huge makeup person so if I haven’t used something in a while it’s most likely due to be tossed. There is usually some over the counter medication, first aid kit items, sunscreen or bug spray that need to go.

Then, there are the paper items things to sort; keep for taxes or shred.

The yearly beginning of the year ritual to replace the family calendar with a new one. Then the action to record the family birthdays, days off from the school and any other events.

Onto the bedroom and closets. Living in New England, I find the change of the seasons to be a better time to do this.

The home office. That is the tough one. As it becomes my central storage for everything for holidays. The wrapping paper, boxes, tape, craft supplies, gift receipts…items from other rooms you name it.

When it’s cluttered and stuff is everywhere it adds stress. When everything has a home and things are in place. Ahhh. I can get to work, be productive and get things done.

Declutter to Energize

Take a few minutes to tidy up and clean off the desk at the end of the day. It makes it better to approach work the next day.

The key is not to overwhelm yourself. Pick one thing whether it’s a cabinet or a room and clean that up. Get rid of what no longer suits you. Then move on to the next.

Your environment affects your stress level, your mood, productivity and ability to relax.