Before we can talk about decluttering, we first need to look at what clutter actually is.
What is clutter?
One definition is that it is “to fill or cover (something) with many things“. It’s usually associated with being untidy. Therefore, by decluttering we not only remove stuff, we can also tidy up, and if done properly, can keep a place tidy.
Personally, I prefer Marie Kondo‘s version of what clutter is: if it isn’t something you love or something that is functional, then it’s just stuff. Decluttering therefore, is simply the removal and disposal of “stuff”
Clutter comes in many forms. In my house, it takes the form of:
- Duplicates. Because we have stuff from two houses, we have two of everything. From kitchen tables to Christmas trees. However, rather than selling what was not in use, we are working on the basis that most things will break down or need replacing at some stage, and so far this has proved true.
- Impulse buys. This is especially true around my wardrobe. At one stage, I had three sizes of clothes depending on where I was in terms of my weight.
- Things with a emotional attachment. When my mum passed away, my dad gave me loads of old letters and cards that she had held onto. I’m still working through what to keep and what to burn.
- Collectables. Over the years, I’ve collected many different things. My mum was the same, and some of our collections overlap. When you collect you tend to buy things and get given things to achieve a complete collection. However, I’ve out-grown some collections, so I need to review what to keep.
- Stuff that is really rubbish. In my house, this is mainly foodstuffs that is out of date, mail that hasn’t been filed in the bin and things like shoes that have been chewed by the dogs!!!
- Stuff that isn’t in the right place. This is usually washing awaiting ironing, and socks not sorted.
When you think of clutter, it’s usually associated with material things. But we live in an electronic age, and when I look at my mobile, tablet and laptop, I can see that:
- there are old files on my desktop
- loads of unread emails – things I’ve subscribed to but have no time to read
- àpps on my phone that I don’t use
So, for me at least, clutter comes in many forms. When I start tackling it, I need to at what type of clutter it is. Stuff that is rubbish would be fairly easy to get rid of and by putting things in the right place, then I get the immediate benefit of a tidier room.
Tomorrow, we’ll start looking at why you should declutter your home.
Take care for now, and remember, you are resourceful, creative and whole.
Karen