There's a time to obtain...and a time to de-clutter...
Can somebody tell me if summer double-booked itself? It feels like it was June 1st yesterday, and now you’re telling me August is coming this week? Whew, please cut me a break.
Summer can bring a whirlwind of activities, social gatherings, and last-minute adventures to your favorite ice cream spot. And as magical as that is, it can also lead to a pile of flip-flops by the door, beach towels congregating en masse in your laundry room, and way too many reusable water bottles in your cabinets.
As the end of summer nears, it’s a great time to take stock of your space and ask yourself if maybe it’s time to release some of the stuff. Now, before you feel the need to argue about actually needing all 30 of those Precious Moments statues that your grandmom gifted you, please allow me to say/ask two things:
I’m rarely (if ever) going to ask you to part with heirlooms.
Are each and every one of those moments truly “precious”?
Tiny statutes that probably don’t align with the decor aside, along with having a clearer space here, are the mental health benefits that come with decluttering:
Reduction in stress and anxiety
Improved focus and productivity
Boost to self-esteem and mood
Reductions in decision-making fatigue
Improved sleep quality
Not too shabby, huh?
When it comes down to it, decluttering is the art of renewal for your mind, body, and space. It’s about releasing what no longer serves you or brings you joy. It’s about allowing yourself to be with the current version of you.
Here are some tips for getting started:
Start small - You don’t have to clear an entire room to start. Pick just one small corner or drawer and see how that feels. ( If it feels good but you’re not ready to admit it, I understand.)
Build in structure - Pick a goal date to either have some unnecessary items picked up or removed from your space. Think of it this way, having friends drop over unexpectedly provides that adrenaline-sourced motivation to clean. Pick a date to have and then pretend that’s what's happening when you’re setting your decluttering goals. Concerned that I’m being high and mighty about this? I’m less than happy to report that I am typing this while next to a pile of clothes, I have yet to sort out. When will this be done, you ask? Well, the date chose me by way of my son bringing his new girlfriend, who has never seen Philly, next week. I’m proud of my city and refuse to let my clutter be her first impression.
Strive for progress, don’t worry about perfection - This isn’t about aesthetics (though that can be a benefit), but rather about asking yourself where you are, where you’re heading, and what truly serves your space while you’re getting there.
Still not convinced that decluttering is for you? Here are some of my favorite book recommendations that may help to make the case for you:
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondo
The Joy of Less: A Minimalist Living Guide: How to Declutter, Organize and Simplify Your Life. By Francine Jay
Keep the Memories, Lose the Stuff: Declutter, Downsize, and Move Forward with Your Life by Matt Paxton
As always, sending you my best.