As we head into the second week of spring, the words “Spring Forward” are on my mind. We hear these words referring to daylight saving time in the springtime. My clients are showing up with a desire for more lightness, simplicity, and less clutter in their lives. What about you?

I feel like our clothing, our calendars, our homes, and even our digital devices are calling to be decluttered. Whether we’re decluttering our homes to live simpler, our refrigerators to eat healthier, or even toxic relationships that are not serving us right now, decluttering is like a breath of fresh spring air. In this month’s blog, I get curious about our feelings about clutter and what we can do about them.

“Clutter is not the stuff of the floor, it’s anything that stands between you and the lie you want to be living” — Peter Walsh

Your declutter mindset.

Changing how we think about decluttering and shifting our mindset can make it much easier – and more satisfying – to declutter our lives and keep them that way for good. Here’s how:

#1 Focus on what you want your result to be and why.

It’s not so much about the touted benefits, but the personal and motivating reasons for you. How do you want to feel? Thinking about the consequences of not decluttering might help you focus on what matters to you. Decluttering takes time effort, energy, and commitment. You’ll be much more motivated to do the work when you are really, really clear on your “why.”

#2 Plan for distractions.

It is easy and normal to get distracted and unfocused while decluttering. Memories, nostalgia, and other things pop up to hijack your attention. Planning for these distractions and relating them to your intentions can help prepare you to let go of the things that don’t fit with those intentions.  

#3 Expect emotions.

Many of us end up with clutter because we care. We’ve attached meaning to things and relationships. The thought of saying goodbye is difficult. Letting go of things — whether it be material things, people in your life, favorite foods, or digital lives — can bring up feelings of regret, guilt, or material loss. When (not if) this happens, re-focus on your intentions and why you’ve made the decision to declutter. Acknowledge your emotions and don’t let your negative emotions keep you from the positive outcome you visualized in #1 above.

“Clutter is nothing more than postponed decisions” ‒ Barbara Hemphill”

Your benefits

Here’s a short list of the benefits of decluttering, I hope they inspire you to read more about them in my latest publication for Brainz Magazine. Decluttering…

• Creates a sense of confidence and self-efficacy.
• Can improve lifestyle and well-being. 
• Can improve focus.
• Can reduce relationship and family tension.
• Reduces stress.
• Helps fend off depression.

Your Spring Forward!

Decluttering is a spring marathon, not a sprint. The only thing that matters is the end of your journey – whenever you get there – not how fast you arrive. Set micro intentions that “you know you cannot fail” and grant yourself grace and flexibility with a solid mindset about reaching them. If you need a little nudge along the way, these questions might help you when in doubt.

Letting go of anything can be difficult, but learning to live a less-cluttered life can be freeing and fulfilling by allowing you to appreciate and treasure objects — and relationships — you have that carry true meaning. Please reach out if you need a de-clutter