3 Tips to Defeating the Sentimental Sabotage of Clutter
It is easy to excuse clutter in the home by saying we are too busy or tired to deal with it. Sometimes, this is true. Work and family can take a lot of time, and upkeep of a household may take a backseat to other things for a while. However, persistent clutter is more often a sign of something going on at a deeper level.
Many people do not like change, even when it is a positive step. We can actually get used to having a cluttered house or office. It may give us some feeling of security. In addition, some people develop a sentimental attachment to things and have a hard time parting with them. It is similar to a child who has a security blanket. Although the blanket might be tattered and faded, the child wants to keep it forever. Unfortunately, clutter quickly becomes a burden. A cluttered living or workspace makes it difficult to find things, to keep organized and can even be a health and safety hazard. You can take steps right now to defeat the sentimental sabotage of clutter.
1. Make Yourself Set a Date to Start Clearing the Clutter
If your whole house is involved, it is easiest to pick one day for each room. Setting a date helps you mentally prepare for releasing the clutter. It also gives you time to gather supplies, such as boxes and garbage bags.
2. Clear the Visible Clutter First
Go through all of the visible clutter first. This immediately frees up space, both physically and psychologically, so that you can later tackle hidden clutter. Clear off mail or other non-dining materials from your dining table, throw away the dead plants that have been sitting on your back porch, and get rid of old appliances you never use.
Label your boxes as charity, garbage, or things to keep. Throw away anything that is soiled or otherwise damaged. Knick-knacks, kitchenware you never use and items such as these can go to charity. Only keep items that you really use, items that are heirlooms or valuable and important documents.
3. Clear the Hidden Clutter
Next, go through your closets, drawers and cabinets to clear clutter from these. Any clothing you haven’t worn for a year should go to charity. Throw away old items that have no value or function, such as old keys. Do not let yourself hang onto items simply because they remind you of the past.
If doing this all at once is emotionally difficult for you, consider staggering the clutter clearing over a period of a few months. When you are finished, give yourself a reward for taking these positive clutter-clearing steps.
Hayley is a freelance blogger writing on behalf of extraspace.com. She recommends Fontana, CA storage units for all your home and business storage needs. For those living in Santa Maria, CA, she recommends visiting http://www.extraspace.com/Storage/Facilities/US/California/Santa_Maria/900414/Facility.aspx
