I am not a “MINIMALIST”. I collect things for numerous reasons – attraction, emotional value or may be need. I have had enough trouble with things that I no longer use but I keep them just because I love them. I am appalled on one level, grateful on another; shocked that there is so much clutter, but the overriding emotion is STRESS. Last week I had spent good 5 hours cleaning my closet, throwing my expired makeup, emptying my inbox and shredding old bills. Holy crap! There is so much clutter that made me really sick. I decided to call Dr. Declutter for some help. He told me 5 things that can make my life healthy and relaxed.

Here are 5 things Dr.Declutter can do to help you.

1. Understand clutter

It is very important to understand clutter. If we go by the actual meaning then:

“Clutter is confusing or disorderly state or collection, and possible symptom of compulsive hoarding”

Clutter can be mental as well as physical. In both the cases it leads to unwanted stress. However, clutter is a very personal thing and it differs from person to person. What seems to be a clutter to you can be a vintage collection for another. It is not as simple as it looks; according to New York Times, excessive clutter and disorganization are often symptoms of bigger health problem.

I don’t want to scare you but I want you to identify clutter in your house and get rid of it. RIGHT NOW!

2. Effect of clutter

Clutter fill our mind with excessive stimuli (visual, olfactory, tactile) increasing the workload of our brain to work overtime and concentrate on stimuli that are not important. Let me give you a very simple example that happens to most of us. You woke up late in the morning (Nothing wrong in that). You start getting ready; you stand in front of your closet which is overflowing and you don’t know what to wear. You pick up a dress, somehow, and you realize it needs ironing. Boom! Panic! Stress starts to play its game. And you are already late for work.

It distracts us from what should be done and hinders our productivity. Clutter can also invite unwanted guest in home…Mr. Germ!

3. Diagnosis

Diagnosis is extremely easy and personal. No one can really help you in diagnosing the need to declutter EXCEPT YOU.There are 5 places clutter generally find a safe haven. Answer these questions and your response will let you know the next plan of action.

· Open your closet- How does it feel? Is it stuffed? Does it have clothes you didn’t even touch in past 6 months? Is there a space to keep new clothes?

· Open your drawer- Are papers in their respective files? Can you find your important documents within 5 mins? What’s the date on the magazines and newspaper?

· Go to your kitchen- Check out your pantry, countertop and fridge. How do you feel?

· Open your email- What is the status of your read and unread mails?

· Look under your bed- Is it stuffed?

You must have got your answer. Proceed further.

4–Remedy

Now, I am sure you know the areas where Clutter resides. This is the most difficult phase of decluttering. You have to be ruthless. You have to make your mind to get rid of emotionally attached stuff. You have to be really practical. Follow the following steps and you are done:

· Make a crazy list of things that you need to get rid of.

· Sell, give away, donate or throw things that you have not used in past 6-12 months

· Check the expiry dates of perishable items and throw expired things right away.

· Throw or shred old bills, magazines and papers

· Evaluate your spending habits.

These are few steps to get rid of clutter. This activity will also highlight loss that occurs due to compulsive buying. I am going to dedicate this month to help you declutter your house in an organized manner. Just follow The Crazy List.

5–Duration

Decluttering is an ongoing process. You have to do it regularly as it will start to accumulate soon.

This whole month I will dedicate in making CRAZY LISTS that can help you get rid of clutter in the most organized way. Next Week, I will make a checklist that will help you DECLUTTER YOUR CLOSET in 5 simple ways.
If you haven’t read my post: 10 ways to stay organized every single day. Then please click the link below:

https://thecrazylist.com/list-to-organize/

 

Have a healthy and organized weekend!
Enjoy making lists, Listen to your heart and Do everything to accomplish it.

Cheers!