Decluttering is proven to be healthy
Research shows decluttering helps us feel better, experience less stress, feel happier and be more relaxed. Scientifically proven, we live calmer, more comfortable lives if we declutter our homes, offices, computers and minds. The act of decluttering and making decisions can empower us emotionally. Rather than hanging onto the past through our stuff, decluttering can help us live in the moment.
We all have some clutter somewhere, but it’s to what extent matters, as it affects our health. I don’t have a problem tidying up or regularly clearing my stuff. My problem lies with the vast number of emails piled up and all those messy documents not filed in some order.
Under pressure to buy
Too much stuff is something most of us have in common. We all have a natural hoarding instinct. To survive, we needed to hoard food, wood and furs. Unfortunately, advertising is everywhere today, and we live in a world where we are constantly pressured to buy.
Overwhelmed
If you feel overwhelmed about decluttering, this is normal. The first thought is where to start. Maybe decide on one room only; choose the most straightforward room for you to begin physically and emotionally. There are many reasons why we hang on to stuff. Loads of things we don’t necessarily like that much, need or even have room for. Keeping things because of their sentimental value was expensive, in case, guilt, saving it for the children or you might sell and more.
Don’t declutter on a day you’re feeling tired or feeling under the weather. Decluttering is emotionally draining, so start when you feel happy and energetic. The results of a good declutter are amazing in so many unexpected ways, not just for your home but for your mind, body and soul. Creating a home of calm and relaxation is a haven for you to recuperate in a mad hectic, chaotic world. Here the whole family can feel safe and relaxed, recharged and ready for life’s challenges.
Three questions
Decluttering needs to be part of a bigger picture – look at some of your items. Ask yourself three questions. Do you like it? Did you need it? Has it made life better? These are questions you should also ask yourself before buying more items.
Unwanted gifts
Getting gifts from friends and family can make us feel guilty, so we hang on to them even if we don’t need them or, worse, don’t like them. People you have bought gifts for are probably thinking the same. Stop this from happening in future. The people you buy gifts for typically (not your children or your partner) at Christmas and birthdays make a pack with them to stop buying each other stuff.
Tell them you want to take the stress out of buying gifts for each other. Lead a more cwtch lifestyle with less stuff. Most people will be pleased as it’s probably stressful for them too. Do this with as many people as possible. You’ll save money, time and stress with less stuff cluttering up your cupboards and no guilt. Or if you need to exchange gifts with someone, buy an experience or activity rather than stuff.
Keeping for the Children
Keeping for your offspring, it’s best to ask them, do they want it? If not, sell it and give them the money or donate it. If they say yes, ask them to find a home for it.
Sentimental
This is a tough one keeping the stuff for sentimental reasons. They remind us of those holidays or numerous special occasions over the years. Get the images you took at those events, print them out, and put them into an album. Then there is the stuff you inherited from your parents. Decide which items you love; the rest give to other family members or sell or donate. Don’t keep everything; let go and look to the future. They are in your heart; you don’t need half the processions to remember them.
You paid a fortune for it
Are you hanging onto something because you paid a lot for it? Wished you hadn’t bought it? Then, please don’t keep it. Please get rid of it, as it will constantly remind you how much you paid for something you wish you hadn’t bought—a constant source of stress.
Selling your items
How long have you intended to sell those items? Give yourself a deadline. Advertising on Gumtree is free. If you want to sell something, be realistic about the price you charge. Give large items to charity by arranging for volunteers to pick up these items for free. For example, the British Heart Foundation is an organisation that picks up and sells large items such as furniture.
Clothes declutter
Tackling your bulging wardrobe, what clothes fit or don’t fit anymore. The clothes that need repairing or altering. Would you wear them if they were fixed? If you haven’t worn some clothes for a year or two, chances are you won’t wear them again. Donate them. If you have some quality items in good condition, you can sell them.
Many towns have second-hand clothes shops, and they will sell your clothes on consignment for a commission. Also, many online places are specially designed for selling your clothes, shoes and accessories. The consensus is you should charge about 30% to 40% of the original price.
Declutter Habits and routines
Clutter happens because children will likely dump all their coats, bags and shoes in the hallway. So design an area with hooks they can reach with a shoe rack. Make it fun by putting their names by the hooks or colour-coded hooks. This way, children have a designated area and are likelier to develop a good habit.
With a little organisation, you can turn some habits into easy-to-manage situations. Think about how your family uses the home. Above all, see this as a positive thing with enormous benefits for all the family. Have fun.
Cleaning after declutter
Your decluttered home will be much easier to clean and keep. It won’t seem like such a difficult chore. In keeping with a more cwtch lifestyle, start changing your chemical cleaners for natural ones. This is a far better option for the health of your family, your pets and the environment. As a naturopath, I have spoken to people about their experience changing to natural products. It’s the scent. Natural products have far less powerful scents than synthetic ones. They have subtle aromas, and you’ll come to appreciate them in time. Often a natural product has no fragrance whatsoever. Many people have commented that it doesn’t feel clean without a strong scent. They do still clean.
Natural Eco Laundry Product Made in Wales.
Future
To live a sustainable cwtch lifestyle, consider all purchases in future. Buy more sustainable or organic or local, or second-hand. A decluttered home will feel amazing for you and your family. You’ll be encouraged to keep up with maybe 30 minutes a month of decluttering or whatever suits your routine.
Improve the quality of your life with this fantastic tool, decluttering.
