Beyond The Home – Tips for Decluttering Your Life

Clutter doesn’t just happen at home. In fact, it also can happen in your mind, your body, your schedule, your finances and your workspace. Unfortunately, chances are that if you have clutter in one of those areas, you most likely have clutter in all of those areas. If you have been trying to conquer the clutter in your home, it is time to move beyond and follow these tips for decluttering your life.

Mind – What clutters your mind? Begin by getting a notebook and a pen. Take a deep breath and think about things that you have to do. Write everything down. Once you have written things down, you can see what is necessary to accomplish and you will have a list to keep track of everything else. It can also help if you watch less television as it clutters the mind with things that are not important.

Body – In some cases, people who have a clutter problem also have a weight problem. Sometimes people use both as a self-protection mechanism. If they are overweight or their house is full of “stuff,” they will not have to worry about others getting too close and possibly hurting them. Once they let go of the “stuff” in their home, they may find that it is easier to let go of excess weight as well.

Schedule – How many activities does your family have? If your family is like most, each child has at least one activity they take part in after school. Mom and Dad may each have things they do that keep them on the go. To declutter your schedule, sit down as a family and talk about the activities each do that mean the most to them. If you can cut out some activities, you will have more time to share as a family and there will be much less running.

Finances – Think about bills you have that are draining. For instance, is it necessary for everyone in the family to have a cell phone? If the answer is no, then do away with some of them. Have one extra that your teenager can use while they are away from you. Do you watch all the channels on satellite or cable? Chances are good that you do not, so pare your programming down to what you know you will watch. Stop eating out so often. Even though eating out is easier, it is more expensive and is often not good for your health.

Workspace – Depending on your job, workspace clutter may or may not be a problem. For those with an office desk, workspace clutter may include having too many pictures or mementos. For those in a factory setting, it may mean you cannot find your tools when you need them. By creating a functional and clean workspace, you increase your productivity, which will make the boss happy.

It is unlikely that anyone consciously has clutter in his or her homes or their lives. Unfortunately, clutter creeps in and takes over once it starts. Use these tips for decluttering your life and you will marvel at the sense of freedom you experience.