Physical Clutter = Mental Clutter

When we arrive home, shouldn’t we feel a sense of peace wash over us? Home should be the foundation for every other aspect of our lives. If our home is a place of tranquility and order, it will spill over into the rest of our life. If our home is full of clutter, we will not function with the same sense of ease and calm. Do you ever feel overwhelmed or stressed by the clutter that surrounds you? Is clutter taking over you home? If so, it is time for a change!

WHAT IS CLUTTER? 


How do we determine what stays and what goes? Wouldn't it be nice if everything in your home served a purpose and/or was important to you? Start by asking yourself the following questions to determine what to keep and what to purge: 

1. Does it celebrate you and what you are passionate about? 
2. Is it useful and functional on a regular basis? (yes, a bread maker is useful and functional but not if it has been collecting dust for 5 years) 

If it does not fit the above criteria, IT IS CLUTTER!!!! Remember physical clutter = mental clutter. So how do we start the process of creating a balanced home? 


STEPS TO CLEAR THE CLUTTER: Here are some tips for success.... 

1. Set the timer and focus your attention on one area (a closet, drawer, cabinet, etc). 
2. Stick to the allotted time to conserve your energy and don't get sidetracked! 
3. Have 5 labeled bins 1. Keep  2. Consign  3. Donate  4. Recycle  5.Trash
4. Remember, if you have not used it in the last year it needs to go! 
5. Pass on, donate, or recycle before you change your mind. 
6. Have a written plan of attack and include the entire family in the process. 
7. Ask yourself the above questions to determine if the item promotes ease and balance or promotes chaos. 
8. Enlist help! Children benefit from learning the importance of sharing material possessions. Every Christmas and birthday, when my children are going to receive gifts, they pick items to donate. With everything that comes in, something should go out! This emphasizes non-attachment to material goods and promotes charity. 
9. Store like items together. If everything has a home, then you will easily maintain order. 

Remember to be patient with yourself during this process. This not only benefits you, but the items that you give away will serve someone else as well.

 A little Karma Yoga anyone?


- Kari