Our lives can feel a bit chaotic at times, but there are things you can do to eliminate the stress. One of the easiest ways to do it is to declutter your life.
A study in Current Psychology showed that there is a relation between procrastination and clutter. It affects all age groups and can get worse as you get older.
You might think decluttering means emptying a few drawers and cupboards. But there is much more to it than that. Read on to find out how you can declutter your life!
Tip #1 Free Your Mind
Queen’s University researchers discovered that an average person has 6,200 thoughts per day. With stats like that, no wonder we all could do with a little break from our very active brains.
There is a lot that goes on “behind the scenes”. So decide to make real steps to filter out some of these thoughts.
Ideas. Appointments. Things to do.
All these thoughts are fighting for attention in your mind. You can “extract” them and put them somewhere else.
Use your tablet to jot notes down. Or use a journal or planner to plan. Also, set some “quiet time” aside just for you. Read a book. Meditate. Watch your favourite series.
Do something that helps you switch off at least once a day.
Tip #2 Declutter The Miscellaneous Drawer
We all have it.
It might be a drawer, but it could be a cupboard or wardrobe as well. It’s that place where all your “junk” goes.
According to stats from the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO), 67% of people have a clutter drawer.
Sod’s law…you are looking for something that you can’t find and then remember it’s probably in that “miscellaneous drawer”.
Annoying, isn’t it?
You can schedule some time aside to get it sorted finally.
First, take everything out and separate it all into three different piles.
- Items to go back in the drawer/cupboard/wardrobe.
- Select the things that you want to throw away.
- Group the items that can be placed in a better location.
You can use a drawer divider (or storage boxes if it is a bigger space) to organise the things even more.
Go ahead and thank yourself next time you need to find something, and you know exactly where to find it.
Hurrah!!
Tip #3 Organise Your Emails
Emails can be a touchy subject.
Love them or hate them; we all get emails. It could be for work or personal matters. We also receive a lot of junk emails.
But what do you do with your emails?
When it comes to emails, I am pretty organised. I have folders for every single subject under the sun.
It means I can retrieve an email quickly without wasting time.
If you want to know how to do it, read this article on email management.
Tip #4 Diary Management
A diary can be your best buddy and can help you declutter every single day of your life.
It can feel stressful if you lead a busy life, especially when you think about all the things you need to do each day.
Get in the habit of writing everything you need to do in a diary.
It might feel a bit weird at first. But give it a couple of weeks, and it will feel more natural.
Here is a more detailed article about diary management to help you on your way. Before you know it, you will feel more organised and more prepared for your next day ahead.
Tip #5 Declutter Your Car
A car is handy for transport to the shops, work, and to see family and friends. But it can also be another place that gathers clutter.
Oil, water, petrol receipts, hair bands, fast food wrappers, cuddly toys, maps, books, air fresheners… the list goes on.
Some of these things might be essential for you. But do you need everything that is in your car?
The next time you make a trip, have a look around and gather up anything that shouldn’t be there. You can probably find a better place for it at home.
Once you have done your “mini-declutter”, notice how you feel in the car. I imagine the car is feeling lighter and so are you.
Summary
Decluttering can help you create organisation from chaos. It can also save you a lot of time searching for things. Sure, it might take a bit of time to get organised. But it will all be worth it in the end! Good luck, decluttering!
Thanks for reading the blog post. I wish you all a great weekend ahead. Let me know your decluttering success stories in the comments section below!
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Sally Leslie is a motivational coach and optimist. She helps freelancers and entrepreneurs create balance in their lives and work towards their personal and professional goals. Sally is also a B2B freelance writer for entrepreneurs, SMEs, and startups. A lover of plants, freedom, and football!
