Is there space at your home to conveniently place items for a bit when pausing throughout the day? Do you have clothes you haven’t worn in years? Do you have a closet or cupboard into which things have been tossed just in case you might need them someday? Do you have a catch-all drawer where lost, unidentified or broken things are deposited? What’s in the attic, the outbuilding, the shelves and boxes in the garage? What’s in the trunk, back seat or glove box of the car? What’s lurking in the refrigerator, freezer and food cupboards? How long has it been since you visited these locations with sorting, repairing or discarding as your goal?
Do you buy things because there is an actual need, because you want it or maybe to make you feel good or relieve stress? Most of us love our possessions. That is why we collected them. Many of them are symbols of happy memories. However, we can sometimes overwhelm ourselves with our things. When our stuff begins to impact our space and crowds the living environment, does it detract from the peaceful and calm surroundings we were aiming to have and begin to stress us out? Without realizing it, have we set landmines ready to detonate in our path, adding to daily frustrations rather than minimizing them?
Is it time for triage? Letting go can be hard, but it can also be freeing, liberating and calming. It represents reestablishing control of ourselves and our surroundings. We will always keep and treasure memories in our hearts and minds long after a favorite rubber ducky from childhood has quacked its last quack.
If you think your life and environment are cluttered and beginning to get in the way, maybe it is time to declutter your home and restore a sense of order to some areas. Get out your notebook and make a plan. What is your goal? What will you tackle first? When will you start? Procrastination is not helpful! Do not try to do all of it at once! Identify what the primary issue is and begin there. Then, in stages, move out from that point.
Donate things you do not love, things you do not use, unfinished projects, duplicates or things that are the wrong size. Discard things that have been broken or damaged forever and things that are out-of-date. Clutter drains energy, causes frustration, wastes times and creates confusion. You cannot take all this stuff with you. Your family probably doesn’t want most of it, and somebody else might be able to use it.
Being more organized and less constricted may save energy, increase vitality, open new opportunities, help financially and restore balance in your life. Free up space for things you use, need and value now. Free up time to live and enjoy your best life each day with all who you love.
I Care, Barb
By Janet Long July 13, 2020
Thanks for the information Barb. I can use these ideas every day. It is hard for me to go through things but doing a small area at a time helps. Thanks again.
By Patty May 1, 2020
I will do 1 drawer that is bothering me.
By Diane May 26, 2020
I want to declutter but I am so overwhelmed with what needs to be done, I don’t know where to start. I can’t seem to get motivated to actually start clearing and I REALLY need to get rid of about 80% of my stuff. Please help!!!
By Barb May 27, 2020
Pick one small spaces to start with, a time to do it and stay at it until done. It could be a desk top, counter top, a drawer in the kitchen, bedroom, desk. Then, tomorrow, select another small target. One step at a time gets us to where we want to be.
By Judy May 1, 2020
I have been using this time to organize and get rid of stuff I don’t need or no longer use.
By Joanne Lehnhoff "Jo" April 28, 2020
During this Pandemic I have been working on decluttering and it is very satisfying. This was long overdue.
By Nan April 30, 2020
It’s good that you’re using this time wisely. We’ve never experienced such an extreme, worldwide challenge.
By Edna B Jones April 28, 2020
Your article hit home BIG TIME! At 81 I have to start now! One drawer, one space, one area at a time.
By Janice Shaproski April 28, 2020
Thanks, Barb, I have been doing that since my husband passed away in September. It has helped with the mourning.
By Florene Shaw April 28, 2020
thank you for sharing, I started but I needed some motivation to keep going!!! So glad I checked in!! It is a good time and an extension of doing what we need to do to succeed in our Tops journey, being consistent!!!
By Maimie Parker April 28, 2020
How did you know it was time for me to Clear my Clutter????
I have a closet of clutter in my Craft Room… I have craft materials that I haven’t used for years!!! The closet will be the first thing to go!!!
By Carole Pelchat April 27, 2020
It’s really hard staying home, it’s extremely depressing & lonely. I have eaten so much junk food, I am disgusted with myself. I finally had a talk with myself yesterday & I started back to keeping my food journal & started walking around the pool. Today I actually cleaned out my trunk!!! I do feel much better. I did call 3 Tops friend yesterday. I will keep it UP! Because I am a sensible person & I will control my emotions & not let my emotions control me…
By Nan April 30, 2020
Many are using this time of crisis to clean out their closets and garages. It can help to alleviate the loneliness and the physical, financial and emotional worries. At least it takes your mind off the pandemic temporarily.
By Colleen April 27, 2020
So true.
By Judy Halone April 27, 2020
Incredibly well-written, Barb.
There’s so much at stake when we hang on to clutter; it impacts not only the space in our heads, but our relationships- which affect our wellness journeys.
I’d like to add something, in case it helps any readers struggling with letting go of “things”: they aren’t our loved one. And they can’t live us back. We toss the things, but that doesn’t diminish the love exchanged with our loved ones.
Hope that encourages somebody.
By Judy Halone April 27, 2020
*Correction: they can’t LOVE us back.
By Donna Bruce April 27, 2020
Cannot find Monday moment of truth on site. Where can you find the live version?
By Leslie B April 28, 2020
It is in the Member’s area on the right hand side under the heading “Read our Blogs”.
By Barbara Cady May 2, 2020
My Monday Check-in live feed isn’t on TOPS website or the Official TOPS Facebook page. It is something I am doing n the TOPS Members Facebook group each Monday during this period where so many of us cannot meet to stay closer connected with all members in the group.