When you do a Google search of the word “clutter,” you may find a variety of definitions that come up. You will most likely find that clutter doesn’t always include physical items, rather, it can be
negative thoughts in your mind that complicate everything else.
But overall, clutter is considered anything messy and unnecessary in your space.
While everyone’s situation will be different with different items, you will begin to notice the inessential things after reading this guide. Here’s what you can do to clean out some of this clutter to open up more space, both physically and emotionally.
What is Considered Physical Clutter?
In today’s fast-paced and technology-driven world, it’s easy for our physical and digital spaces to become cluttered. From overflowing closets to an inbox filled with unread emails, clutter can negatively impact our productivity, focus, and overall well-being. However, not all clutter is created equal. In fact, there is a concept called “considered clutter” that can help us maintain a balance between organization and the things that bring us joy.
Considered clutter refers to intentionally keeping items or digital files that hold sentimental value or serve a purpose in our lives. It’s about curating our spaces to reflect our identity and values, rather than mindlessly accumulating things. By adopting this mindset, we can create a more harmonious environment that promotes both productivity and relaxation.
Here are some tips to help you embrace the concept of considered clutter and create a space that is both organized and inspiring:
1. Evaluate your belongings: Take the time to assess the items in your physical and digital spaces. Ask yourself if they truly bring you joy or serve a purpose. If not, consider donating, selling, or recycling them.
2. Embrace minimalism: Minimalism is a growing trend that focuses on living with less. By adopting a minimalist mindset, you can reduce clutter and create a more peaceful and spacious environment. Start by decluttering one area at a time, such as your closet or workspace. Donate or sell items that you no longer need or use.
3. Create designated spaces: Assign specific areas for different activities or items. For example, designate a space for work or studying, a space for relaxation, and a space for hobbies. This will help you stay organized and focused on the task at hand.
4. Digitize when possible: In this digital age, many physical items can be converted into digital files. Consider scanning important documents, digitizing photos, or streaming music and movies instead of having physical copies. This will help reduce physical clutter and make it easier to access and organize your digital files.
5. Establish a routine: Set aside regular time to declutter and organize your spaces. Whether it’s a weekly or monthly task, having a routine will help you maintain an organized environment and prevent clutter from building up.
6. Mindful consumption: Before making a purchase, ask yourself if the item is truly necessary or if it aligns with your values. Avoid impulse buying and focus on acquiring items that add value to your life.
Remember, clutter is not just physical; it can also manifest in the form of digital clutter. Take the time to organize your digital files, unsubscribe from unnecessary email subscriptions, and declutter your virtual desktop. By extending the principles of considered clutter to your digital life, you can create a more streamlined and efficient digital workspace.
Considered clutter is about being intentional with the items and digital files we choose to keep in our lives. By evaluating our belongings, embracing minimalism, creating dedicated spaces, digitizing when possible, establishing a routine, and practicing mindful consumption, we can create a space that promotes calmness, productivity, and a sense of well-being. So, start decluttering today and embrace the concept of considered clutter for a more organized and fulfilling life.
Special Tip
Not everyone can let go of physical items as easily as others. If you have found yourself at this roadblock, ask a friend to help. A family member or friend who knows you well can help to make these decisions, providing extra support to help you feel confident about getting rid of these items.
For anyone feeling overwhelmed with the amount of items within their home, meaning it’s simply too much for one person to handle, you can work with a professional cleanup service. ServiceMaster provides hoarding and estate cleaning services to remove any amount of unnecessary items within homes.
What is Considered Emotional Clutter?
While emotional clutter can seem easier to get rid of because the work is all in your head, it’s actually harder and will require physical work to remove it permanently. First, you will have to figure out what it is and then take baby steps to get rid of it.
Emotional clutter is considered anything that prevents you from happiness, success, and performing your best.
Getting Rid of Emotional Clutter
If you think about what exactly is distracting you from being happy and accomplishing your goals, you’ll find that those thoughts are the emotional clutter that need to be let go. Whether you are working too much, running from appointment to appointment, or simply can’t stop thinking about how much physical clutter you have, they all need to go.
Sit and Write Down Emotional Clutter
The first step to get rid of the emotional clutter is to get rid of the physical clutter, such as freeing up your schedule or taking a day off to get rid of the items listed above from your home.
If you are still having trouble figuring out what kinds of emotional clutter you have, take a moment to sit down and think about it. Write down any thoughts and ideas that come to mind, even if they seem silly at first – you may realize that they’re a real problem.
When the Emotional Clutter is People
Emotional clutter in your head can even include people. If they are constantly bringing you down, creating stress, or pushing their problems onto you, get rid of them. Even if it’s a toxic relationship with a significant other, nobody is worth sacrificing your happiness or keeping you from accomplishing your goals; remove them from your life.
No matter what you have on your emotional clutter list, do what you need to get rid of it. Even if you think it’s selfish, nobody is aware of the emotional clutter in your life as much as you are, let alone try to get rid of it for you. It is ultimately up to you to make you happy and accomplish your own goals, and you have every right to do it. So don’t hesitate to do what you have to to make yourself happy.
Professional Help with Physical Clutter
As mentioned previously, sometimes emotional clutter is caused by physical clutter. But if the physical clutter is simply too much for any one person to handle, you’re not alone. A professional cleanup service is always available to help remove unwanted clutter.
Whether it’s removing furniture, books, movies, or even garbage, the professional technicians will provide the manpower needed to get rid of all physical clutter in your life. You will be in charge of the entire process, letting the technicians know which items will be kept, donated, and thrown away. After clearing out these items, you may notice that not only have you gotten rid of the physical clutter, but the emotional clutter from being overwhelmed by too many items.
Don’t hesitate to give these professionals a call for complete hoarding and estate cleaning services.
