Speedlinks: Decluttering
I call it Detoxing My Life, Jon Tillman calls it the War Against Stuff.
Whatever name you have for it, if you’re a hoarder (like myself) you’ll recognise the immense challenge clearing out presents, as well as the value of it.
I spent all of Friday throwing away stuff (two bin bags full) and sorting out stuff (piles of paper). I found my passport, my locker key and a bag of brand new clothes (which I returned today, for a full refund). So much time and money saved! I filled three massive carrier bags with goodies for charity shops too and got rid of that today.
I have some clear space in my room! Yay!
Help is at hand: Your ‘declutter it!’ resources
- Life organisers: How to organise your clutter for an array of resources; for practical tips, see Life organisers: Tackle your clutter.
- It’s Not About Your Stuff… Jessica offers advice at her blog, in accordance with her mission to help people with "letting go of the things in their life that no longer serve them". See her site - inperfectorder.com - for more help.
- Lighter Footstep (due for release later this month), "for people who want to live lighter, more sustainable lives". If you want to declutter more than your house or room, you might want to look in to this site by Chris Baskind, who defines Minimalism as "the balance of that which is desirable and necessary". Looks like it’ll be interesting so I’ll definitely be writing about it in future.
- Relationship Between Clutter and Debt? "By choosing to have less… I tend to value it more." An interesting take on the cost of clutter, definitely worth a thought or two.
- Clutter Awareness Week is the third week in March, but why wait until then? Get a headstart on your spring cleaning, with these tips, by starting NOW! :)
Bonus link: Hate housework? Here’s an easy alternative. Humour! Not for the squamish or those who dislike creepy crawlies.
Summary
Okay, so if (like my parents) you find it super-easy to be neat and tidy, you probably think I am making a mountain out of a molehill. However, if you’d like some help, well, that’s the purpose of this entry. In the meantime, I’m going to get some sleep tonight, ready for another day of decluttering tomorrow.
Do let me know how you get on, won’t you?
7 responses, Comment or Ping
Jessica Duquette
Thank you, Kathleen, for the link to my organizing site! I am honored to be on your list!
It does take a lot of courage to tackle the piles, because as you noticed, it’s a very emotional experience. Yesterday, I helped a friend finally clear out all the clutter from his room. We left it far from “Martha-Stewart ready”, yet later on, when I spoke to him by phone, he told me that he felt so uncomfortable with the empty space because somehow, the clutter made him feel ‘cozy’.
I have been thinking about that all night and I wonder if for some people, being decluttered makes them suddenly present in their lives. The things around them now have a clear path and their responsibilities are more visible?
It’s a mystery that I am intent on solving!!
All the best to you and what a beautiful and thoughtful blog you have, I am going to spend some more time here to check out all the goodies!
warmly,
Jessica from It’s Not About Your Stuff
Jan 8th, 2007
Kathleen
Jessica,
I’m very glad you found my site pleasing. Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to comment, much appreciated.
Not a problem at all having you on the list; your site is a brilliant resource and I’m surprised at myself for not letting people know about it earlier.
I can well understand that feeling of clutter being cosy. For me, the main content of my clutter is paper. I have piles of things I’ve written everywhere. Maybe it makes me feel secure in my creativity?
I think clutter is very personal as well, there’s an attachment to the specific things one’s collected and kept over years. Will soon be returning to your blog for more of your explorations in to these kind of mysteries. (Incidentally, I love how you end all your posts with ‘Remember, I am on your team!’ It makes me smile and feel really warm inside).
Best of luck & thanks again,
Kx
Jan 10th, 2007
Emily
My goodness, you blog seems to reflect so many issues going on in my life. This will be great reasources for me in the coming months. Thanks
Jan 11th, 2007
Kathleen
Emily,
You’re very welcome! I’m so pleased you’re finding All Things Bright a useful resource. :)
Anything in particular you’d like to see me write about?
Kx
Jan 12th, 2007
Chris Baskind
Thanks also for the mention of Lighter Footstep, which is still on track for launch this month. Hope to see you there!
/Chris
http://lighterfootstep.com
Jan 13th, 2007
Kathleen
Chris,
No problem! Glad to hear Lighter Footstep is on track. Looking forward to the release.
Kx
Jan 14th, 2007
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