Declutter for Peace of Mind

By Robin Hall

'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE' "any day" and all through the house, not a creature was stirring—except for the ones under all the "stuff." OK, OK, this may be extreme or way over-dramatized for many people; however, it can and does happen, specifically if someone has allowed the "stuff" to take control, and the individual moves out of the way. This is an addiction. It's very alarming, but not really an "ah hah" moment to go into someone's home and see that there is only a little bit of space in which to walk around.

So, with hands on the hips, we decide to start scaling down, and one of the reasons for this is because we absolutely know that before too long it just has to be done—and we need to be the one to start the process—and finish it—for ourselves.

Oh, you thought the children would enjoy getting rid of tons of stuff that you never used or decided that you "may need someday"? Let's be real here; when all is said and done, they have lives of their own, and they've most likely accumulated their own things. While they may like a few family heirlooms from your stash, truly, they have their own "stuff" to deal with. This is the "real life" of today's family, not a hoax, my friends. No one really wants to sort through another's things. It can be a daunting task.

We shop and collect, many times never using the items we've obtained. They end up in our basement, attic or garage (or in a corner on top of the already existing heap). Think before you buy: Do I really need it, and am I specifically going to place this item, or use it as something meaningful?

Instead of spending, put the money away for a rainy day, or even into retirement investments. Make today a time for change by downsizing and living free from the "chains that bind us." It could be wonderful fun!

Turn it into a family affair, if you can, tackling small tasks every weekend for an hour or two, and discard those things that have not been used in the last three years, or that do not work, are broken, are not the right decor for the house anymore, are too big for your body or too small. If you had time to purchase it, you have the time to donate it, toss it, or sell it off.

There is therapy for those who are obsessive with this behavior, and help for those who are just cluttered and really ready to move forward and get organized. Here's the deal: Decide and act. Plan the days out today, make space to express yourself, and be the "new" you. Learn to travel lightly, and not just when traveling around the country or world, but within your home space.

Get rid of the "stuff" because it does not define us; it weighs us down, and unless we are really utilizing the items, we really don't need them. They are better off as another person's treasures—while your being "organized" is priceless!

-From Encore, December 2008, Page 27