What What to do with the Stuff You Decide To Keep
If you missed the 1st part of this, click here for Clearing Clutter to Make Room for Your Life.
How can I get what I need when I need it?
I realized that I do want and need some resource information to help myself and my clients but I don’t need to be “surrounded” by it as if I’m some kind of hostage.
I’m creating a resource section where I can access it when the need arises. And I am letting the internet store some of the resources by using SpringPad.
This too can apply to supplies and other things you’ve collected that you want to keep but may not need to surround yourself with them. Limits are important – see the next tip.
Set Limits
This is one I’ve had trouble with but I think it is the key to keeping order.
What else can you let go? Are there things that have already served their purpose at the time but are no longer serving you?
Once you’ve have sorted, eliminated, gave away, the stuff you don’t need any more, you have to figure out how much space, time, etc. you are willing to devote to it.
I decided I don’t want to look out my window and see piles of notebooks tumbling over one another on the shelf / window seat that is designed for very narrow people.
Ironically, the notebooks are piled in front of my cool black and white sign that says Simplify.
You can define a shelf, drawer, piece of furniture, etc. for a particular type of item.
If you get something new to add and more than will fit there, the idea is you have to pare down and get rid of something in order to make it fit.
Whether it is beads, books, art supplies, sewing supplies, paper, or just things with potential, choosing to let something go sometimes presents a challenge.
But when I don’t make a decision, it catches up with me and I just end up taking more time and making more decisions later.
If you can get someone to help you, I highly recommend it. Consider trading days with a friend where you each help each other.
Keep on Tweaking
Another thing I’ve found is that sometimes I have to keep refining and changing what is working. It isn’t a one time deal.
When I have something new come into my life, whether it is a new project, a new way of thinking, or a reinvention of myself, it requires choosing what to keep and what to let go.
What has worked best is when I either already have a place for something or immediately make a home for something new.
Those “delayed” decisions or more appropriately delayed indecisions are what become these big time consuming projects later.
What would you rather have than Clutter?
More Time to Play
One of my intentions is to create more time to play. Sometimes that play will be directly related to my work with writing, coaching, teaching, creating jewelry and art, and creating products.
Other times it will be just for the fun of creating…something wonderful for the house, a gift, something to wear, something to eat.
And sometimes it will be playing with family and friends, or out exploring the world.
Spending less time on maintaining stuff in my life means more time to create, more time to play.
More Peace of Mind
Another important intention is to clear the clutter to clear my head.
When things are in order, I feel my shoulders relax, I feel calmer, and I don’t feel as hurried.
I also feel more focused and can concentrate on what’s most important.
Ahhhh, I feel calmer, lighter, and more relaxed just thinking about it.
Do you have clutter you are holding on to that keeps you from living your life to the fullest?
What would you rather have more time, space, or energy for?
“It’s like driving a car at night. You never see further than your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.” – E.L Doctorow
