And what is clutter anyway?
"Clutter is caused by the failure to return things to where they belong." - Marie Kondo
Does this space look familiar? It is a very common occurrence and annoyance in many homes. You are not lazy and you should not feel embarrassed. Hopefully this blog will give you some guidance and inspiration to tackle your clutter.
Clutter can be defined as a collection of things lying about in an untidy state. There are a few different causes of clutter such as too much stuff, your belongings not having a proper home and not everyone in your house knowing where to put things back.
Let's break it down.
Cause #1 - Too much stuff
The number one cause of clutter is simply due to too much 'stuff'. To tackle this problem you need to ask yourself honestly if you really need it all and choose what you want to keep. The best way to do this is to hold each item and ask yourself if it sparks joy.
Not all items give you a little thrill when you hold them. Many items bring you joy through their use. Does it work well? Do you like using it? If you answer no to these questions then it is time to let it go with gratitude.
"Have gratitude for the things you're discarding. By giving gratitude, you're giving closure to the relationship with that object, and by doing so, it becomes a lot easier to let go. " - Marie Kondo
Cause #2 - No designated home for your items.
Without a designated home, objects will continue to be left lying around. Have you ever noticed that clutter breeds like a rabbit? You start with a clear kitchen bench, then someone doesn't know where to put something and it gets dumped there. Soon a second item finds its way onto your bench then another and another. Your once clear bench is now cluttered again. For this reason I recommend keeping as few items as possible on your kitchen bench.
If all of your joy checked items are given a home that is simple and easily accessible, then you are more likely to put them back and avoid cluttered benches.
"The existence of an item without a home multiplies the chances that your space will become cluttered again." - Marie Kondo
Cause #3 - Does everyone know where to put stuff back?
This was a big problem in my house and to be honest we still have issues here. The problem with one person tidying up communal items such as kitchen utensils is that the next person who comes along doesn't know where everything is or where to put them back. It is usually best for the person who does most of the cooking to do the decluttering and joy checking, but I recommend items such as these are organised as a household. The space needs to work for everyone and everyone needs to know where things belong.
Cause #4 - The storage method is too complicated.
Storage should be simple with each item having space to shine. If your storage "solution" is too complicated and not easily accessible, then you are less likely to continue putting things away in a timely manner. By keeping things simple, such as draw dividers, you are more likely to put things back and it is easier to find the item in the first place. Win, win.
You can do it!
Remember the principles of KonMari. One: Imagine your ideal lifestyle. This sets a goal and helps with motivation. Two: Joy check your items by category not by room. Starting with clothes, then books, paper, miscellaneous and leave sentimental items until last. Three: Organise your belongs in a simple way that is accessible and known to everyone in the house. Four: Put things away as soon as possible.
If you would like some guidance or a helping hand, don't be embarrassed about reaching out. I provide confidential, patient and judgement free coaching.
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