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Did you know that you can start living, working, traveling, etc., to the beat of your own drum if you declutter your life?
I’m not saying that a pair of tickets to Cozumel will befall your lap if you get rid of your box of clothes and leftover decor from college. That’s a hard, and unfortunate, no.
But those things that so many of us want but seem oh so elusive:
- A clean and happy living space that exudes your personality and doubles as a self-care sanctuary.
- Healthy and mutually beneficial relationships with people who support you and have your best interests in mind.
- More time and freedom to do the things you love, maybe even pursue your passions or purpose.
- A good-to-excellent credit score so you can save up for your dream tiny home. Or get approved for awesome travel cards and start seeing the world.
What if the path to all of that starts with decluttering?
It’s actually possible to sift through the chaos that comes with being in your 20s or 30’s in today’s fast-paced world and start on a journey to that vision of life you’ve always seen for yourself. And getting there is so much easier than you think.
What is decluttering?
Decluttering is the removal of unnecessary items from an untidy or overcrowded place.
It can have a different meaning to different people for different reasons. Generally, though, when we think of decluttering, it’s in reference to organizing the living or home space. Hoarders with boxes, clothes and dust bunnies from 1997, overflowing closets… those are the sorts that come to mind.
It’s totally possible to declutter your life though, be it parts of your life or all of it, and I’m speaking from experience. Think about it: your mind, relationship(s), and/or finances, can be in disarray and in need of some tidying or cleansing at one point or another too.
Why you need to declutter your life
Before we jump into the “how” of decluttering, you should know the impact just doing it can have on your life.
With it being a new year and decade, you’ve probably created some goals or resolutions to start living your best life, It’s impossible to reach any of those goals though if you continue doing what you’re doing now. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be goals or resolutions in the first place.
In order to get from point A to point B, habits and lifestyles have to change. Finances will need to be audited. Clothes will be divided into “stay” or “donate” piles. You catch my drift.
Staying committed to decluttering and living intentionally can have amazing benefits.
- You’ll have more time for the things that matter to YOU. More space to work, more time to think, or just be.
- You’ll be less stressed and feel more relaxed.
- It can be beneficial or helpful to others, especially if you’re decluttering your living space. A lot of unwanted belongings can be donated to those in need. *my favorite reason*
From being a happier person to having the freedom to pursue interests or new endeavors part-time or full-time to spending more time with people you care about. The possibilities are endless.
How to declutter your life
Before you even start decluttering, brainstorm what exactly it is that needs to be fixed or go in your life as well as the end goal or the new reality you want to achieve.
Why? Because decluttering just for the sake of it can dampen any heightened expectations you might have. Everyone’s situation is different and what works for me or others may not be what your situation requires.
To declutter, ask yourself the following questions:
1) What’s the worst that will happen if I get rid of this?
Like I said, decluttering without cause can have some pretty adverse effects. You might feel regret, disappointment, or your situation might feel unchanged because you didn’t get rid of what’s holding you back. Consider some scenarios before you make your decision.
2) Do I need this in my life?
This is basically “needs” versus “wants”. Everyone has basic items, people, essentials, etc., that’s needed in our lives. What truly belongs in your life though? And what can you afford to spare? Can I function without this piece or am I just being sentimental? Think it through.
3) Does this bring me joy?
Where my Kondo fans at? So I actually haven’t finished a season of her show yet, but I love her message and have been using it (albeit unknowingly) for years. It’s so important to evaluate how the things in your life make you feel. You have no idea what can be a surprising trigger and actually belongs in the wayside.
It’s important to evaluate your relationships with all the things in your life and weigh out your options when it comes to decluttering. Some of the things you’re considering getting rid of will have permanent effects so it’s good to be intentional and ensure that it’s what you really want.
9 Areas Of Your Life You Can Declutter
Doing an overhaul to your entire life can seem daunting or overwhelming, but I think that’s because some people put an expiration date or deadline and create added pressure for themselves.
Getting into a decluttering mindset takes work on its own. Something has to have happened, or you want something to change, which is why you’re here. Rather than it being this set thing that needs to happen in a predetermined and totally unnecessary timeframe, consider it an ongoing process. A marathon rather than a sprint or race.
Simplify it even further by categorizing your life into parts or segments rather than this huge cleanup that needs to start on Monday (you know you never do anyway).
Here are some areas in your life that can benefit from some decluttering:
- Self: mindset, personal development, self-care, self-love, confidence.
- Work: career goals, entrepreneurship, small business, online business, professional or leadership development.
- Love: family, pets, spouse or partner, marriage, sexuality.
- Health: physical, mental, emotional, relationships with food, drugs, alcohol, etc.
- Play: hobbies, side hustles or gigs.
- Finances: credit, student loans, personal loans, retirement.
- Spirituality: meditation, religion, affirmations, individual purpose.
- Living Space: apartment, home, room, van or RV, boat.
- Digital: smartphones and tablets, laptops and PCs, tv, social media
You can write these seven areas down in a journal or notebook (I prefer writing by hand but do you) and rate all of them on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 meaning it’s in good shape and 1 meaning it needs work. Answer the following about each of the seven areas:
- What is going well?
- What needs some work?
- How can I improve this area?
You should have a few ideas for each and be able to prioritize the parts of your life that need attention now and those that can hold off a bit.
Declutter Your Life & Make 2020 Your Year
The easiest way to the life you’ve always wanted is the simplest one of course. And what better way to simplify your path to a better you than by taking some time to shed unnecessary habits, ending toxic relationships, and brightening your living space à la decluttering?
Like any new thing in life, decluttering isn’t easy or an overnight fix, but it’s a great start to slowing down and being more present for yourself and, eventually, the people and things around you, so that you can start on a new path to greatness.
“The first thing to crafting the life you want is to get rid of everything you don’t.” – Joshua Becker
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