Declutter Your Home–Part 2

February 27th, 2008, by Shelley Riutta

It has been a week since the start of my decluttering project titled “Massive Action for 2008″ (it makes me laugh every time I write it–reminds me of a title of an Anthony Robbins program:).  This is my project to declutter my home to clear the way for easy manifestation of my 2008 goals and intentions.  I had Shawna and her crew come clean my home last Weds. and Tammy Southards, a professional organizer come on Friday—-and on Saturday I had a consultation with Dawn Spangenberg an interior designer and feng shui practitioner!

On this past Monday my home felt like a totally different space.  I felt clear, focused and very excited.  It was much easier to stay focused on my intentions and where I wanted to channel my energy, instead of  than getting distracted by external clutter.  I still have some decluttering to do and have another session scheduled with Tammy Southards to do this.  There were some suggestions Dawn Spangenberg made to move furniture in different rooms and add a few mirrors throughout the house. 

 For those of you who aren’t familiar with Feng Shui is a chinese practice of enhancing the energy flow in your home or office.  The idea is that we are influenced by the energy flow around us and if the energy is flowing freely and clearly, we will be supported in a positive way—and in contrast if the energy flow is stagnant from clutter or improper placement of furniture and other objects, we will be be affected by this stuck energy.  So freeing up the energy in your home and office will have a positive effect on your own energy–helping you to feel more energized as well as supporting the intentions you have for your life.  If your not clear about your intentions for your life, decluttering is a fabulous way to get clear—the more you clear away the old, stagnant energy you can get in touch with your true, authentic desires.

One of the main things I am doing now is maintaining my clutter free state.  This can be a challenge for people.  When Tammy and I were talking on Friday she mentioned people that she helps declutter their homes—and she comes back a few months later and it is back to being cluttered again.  This is due to many reasons.  One is there can be unresolved issues that make having clutter around a buffer or comfort to painful feelings that they haven’t faced.  In order for the clutter issue to be addressed the underlying emotional issues need to be addressed for permanent change to be achieved. They other reason can be just a comfort and familiar feeling in having things in disarray–it is just what they are used to.  In this case it is acclimating to the feeling of being in a decluttered state–and getting used to the feeling.  The other reason can be entrenched habits that keep the clutter coming back.  The person needs to learn new habits of maintaining a clutter free environment.

  Here are some tips that I am using to keep my area decluttered:

1. Make sure your objects have a home and then keep them in their home.

2. At the end of the day empty your pockets, purse and bags of items and papers from the day.  Put these things in their designated place and imagine that you are doing closure on your day.  You are completing things that you have been involved in during that day–closing the energy on these meetings, on work, on interactions you had with people—rather than keeping the energy open.  You want to be complete with your day so you can rest peacefully and start the next day fresh.

3.  Work on one project at a time.  When you complete your time working on a project, put it away. 

4. Have a Focus.  Have a plan for how you will be spending your time rather than just letting yourself unconsciously surf the internet, start a project, talk on the phone with someone who calls.  Consciously direct your energy throughout the day in a way you want to direct it. Ask yourself does this activity support my intentions—is this really how I want to spend my time right now?

5. Plan time during the day to declutter. Make sure you have a routine for managing clutter.  Examples could be: 1. Returning all emails from that day by the end of the day so they don’t start to become clutter 2. Handle your mail right away—throwing away junk mail right when you get it–filing mail that needs to be file–putting bills in a designated place. A favorite thing I like to do with magazines, or store catalogs or anything else I am unsure about keeping is I file it in the recycle bag.  If I don’t look at it before the recycling comes than it must not have been important and then goes out to be recycled! 3. At the end of the day put things that you have out back in their home.

What are your favorite ways to manage clutter?  I would love to hear from you!

Hi, I'm Shelley Riutta MSE, LPC a Holistic Psychotherapist in private practice. I specialize in helping people connect with their Authentic selves--and from this create a life that is in alignment with their Life Purpose and filled with Joy. I offer transformational individual counseling, presentations, groups and Workshops. You can get my Free Workbook "What Do You REALLY Want: Finding Purpose and Passion in Your Life" here or contact me at 920-265-2627.

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