3 Steps to Overcoming Clutter Stress

I live in a fairly new housing development and the professionally decorated model home is literally across the street from my home. I love to visit it, mainly because it's so beautifully appointed and completely clutter-free—almost the exact opposite of my own home. There are no people living there to mess anything up, and the rooms stay perfectly neat and tidy as the many potential buyers stop by to dream and imagine what it would be like to live in such a gorgeous home. Not to mention the fact that the furniture, walls, and accessories are perfectly coordinated!

Of course, the developers know exactly what they are doing. They are selling a clutter-free dream; a dream that most of us don't actually attain in our own lives (at least those of us without live-in maids!). Most of us live our lives in houses where laundry is a constant, dishes pile up, toys are everywhere, and papers, books, and magazines seem to magically drift from one counter top to another. Look around your house and you might find examples of what I have just described.

Even if one area of your life is neat and tidy, there may be other areas that are clutter nightmares. As long as there is even one area where you are completely disorganized and messy, it will have an impact on your life. The level of stress that clutter perpetuates in your life is simply determined by the amount of clutter that surrounds you on a daily basis. Luckily, there are simple and helpful steps that can be taken, and professionals who can help us take them. One such professional, Mary Ann Pate, stresses the need for one step at a time, one small area at a time, and a pat on the back for each step you accomplish.

When you look at clutter that is your own your stress level automatically elevates. Clutter represents disorganization, and disorganization represents a lot of work; work that you usually don't want to do. Clutter can also bring up feelings of overwhelm, which leads us to the first step in overcoming clutter stress.

Step One
Tackle one thing at a time. Let's say your kitchen is a constant mess. There are multiple people who use it and there is always something to clean. Start with one step. Maybe that step might involve communicating with your housemates about new kitchen rules. Make up a list of rules for each person to follow, communicating clearly (writing it out might be necessary) so that everyone understands exactly what they are responsible for.

If you have a messy desk, choose one thing to do to create less clutter. If you have several different projects on the desk, create one pile of all the projects, or put them all in one container, like a big basket or bin. Go through them when you have a chance. Or put one project away in its proper place (or create a proper place for it). Doing just one thing can make a huge difference and give you a sense of accomplishment.

Step Two
Clean up at least one small space for yourself so that it is completely organized and clutter-free. This might be the bathroom, or maybe just the dining room table. Make it spotless and clean so that each time you look at it you are satisfied. Make a commitment to keep it clean for at least one day. Starting with just one clean space, your clutter stress is cut in half or more, and you are more inspired to keep on creating a more organized environment.

Step Three
Enjoy your clutter-free space. Take a moment from your day or evening and admire your organized, clean space. Turn your attention to it and it alone, and pat yourself on the back for conquering clutter in that area. Focusing on your success will propel you easily and quickly towards less clutter and more organization in all areas of your life.

In conclusion, don't ever think that you are the only one who has a problem with clutter. Many of us suffer needlessly from the oppression of clutter, but all it takes is a tiny bit of effort and focus to create a clutter-free environment. Also, keep in mind that this clutter phenomenon is so big that we now have an entire profession dedicated to organizing clutter! You are not alone.

Kim for Hypno-Freedom

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