Why Decluttering is Essential for Change
Decluttering isn't just about getting rid of old clothes or clearing out your inbox - these are great starts. Decluttering is about simplifying your life to focus on what truly matters. When we eliminate distractions, we gain clarity, reduce stress, and improve our ability to make decisions. Think of it as pressing a reset button for your mind and surroundings.
Step 1: Declutter Your Physical Space
A cluttered home or workspace can lead to mental clutter. Start small and be intentional:
✔ The 5-Minute Rule: Dedicate just five minutes each day to decluttering one area. Put on some jam and a timer. Celebrate when you’ve completed the 5 minutes! Over time, small efforts add up to big results.
✔ The One-Year Test: If you haven’t used an item in the past year, ask yourself if you really need it and/or will use it in the next year. If not, give it away.
✔ Deal with Paperwork: Determine what you need to save and what you can purge. You can this in 5 min chunks or set aside a time. I just cleared out my office, my parent’s estate, and personal paperwork for recycling! Trust me the freeing energy and crossing off the old to do is amazing!
✔ Create a System: Determine a system for how you deal with your things. Are you in accumulation mode or decluttering mode? When you purchase an item determine its lifetime of usefulness. Regularly do a declutter. At least yearly if not quarterly. Donate, recycle, or sell items you no longer use. Keep what adds value to your life and let go of the rest.
Step 2: Declutter Your Mind
Mental clutter—such as overthinking, excessive worry, or negative self-talk can be just as overwhelming and paralyzing as physical clutter. Here’s some tips to free your mind:
🧘 Practice Mindfulness: Spend a few minutes each day meditating or simply focusing on your breath. See here for other mindfulness ideas: https://www.boldfulfilledlifecoach.com/blog/healing-body-mind-soul-resiliency-tips
📖 Journal/Contemplate Regularly: Writing down your thoughts can help you process emotions and clear mental space. If you’re not a journaling type - spend time mindfully contemplating and processing your emotions.
Step 3: Declutter Your Commitments
Are you saying "yes" to things that drain your energy? Learn to say “no” more often. Remember what you say “yes” to means that something else is getting a “no.” Assess your commitments and prioritize what aligns with your values and goals.
💡 Set Boundaries: It’s okay to say no to obligations that don’t serve you or drain your energy. Determine what you want to say no to more and yes to less. Here are some boundaries tips: https://www.boldfulfilledlifecoach.com/blog/healthy-boundaries-what-why-how-to-set
🎯 Focus on What Matters: Identify top priorities and eliminate distractions that pull you away from them. Ask yourself, “What’s most important right now?”
⏳ Create a Balanced Schedule: When scheduling life and work, be sure to include down time. Make time for self-care, rest, and activities that bring you joy. Schedule these in just like other commitments.
Step 4: Declutter Your Digital Life
📵 Limit Information Overload: Be mindful of what and how you ingest digital media. How does it make you feel?
⏳ Set time limits: for social media and the news
📵 Unfollow accounts that don’t inspire you, delete apps that you no longer use
🌱 Delete & Unsubscribe: Unread or unwanted emails accumulating in our inboxes. It can feel so great to delete, unsubscribe or block them! Bill & I have been on a declutter our inbox roll this year and it’s saving time and less irritation when looking at our emails.
Step 5: Declutter Your Relationships
Not every relationship in your life is meant to last forever. As we grow and evolve our life and friendships change with us. Evaluate the people you surround yourself with and ask:
💙 Do they uplift and support me?
😞 Do they drain my energy or bring negativity?
🌱 Do we share mutual respect and growth?
It's okay to step back from toxic relationships or invest more energy in those that bring positivity and encouragement.
Moving Forward: Embrace Simplicity and Growth
Decluttering is a continuous process, not a one-time event. As you remove the unnecessary, you'll start to see a shift in your energy, motivation, and outlook on life. Embrace simplicity, be intentional with what you allow into your space, and make room for what truly matters. This is when change can begin to appear now that your life is less cluttered and you’re more aligned with your goals and life priorities.
Are you ready to start your decluttering journey? Begin today, one small step at a time, and watch as your life transforms.
Which area will you choose to declutter first?
If you or someone you know would like support in decluttering, reaching your goals, career development, professional development, or have been knocked down by life reach out and contact me. I provide a safe, non-judgmental place for clients to live boldly and succeed.
I have space for two clients in May. Let’s have a conversation to see how I can be of support.
Marvelous March Client Wins: “Thank you for the support during my career challenges. Your coaching has helped me to move forward.”, “You’re non-judgmental coaching space allowed me to gain clarity for what’s next for me.” “Thank you for providing perspective on my professional challenges.” Follow me on social media for insightful questions, tips, and motivational quotes.
Peace, and blessings,
Teresa – Intentionally decluttering both physically & mentally.
Teresa Q. Bitner, M.Ed., PMP, PCC - Resiliency, Change and Loss Coach
Partnering with those who have been knocked down by life and want to build resiliency and move forward and live a bold life.
[email protected]
www.boldfulfilledlifecoach.com
Author of:
· Soul Love: How A Dog Taught Me to Breathe Again
· The First Days: Coping with Life after Loss (updated 2nd edition)
· Explorations into the Being and Doing of Coaching: A collection of voices, insights, and wisdom from Austin area coaches
· My Journey as a Widow: A Widow’s First Journal