We all have a personal threshold when it comes to our tolerance for clutter. Some feel anxious, stressed and overwhelmed by the smallest amount of clutter, while others don't seem bothered by it, even when its piled up high on every flat surface.
The thing with clutter is that the longer we live with it, the more normal it appears, and the less we seem to notice it as clutter. That doesn't mean it's not causing us stress!
Clutter (even the stuff we don't consciously notice) causes an increase in our cortisol levels which leave us feeling stressed and anxious.
If any of these sound familiar, then it's time to start decluttering...
1. Constantly organising your stuff
You seem to be constantly organising your stuff, but your home never seems tidy. Even when you do manage to get it looking reasonably tidy and organised, it doesn't stay that way for long. Finding new ways to organise your stuff is not the solution.
2. Avoiding inviting people into your home
Do you avoid inviting friends and family over at all costs, knowing that it would takes hours to get your home visitor ready? Are you putting off organising a trade or service you are dying to get in, such as a cleaner or painter, because you're embarrassed about your home?
3. Constantly looking for items you can't find
Is everyone in your house constantly looking for items, do you often misplace school books, keys, glasses and other regularly used items? When you have too much stuff it's hard to make sure everything has a home, it all just starts piling up and we manage to lose the items we use every day
4. Feeling like you want to avoid home, rather than relax in
Home should be the place we retreat to, where we can relax and recharge our batteries. If you feel like you're avoiding home and trying to escape it, it's probably time to tackle some clutter.
5. Avoiding or being unable to use certain areas/ rooms
Do you have a spare room filled with junk that you can't even open the door to? Do you eat in front the of t.v because the dining room table has too much stuff on it? Can you only use one small section of counter in the kitchen to prepare food, because every other flat surface has piles of stuff stacked high? If you have areas or rooms in your home that you can not use, it's time to get rid of some of the stuff.
If you are nodding yes to more than one of the above signs, screaming yes, then it's time to simplify. I know it can be overwhelming to take that first step, so if you need some help creating a plan and getting started, come join us inside The Clutter Clearing Club, for all the support, advise, motivation and resources you need to get the job done, no matter how busy you are!
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