Fall Cleaning Starts Now!

Time to do some Fall Cleaning!

Fall just feels like the natural time to clean and declutter. As the trees shed their leaves, we feel a need to shed some things weighing us down too.

Getting organized and decluttering always leave us feeling better too! Why? Never underestimate the power of clutter to drain our energy. When we walk in to a room, our brains see clutter as something that needs to be taken care of and decisions to be made. So, one way to boost our energy and well-being is to shed our clutter.

Maybe you’re ready to start but you’re saying to yourself, “where do I start?". Don’t feel badly. This is one of the most common questions that I hear.

I always recommend starting small. Pick a corner or a drawer. Then set a timer for a specific amount of time so it feels achievable - 10 minutes, 20 minutes, 60 minutes. Set up 3 bags or boxes - garbage, donate/sell and keep. Then, just start moving along. The time will go very fast! I promise. When the timer is done, you're done. Of course, you can always keep going.

Here are a few tips to help overcome some of the biggest barriers to decluttering.

1. You are not everyone else's historian. This is a tough one, especially for sentimental people. You do not need to keep everything for other people. This is especially challenging when people pass away or downsize and items are given to other members of the family. Objects and emotions can be become intertwined.

2. An object is not a memory. Objects that have been given to us or hold special memories can be the toughest to decide what to do with them. Remember, the memory stays with you even if the object does not. And, the person who gave it to you would not want you to keep something that is adding to your stress.

3. Pick the things that mean the most to you to keep. I know it's hard but be realistic about your space and storage.

4. Master organizer Peter Walsh recommends that we always "finish the cycle". For instance, when you take off your coat, finish the cycle and put it in the closet instead of on a chair. Or, when you're done with a plate, put it in the dishwasher instead of the sink. By following this mantra, you’ll keep everyday clutter to a minimum.

Okay, you are ready to start!

Set the timer for 20 minutes and get cleaning! Ready for another challenge, clean out your spices with these tips. Or, join the Fall Cleaning 101 virtual program!