THE CONNECTIONS BETWEEN OUR INTERNAL & EXTERNAL CLUTTER

“The first step in crafting the life you want is to get rid of everything you don’t.” ― Joshua Becker

Do you ever look around your home and feel like crap after witnessing the mess? I know when I see clutter and disorganization it brings me anxiety, frustration, and negative feelings. And, i'm not just saying this because I organize homes for a living. Interestingly, Princeton did a study that found that a messy home environment actually increases stress, and decreases your focus, sense of time management, and your performance. 

In my time as a professional organizer I have witnessed the connections between one's internal clutter and their external clutter. Now, what does this all mean? Internal clutter is the clutter in your mind. The stress, the overwhelm, the perfectionism, the self-doubt, fear, and more. External clutter is the physical clutter in your home. And, what do we need to do when there is too much clutter? No, it is not a trick question. Yes, we need to declutter and get organized!
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The mind is the manifestations of though, perception, emotion, determination, memory, and imagination that takes place within the brain. 

Decluttering can be a difficult process. If you are unsure how to determine what to keep or toss, ask yourself the following questions:

• When was the last time I used this?
• Why don't I use it more often?
• Does it have sentimental value?
• Do I love or use it?
• If I keep it, where should it go?
• When I look at this item, does it remind me of a difficult time in my life?
• When I look at this item, does it remind me of a person and does it serve me well to be reminded of them?

Often, our external clutter is a reflection of our internal clutter.
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If you're mind is feeling cluttered, then consider the following mind-decluttering prompts:

1. Journaling
Hand writing your thoughts is an incredibly beneficial de-stressor. Journaling is great for personal and business matters. This can look like sorting your thoughts by mind mapping and brainstorming, jotting down how your day went or your worries. 

2. Write to-do lists
Writing a to-do list is such an effective way to "remove" everything you need to do from errands to home maintenance to your career. I find it helpful to divide my to-do lists into categories versus one big to-do list. 

3. Create a system or routine and be consistent
Create a practical organizational system for your routine and/or business. Once you have a system in place the key to success is consistency. Don't be afraid to break your tasks into small chunks. 

4. Seek mental health/guidance resources OR rest
For anyone who feels really stuck and lost in their life - I highly recommend outsourcing counselors, therapists, art therapists, life coach, and so on. Check out www.camh.ca. Chances are you have a lot on your plate and are overdue to rest. Don't feel guilty for taking time for YOU. It's important to rest so you don't quit. 

5. Decluttering & organizing your space
As mentioned in this blog, decluttering your space can do wonders for reducing stress and overwhelm. It will enhance your space and make you feel more in control. The global pandemic has reminded us that we do not have control over much of our life. The most control we have is of ourselves and our home. 

Ultimately, you will never organize an area of your home and think - that was a waste of time! Starting is the hardest step. Here is your sign to get going! What are you waiting for?! Get started! 

What area of your home do you need to declutter?

Kelsey Marion, owner of Get Sorted

By bridging the gap between the mental, emotional and physical clutter in your life, Kelsey supports you to get clear on what you truly want by providing the proper tools and sustained guidance to ensure you reach your organization goals. Kelsey believes that getting sorted is more than labeling containers and jars - it's where organization meets wellness.
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Connect with Kelsey! @getsortedwithkelsey 
If you live in the Toronto, ON area fill out the Get Sorted In-take Form to book your free consultation call!