8 EASY STEPS TO DECLUTTER YOUR HOME DURING CORONAVIRUS LOCKDOWN

“When home feels out of control, no matter what the reason,
unsettledness and anxiety can seep in,
and then the chaos becomes internal as well as external.”
—Myquillyn Smith

You can either let the coronavirus destroy your emotional self with mind-numbing fear and inaction or- you can use your isolation to create a healing and nurturing space for creativity and peace.

This blog was inspired by so many who feel totally helpless and frozen to inaction.

I have observed that a person’s personal space - in their home or office - reflects what goes on inside their mind, their subconscious and conscious beliefs. And this may be a scary thought!

A hoarder’s space is a disorganized mess, accompanied by a mental state that is discombobulated, anxious and stressful.

And it is spring! Spring is a time to clean, clear, let go, make space, and RENEW your spirit.

Why do we hold on to “stuff” in the first place? The obvious reasons are that we believe it gives us comfort or makes us feel safe. The hidden reasons are often related to our way of defining our “identity” or to alleviate subconscious fears, such as loss, isolation, self-worth, and poverty and even fear of death.

Where to begin? With so much ‘stuff’ filling every area of our lives - from garage to bedroom, from our in-box to desktop- it can be quite a challenge knowing how, or where, to begin clearing.

After years of experimentation, I came up with a system that will greatly enhance your ability to let go with less stress. It also gives you the advantage of visualizing and rehearsing in your mind before physically purging. As Albert Einstein said, “Imagination is a preview of life’s coming attractions.”

Due to the nature of this exercise, you will find it more effective by physically writing. However, the way you execute it is up to you. So, let us get started:

Declutter Step #1: Choose one space at a time. I.e., the garage, a closet, drawers, a storage area, your desk, etc.

Declutter Step #2: Walk around and explore the space. Write down everything and I mean EVERYTHING that you define as clutter.

A good rule of thumb is to notice everything on the floor, everything that’s stacked, everything collecting dust, everything you’ve tucked away and everything you have not worn in a year or so (the average person wears only 10-20% of their clothes).

IF YOU GET STUCK: Imagine your life without the item and be aware of how that makes you feel. Your body will tell you the truth.

Declutter Step #3: Read your list, take a very deep breath and…

Declutter Step #4: Go through the entire list and mark everything as either a V or a P.

V = Vision pile
P = Purge Pile

Vision pile: This pile contains items that you will use or wear within the next year, OR, that truly enhances your life and makes you feel good. It is OK to list items that may be useful or hold strong memories and reflect the kinds of things you want in your life.

Purge pile: This pile contains items that make you feel emotionally heavy, overwhelmed. They no longer make you feel good.

Declutter Step #5: Circle the items listed in your purge pile.

Declutter Step #6: Immediately decide which of these items you are going to trash, sell or give away.

Declutter Step #7: DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!

Declutter Step #8: Move on to your next space and repeat the process.

WARNING: After sorting through the clutter of your purged items, there is often a temptation to revisit these items rather than totally letting them go. Resist it. As most donation centers are currently closed due to the virus, put your purged items in a box and tape it shut. As soon as the centers reopen, take them there WITHOUT opening the box again.

What I desire is, in this extreme state of isolation and agitation is for you to reduce your stress and anxiety, lighten your spirit and make space for new and, give yourself HOPE.

By letting go, you can create more internal and external space and this, in turn, will have a positive influence, rippling across every aspect of your life: mental, physical, spiritual, emotional, and social.

IF NOT NOW, WHEN?

You WILL survive this virus.

STAY SAFE: Connect with others, maintain social distancing, and take care of yourself.

IMAGINE THAT!