Why I declutter

The answer to this is ever-evolving. As I reflect back, I can see that in my 20s/30s I really struggled with being organised. I remember having about 10 bank cards lying around because I kept losing them. I would go through all the hassle of getting a new bank card and then find the old one. I think that our brains work very differently and I discovered that when I had my environment in order, I could complete tasks better.

There was something about reducing the ‘things’ around me that really worked. Having systems for getting things done and designating time to clean and get organised. This seemed to really reduce my stress levels. I get easily distracted and lists are my thing. They are not everyone’s thing, but the list helps me as I can always swing back if I have wandered off task.

I think the main reason this work is interesting is because I can really relate to the chaos. Having had the experience of getting myself out of it, I feel like I’ve learned a few things along the way. I find it helps to have a fresh pair of eyes on the situation - especially if you’ve been through it yourself.

Living a more minimalist life has simplified things down for me. Getting things down to the basics has really helped me make space to consider how I want to live my life and what my values are. What are the energy-takers and what could I spend that time doing instead? When there is so much chaos and noise I tend to go round in circles. It has been a relief to get rid of a lot of that chaos and live more intentionally.

I’m not saying I have it all figured out, I really struggle day to day with tasks. However, it is that incremental, bit-by-bit approach that works. I know now that the basics are non-negotiable. I must keep my home clear, I must be organised about what comes in and what goes out, budget, keep paperwork organised etc. Otherwise things can unravel and that can cause a lot of difficult feelings.

These days I also have found a way of letting go of perfectionism. Realising the visual images I have in my head are not always realistic. I helped someone recently with a bit of sanding on their boat, I was getting all stressed about doing it perfectly, he said ‘it’s good enough’ and that is the level it took to get the boat ready and into the water. I really like ‘good enough’.