My name is Tracy Ross and I am a
Professional Organiser. I set up Blissfully Organised eight years ago to
support my clients to simplify their home management and make better use of the
space that they have.
I am often asked how clutter affects our brains and the
positive benefits of decluttering. I wanted to share with you my thoughts. I
hope that you find it useful.
Where do we learn our
organisation skills?
The way we organise the space in our homes is individual to
each person, but a well organised home will save you time, save you money and
reduce stress levels. Often when I am with a client they will say oh I got that
from my Mum. We may adopt the same organisational traits as our parents or
sometimes we rebel against those and do things differently. For example, if you grow up in a busy home you
might prefer to create a calmer environment in your own home. Alternatively, if
your parents were very organised and didn’t hold onto items (maybe they disposed
of a favourite toy when you were little) you may now feel a stronger
sentimental attachment to the things that you own.
Why do we hold onto
things?
Since I started Blissfully Organised 7 years ago I have
found that there are some key reasons why people hold onto the things that they
have.
1.
I might need it one day
2.
Strong sentimental attachment to items that they
have inherited or been offered as a gift from special family/friends
3.
It was expensive. You may have treated yourself
to an expensive pair of shoes or jacket that you no longer wear but want to
hold onto
4. Books/crafting
materials I will read it or make it one day
Why is it difficult
to let things go?
The more that you are emotionally attached or financially
committed to an item the more you feel that you need to keep it. We attach a value to each new item coming
into our home making it harder for you to give them up.
Does Clutter Really
Affect Your Mind?
Clutter can play a significant role in how we feel about our
homes workplaces and ourselves. Messy
homes or workspaces can leave us feeling anxious and overwhelmed. Each person’s
perception of clutter is unique to them. All my clients have different things
in their home that are important to them and need to be managed. I work with
them to create easy home management systems that will reduce clutter. Your home
should be a place where you can relax away from the chaos of day to day life.
If clutter can build up it will have an impact on your mind.
Physical Clutter
Visible clutter or chaotic storage cupboards in your home or
work environment bombards your mind with excessive messages and creates chaotic
signals. It can affect you in one or more of the following ways:
1.
Clutter distracts us by drawing our attention
away from where our focus should be
2.
Clutter makes it more difficult to relax, both
physically and mentally
3.
Clutter creates visual reminders of everything
that needs to be done
4.
Clutter creates feelings of guilt (I should be
more organised) and embarrassment (I don’t want people to see the chaos in my
home)
5.
Clutter frustrates us by preventing us from
locating what we need quickly e.g. paperwork, car keys etc.
6.
Managing clutter takes more time (i.e. looking
for misplaced items or preparing for guests to arrive) and costs more (the cost
of replacing items and purchasing duplicate can add up, incurring late fees or
not getting the best rate on your utilities or investments)
Digital Clutter
Clutter isn’t just physical clutter. Digital clutter has the
same impact on your mind as physical clutter i.e. managing the files on your
computer, managing your digital photos on various gadgets, responding to and
managing emails, social media alerts, App updates etc. Anything that beeps for
your attention will impact your ability to focus and perform tasks.
How can reduce the
Clutter in My Home?
1.
Start with one area at a time and finish
decluttering that area before moving onto the nest space. This will give you a
sense of achievement. I am always there to support you if you need
non-judgemental support with any specific area
2.
Create designated spaces for frequently used
items and supplies. So that you can quickly and easily find what you need when
you need it.
3.
If you don’t use it, don’t want it or don’t need
it get rid of it. You can recycle or donate items that are still usable.
4.
The items that you use less frequently should be
stored in less accessible places i.e. loft, garage, utility room. When you put
things in the garage/loft add a date and keep an electronic list. If you have
not accessed, it within a year you probably don’t need it.
5.
When you take something out of its designated
storage space put it back when you have finished using it. It takes practice to
begin with but if you have a designated space for everything that you need it
is much easier.
6.
Be aware of what you and other people bring into
your home. Don’t let papers pile up. Think about the journey of all papers entering
your home/workspace. You need to create an arrival space for all incoming
papers. I usually recommend a shallow in-tray. Then spend 15 minutes each day
sorting through what needs to be actioned, items to recycle and those can that
be filed away. Get into the habit of immediately recycling papers that you
don’t need right now. If you want to find out the information you can do this
very easily. i.e. flyers, menus newspapers
etc
7.
Mental clutter -focus on one project at a time
without distractions of mobile social media etc
I offer a confidential and non-judgemental service to
support my clients to declutter and organise their homes. I provide the
emotional support, practical help and motivation to help you achieve your
goals, step-by-step. To find out how I can help you tame the chaos and set up
easy to manage systems to maintain a clutter free environment please contact me
at
tracy@blissfullyorganised.co.uk.
Tracy Ross
Professional Organiser
Blissfully Organised
www.blissfullyorganised.co.uk