Decluttering is the act of clearing your space through the elimination of unnecessary items....
THINK PAD
Decluttering is the act of clearing your space through the elimination of unnecessary items. As a minimalist, decluttering comes naturally to me and is an activity I enjoy very much. The exercise, even if it entails reducing one seemingly inconsequential object, brings me an immediate sense of joy and relief. So why does decluttering feel so amazing? Put simply, decluttering is a process that provides mental, physical and emotional relief.
First and foremost, when you remove unwanted items from an area that belongs to you, you are in effect creating space. Space brings with it the mental advantages of focus and clarity. The human mind works more efficiently without distractions, and therefore it is easier to concentrate on a task when you are not surrounded by visual stimuli creating a cognitive load on your brain. Decluttering simplifies your life, making it easier. Only keeping what is important means less time spent taking care of things. Too many possessions keep you occupied; cleaning, storing, and organising take up precious time and energy. Moreover, buying containers, shelves and bins to hold the items costs money.
Decluttering also uncomplicates the decision-making process. A wardrobe that has been reduced to clothes that fit well, look good and are most suitable for your lifestyle, will be easier to choose from, over one over-flowing with clothing that is not working for you, yet occupying valuable space. Decluttering can prove to be excellent for your emotional health when you let go of something that has been hindering you from moving on; cards and letters from someone who may have hurt you or is no longer a part of your life, for example. Disposing of sentimental tokens which incur painful memories will aid you in releasing them. Additionally, the physical act of discarding such items will signal to your brain that you are now ready to begin on a clean slate.
Decluttering certainly does not mean throwing away perfectly usable things. If you no longer need or want a certain item that is in excellent working condition, it may be donated to someone who will appreciate it more. If given to someone of fewer means, and depending on the value and condition of the item, this will be counted as an act of charity which will make you feel good. Donors experience reduced stress, higher self-esteem and feelings of positivity. An area containing only the most functional of items gives the impression of order, tidiness and peace, while one cluttered with a sea of objects may prove to be disorderly, uncomfortable and suffocating. A decluttered area is faster and easier to clean and harder to lose something in. When there are fewer items and everything is in its designated place, items tend not to get lost and, if they do, are promptly recovered.
Last but certainly not the least, consistent decluttering reduces some of the stress and exhaustion of moving; when you have only retained what is beautiful, important and useful to you, then you will have fewer things to pack when it is time to relocate. Imagine if you kept only what is essential, then you would have the time to do the things you truly enjoy. You would have time for yourself and your loved ones; to share good experiences and make beautiful memories. It is said that happiness comes from experiences, not things. People who buy things to increase happiness experience momentary pleasure but are returned to a feeling of emptiness shortly after. Traveling, adventure and socialising, on the other hand, make for a life-time of good memories to cherish.
So, take a look around your space: what items are just there; not useful, not lovely, but taking up space and distracting you from what is really important? Begin to remove them and feel your life become so much more beautiful, light and peaceful.
