“When I purge, I get an endorphin rush. I feel a huge weight is lifted from me. As I remove stuff I no longer have to worry about maintaining it, finding a place to keep it or think about updating it. For every new thing I bring into my home I shed another. It’s liberating.” Chris Wray.
Regular readers to my blog will know that decluttering, and reducing the amount of stuff I own is a key aspect of my life. As a recovering sentimental hoarder (with still a long way to go) discarding and not acquiring is key.
My journey toward a family life simply done started in February 2009… 6 years ago really?
Find out how it all started here.
I was looking for a little Monday motivation this morning, and it came. While time-wasting on Facebook – sorry I mean doing some research! I stumbled across a link to Chris Wray’s article.
Monday’s are typically the day that it’s all about home organisation and decluttering. Both at the blog and in my IRL (in-real-life) home. The last few weeks it’s fallen by the wayside, as I haven’t been very mobile. But reading Chris’ article, and then popping across to his blog, has kickstarted my urge to purge once more.
To remind me, and you, of a few of the techniques I’ve used over the last few years to tackle the clutter they’re listed below:
Looking for a quick fix – just 20 minutes is all it takes. I frequently play “Declutter 20 things in 20 minutes”.
More gradual approaches, but a good daily habit, is to fill a bag a day to keep the clutter at bay.
Or just take it a drawer at a time.
And don’t forget, it’s all about committing to discarding. There’s nothing worse than declutterers indecision!
I’m still looking for motivation! Do you have a decluttering tip to share?
Click here to read Chris’ article over at The Telegraph
Click here to head over to Chris’ blog
And I could not sign off today without quoting Oliver Sacks’
“I feel a sudden clear focus and perspective. There is no time for anything inessential. I must focus on myself, my work and my friends.”
Read the full essay here. Looking for focus and motivation this Monday? This may just do it.
Urge to purge? YES!!!
No clients til 12:00, the weather is crisp, the sun is out, all my windows are wide open, I am cleaning the house and already got a good few books and kitchen items to donate. 🙂
Way to go! I’m still struggling a little bit with my hip so it doesn’t look as though my efforts will be as energetic as yours!
You seem to be getting your enthusiasm and energy back though; that’s half the battle!
Urge to purge? YES!!!
No clients til 12:00, the weather is crisp, the sun is out, all my windows are wide open, I am cleaning the house and already got a good few books and kitchen items to donate. 🙂
Way to go! I’m still struggling a little bit with my hip so it doesn’t look as though my efforts will be as energetic as yours!
You seem to be getting your enthusiasm and energy back though; that’s half the battle!
There’s nothing more ulifting than getting rid of junk! I just have to curb my tendancy to replace it with new stuff 🙂
There’s nothing more ulifting than getting rid of junk! I just have to curb my tendancy to replace it with new stuff 🙂
My wife and I are moving from 2200 sq. ft. to 1000. We’ll be purging, all right. The thought is liberating. Peace and best, John
Good luck with the move!
My wife and I are moving from 2200 sq. ft. to 1000. We’ll be purging, all right. The thought is liberating. Peace and best, John
Good luck with the move!
The tip that’s helping me the most right now is if you have been picking away at getting rid of stuff but now you still have a pile of things – eg., books, knick-knacks, clothing – and you don’t know how to let go of any more of them, then look at it from the opposite perspective – instead of saying “what can I let go?” say “which things are at the top of the list to KEEP?” which things make your day better? which things make you feel good? Then keep those, and let the rest go.
Also, I keep trying to remember that the clutter didn’t happen overnight, and the decluttering won’t, either.
Love the reverse psychology!
The tip that’s helping me the most right now is if you have been picking away at getting rid of stuff but now you still have a pile of things – eg., books, knick-knacks, clothing – and you don’t know how to let go of any more of them, then look at it from the opposite perspective – instead of saying “what can I let go?” say “which things are at the top of the list to KEEP?” which things make your day better? which things make you feel good? Then keep those, and let the rest go.
Also, I keep trying to remember that the clutter didn’t happen overnight, and the decluttering won’t, either.
Love the reverse psychology!
Thank you so much for the mention and your kind words. Its extremely gratifying to be the source of motivation and the route to minimalism for others. – Chris
Thank you so much for the mention and your kind words. Its extremely gratifying to be the source of motivation and the route to minimalism for others. – Chris
Love that Chris Wray quote! Keep up the good work!
-Lauren 🙂
http://www.SeeChangeOrganizing.com
Thanks Lauren
Love that Chris Wray quote! Keep up the good work!
-Lauren 🙂
http://www.SeeChangeOrganizing.com
Thanks Lauren