It is really important for our health and well-being to live in a clean and tidy space! When we accumulate too many things they can weigh on our mind, create blocks and stop us from achieving our goals and moving forward. In order to become the best versions of ourselves, we need to create the outer environment that is working with us and is working to support us towards our goals and dreams.
1. DECLUTTER FIRST, CLEAN LATER:
When you clear away everything that you don’t need it is much easier to keep your space clean and tidy. Declutter everything first and then clean and organise later on once you know what you still have. In Marie Kondo’s bestselling book ‘The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up’ she recommends decluttering and sorting out your house all in one go and then making use of existing storage once you know what you are going to keep rather than buying a bunch of storage implements which can sometimes add to the clutter.
2. KEEP SURFACES CLEAR:
Don’t let objects and clutter pile up on surfaces. Work to keep all surfaces clear and to only have the necessary out on display. Some surfaces that spring to mind to be aware of are kitchen bench top, office desk, bathroom vanity, kitchen table – the list goes on! Surfaces are a magnet for clutter.
3. A PLACE FOR EVERYTHING + EVERYTHING IN IT’S PLACE:
Everyone knows this well-worn motto but it literally is the truth! When you create a place for everything to live things are less likely to pile up where they don’t belong. Give everything a ‘home’ and then try and keep them there!
4. ONLY KEEP WHAT YOU USE + LOVE:
Only have things in your living space that you regularly use. Try to avoid storing a bunch of things that you are not using that someone else could be making use of. When we give things away that we are not using it creates the mentality of abundance and helps us to clear space for new things that are more in line with who we are now to come into our lives.
5. DITCH THE PAPER!
In her book, Marie also advises everyone to throw away all of their paper except the absolutely essential. Keep all sentimental items separate from paper clutter and designate special boxes for each person/event. Work to remove all other unnecessary paper. Have a routine where you input dates and information directly into your calendar and if you really need to keep something photograph it or scan it and then set up a folder system on your laptop or use a programme like Evernote to help store information digitally. Put a no circulars sign on your mailbox and sign up to pay all bills online and to have the invoice emailed to you.
6. CLEAN YOUR FRIDGE ONCE PER WEEK:
This honestly makes such a difference it terms of food wastage and how healthy you eat. When your fridge is a mess it really affects your ability to see everything that you have and healthy food can spoil at the back of your fridge. You have a lot more motivation to cook your own meals and eat clean when everything is clean and organised in your fridge and kitchen. So important!
7. PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR CLOSET/BATHROOM:
These are the areas that are just for us! Keep these areas clean, tidy and well organised. Make them a nice special place to spend time in and spend some extra effort making them look pretty. These are the areas where we get ourselves ready to greet the world so we want them to be working for us!
8. ALLOCATE A REGULAR TIME:
Get into a regular habit of decluttering. The best thing is to do a little bit every day. Do it after something that is already in your routine like dinner time/breakfast. Make it fun! Play music and get the kids involved (if you have them!). Make it a regular part of your day and set a timer. Fifteen minutes is a good amount of time to declutter daily.
9. SAGE YOUR SPACE!
After you have finished an intense decluttering session sage the air to clear any stuck/negative energy. Energy can collect around clutter and get trapped. Be careful about piling things up around doors and on floors. Keep these areas clear so that energy can effectively flow freely throughout your space. ♥