Kat Kelly – Let’s talk about all of those little stuck corners. You know the ones; the places where you’ve shoved things that you’ll get to later. Maybe these are piles that you’ve consolidated from other piles, boxes, and bags.
If you are anything like me, these little gems of accumulated random papers, pens, and trinkets hold a story. Sometimes they can even be somewhat of a time capsule.
Someone once told me to only touch things once when I’m going through them. But, unfortunately, that has not panned out so well for me. Oftentimes, I find myself touching the same items over and over again as I move them to the next stop on their “stuff journeys.’
It’s actually kind of ridiculous and I’ve been very hard on myself about it over the years.
But the truth is that while I struggle to get through the clutter of a house full of people and pets: it works for me.
However, the fact that it works does not mean it is without struggle sometimes.
With that in mind, I thought I would share a few things that help me navigate the complex feelings that come from the clutter.
First, I pause to experience the moment for each of the items in the pile, box, bin, or bag. Where was I when I put it there? Why am I saving this? What is this purpose? What feeling does this bring up? And yes, with all due respect to Marie Kondo, “does this item bring me joy?” If I can part with it I will. If I can find it’s permanent home I will. If not, the next stop is the next spot.
Second, I stop mentally beating myself up about it. I realize every influencer who talks about clutter explains why it is so disruptive. But, I also have to accept that this is my process. If I put myself into their timeline, their headspace, and their definition of “how,” I ultimately create an even more toxic mental cycle for myself.
Finally, if I snag a good wave, I ride it. For example, if I hit a window where I’m zooming through putting things away. Or, if I’m more relaxed about letting go, I ride those moments and take advantage of them. The truth is that there will rarely be a time where I’m looking for that document or that branded potholder again, for the most part, if it’s been sitting for a long time, I haven’t missed it. So, when I can set things free or get them to their final homes, I get that done.
So, the moral to the story is, take the steps you can and give yourself grace. As you consolidate those stacks, piles, boxes, and bags, you will begin taking control of the clutter. And you may just learn a few things about yourself in the process.
Be kind to yourself and the reason you are holding onto the things you have. You will know when the time is right.
Kat Kelly is the founder of Vexteo and is drowning in stuff, but realizes life is too short to stress about it.
Photo Source: Alexander Grey, @sharonmccutcheon, via Unsplash.
