Reduced Clutter Results in Reduced Stress
Moving can seem like quite a pain however, we can also view it as an opportunity for clearing clutter. Every year thousands of people in the United States end up hospitalized with a stress-induced illness. Being disorganized and having a cluttered space can be extremely stressful. Imagine being in a pristine spa, with soft lighting and tranquil sounds of water flowing. There nothing is out of place, and everything is designed to be neat, clean, and minimalistic. Now imagine being yanked out of that environment and thrown into a noisy, messy daycare center, where toys, books, and bags are strewn everywhere. From these simple examples, we can see how clutter and a mess in the home can greatly add to a person’s stress levels. When it is time to move to a new home, we can use this opportunity to discard unnecessary clutter. Also, extreme circumstances like moving can provide extra motivation which an added benefit. After the move, it is equally important to set up a storage and organizational system for all items to have their own designated place in your new home. Often times people leave things lying about simply because they are not quite sure where to put them. Understandable the mess can easily build up over time becoming unbearable. By creating a system from the very beginning, we can encourage ourselves and family members to help stay organized and live an uncluttered home.
Simple Ways to Get Rid of Clutter
When it comes to dealing with clutter, we might be hesitant at first. We never know when we might actually want to wear that dress in the back of the closet, or if we might end up needing that stack of old magazines at some point. The fact is that these types of items are clutter. A couple of important questions should be asked: When we have last used an item and when we foresee ourselves using it in future? If we are unsure about the answers, it is likely best to get rid of the item. Similarly, don’t hold on to broken items or duplicate items that are simply kept “just in case.” Some easy ways to get rid of clutter are by recycling, donating, selling, or throwing away. Keep in mind that with technology it is tempting to think that you are going to sell something on eBay or Craigslist, but if you are not actually going to follow through donating is an excellent alternative.
How to Pack for a Move
Make sure when packing to follow a few simple guidelines, start early, label everything, use lists, get help and of course downsize. Working through one room at a time is a great way to stay organized through packing and a good way not to feel overwhelmed. Be sure that items do not get mixed up with those from different rooms or category. It can be incredibly frustrating to try locating a box of coffee mugs only to find that they were thrown in among some clothes. After packing each box, label and number them clearly on multiple sides. Keep a master list with an inventory of the contents of each box. This will make it much easier to find items later. To make the first day at the new home easier, pack a special box of supplies that family members will need. This could include some clothes, towels, bed linens, toiletries, snacks or basic cooking tools, and important papers.
Organizational Ideas
To keep a home well-organized, it is important to have a system that works. Beyond this, it is also crucial to ensure that the family members understand and adhere to the system. Although this might sound quite severe, it is actually quite simple and eventually becomes second nature. For example, many people use drawers as a place to stash huge amounts of items, whether in the kitchen, bathroom, or home office. Instead, use containers to hold similar items together.
If you need storage for your clutter, contact us.
Suggested Reading
- The Well-Ordered Home by Kathleen Kendall-Tackett
- SIMPLIFIED: Home Organization and Decluttering Tips by Timothy Jane
- Quick Guide to Home Organization by Sandra D. Burton
- Home Organization for Stress-Free Living by Little Pearl and Karen Pettine
- Just Clean Enough by I.B. Caruso and Jenny Schroedel
- Toss, Keep, Sell! By Ingram Leah
- Clutter Busting by Brooks Palmer
- Clutter Rehab by Laura Wittmann
- Packing and Moving Tips That Could Save You a Fortune by John Marc
- Moving – The Stress-Free Way by Frank Lancaster